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 Pages Tagged With: "outdoors and recreation"

Swimming Advisory Caution

The DNREC Recreational Water Program monitors bacterial water quality at established sampling sites throughout the state from May through September. If bacterial sampling results exceed state standards, DNREC issues swimming advisories for Atlantic Ocean beaches, as well as for Delaware Bay beaches south of and including Lewes Beach and for Lake Como in Smyrna.


Division of Fish and Wildlife

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on approximately 68,000 acres of public land. The division oversees wildlife resource conservation and control of mosquito populations and offers hunter, boating and aquatic education programs. It provides licenses


Division of Parks and Recreation

The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 20,000 acres in 17 state parks, manages state nature preserves, and monitors conservation easements protecting more than 4,000 acres of land. The division preserves cultural and historic resources, from a Civil War-era fort to elegant estates. And it provides a wide variety of recreational and


Public Comment Opportunity: Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control invites public comment on a proposed Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan for Delaware. The department will take comments on the proposed plan through Nov. 15, 2023.
Public Comment Draft: Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan



To Accessibility and Beyond

Part of our mission is providing quality outdoor recreation for all Delawareans. Learn about our commitment to accessibility and recent improvements.


Parks and Recreation Council

The Parks and Recreation Council advises the director of the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation on matters related to the planning, acquisition, development, management, conservation and programming of lands and services under the jurisdiction of the division. The council is established in State Law at 29 Del. C. § 8009.


Updating Delaware’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan

The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation is preparing to update Delaware’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. The plan, known as the SCORP, tracks the state’s recreation inventory, identifies needs for infrastructure and programs and guides public and private planning and investment to meet those needs. Public outdoor


Artificial Reef Guide Requests

DNREC publishes the Delaware Reef Guide to provide information about the state’s artificial reef sites. The Guide is available for download in PDF format. A limited number of printed copies are available as well. Use the request form below to request a copy by mail. Please include your


Top Spots for Your Valentine’s Engagement

It’s estimated that more than 6 million couples will get engaged on Valentine’s Day. The prep work is a big deal – picking the ring, choosing the words, and finding the perfect spot. We can help with some great location ideas.


Delaware Whitetail Deer Records

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife maintains records of the top hunter-taken whitetail deer in Delaware, using the Boone and Crockett scoring system. The records include whitetails taken in any year.
State Deer Rankings All-Time Typical Whitetail Deer Non-Typical


Sharks in Delaware Waters

If you’re swimming in Delaware waters, particularly in the ocean, you’re probably swimming near sharks. But they actually have more to fear from us than the other way around.


Deer Stands or Ground Blinds on State Wildlife Areas

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife requires hunters to register temporary deer stands or ground blinds they place on state wildlife areas.

Contact Us

DNREC Wildlife Section 302-739-9912
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At One With Nature: Delaware’s Nature Preserves

Looking for special summer getaways off the beaten path in Delaware? We highlighted three beautiful state Nature Preserves – one in each county.


Blue-Green Algae in Delaware

Blue-green algae blooms occur each year on Delaware ponds, lakes and some tidal freshwater areas. Because they can have harmful effects on people and animals, the state has posted warning signs at water bodies which historically have had blooms.

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Delaware Hunters Against Hunger

Delaware’s deer hunters share part of their harvest each year with Delawareans in need. They provide thousands of pounds of venison through the Delaware Hunters Against Hunger program. Delivering boxes of venison to a food distribution hub. All donated deer are processed into ground venison, free of charge. The


Youth Fishing Tournament Registration

The Delaware Youth Fishing Tournament is free and open to all anglers aged 4 to 15, but registration is required. Registration for this event is now closed. The 2022 Tournament will be held on Saturday, June 4. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. Awards will be presented at 1:30 p.m.


Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day

Two separate, one-day, special youth waterfowl hunting days are open on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, and Saturday Feb. 3, 2024, for hunters ages 10 through 15. Normal daily waterfowl bag limits and hunting regulations apply, including a limit of 25 snow geese, 2 Canada geese, and 1 brant.


Operation Game Theft Report Form

Use this form to report wildlife crime through DNREC’s Operation Game Theft. Information supplied in this form is strictly confidential and will not be released to the public. Use this form to report a crime that is not in progress. If you need to report a wildlife crime in progress,


Hunters: What You Need to Know

Hunting season gets underway in Delaware on September 1. Get all the information you need to go afield.


Migratory Bird Hunting

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife provides opportunities for migratory bird hunting on state wildlife areas. The following is a summary of those opportunities and the procedures and rules that apply. (Updated Aug. 21, 2023)
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How to Stay Safe on the Water

Delaware’s waterways are packed with boat traffic this summer. Here are some tips and requirements you need to know to stay safe and enjoy your nautical adventures in the First State.


Report Atlantic Sturgeon

You can help DNREC research and manage the local population of Atlantic sturgeon, a rare and endangered fish. Simply use our reporting form to let us know of any interactions you have with this fish.
Submit a Report


Snow Goose Conservation Order

The Snow Goose Conservation Order is a separate season only for snow geese that occurs when Delaware’s regular waterfowl hunting seasons are closed. Liberal harvest methods are allowed during the Conservation Order to help reduce the large snow goose population that is damaging its Arctic nesting grounds, as well as wetlands and agricultural lands on


Annual Turkey Harvest Data

The table below shows the numbers of wild turkeys harvested each year during annual Delaware wild turkey hunting seasons, from 1991 to the present.
Year Adult Juvenile Unk. Total 1991


Wild Turkey Surveys

Since 2010, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife has used an annual, volunteer-based survey to record observations of wild turkeys across the state during the months of July and August. The survey generates an index of annual turkey productivity and recruitment (the ratio of young birds per adult females).


Turkey Hunting Check Stations

All turkeys harvested during Delaware’s wild turkey hunting season must be checked at an authorized turkey check station by 2:30 p.m. on the day the bird is harvested. The list of check stations is subject to change without notice. Please check back before the season begins for any changes. Check station hours may vary.


Wild Turkey Hunting

The 2024 spring wild turkey hunting season will run from April 13 through May 11, 2024. A special one-day hunt for youth and non-ambulatory hunters is set for April 6, 2024.
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Turkey Harvest Distribution — Public Lands

The table below shows the distribution of wild turkeys harvested among public lands hunting areas for the 2014 through 2023 wild turkey hunting seasons. State Wildlife Areas are administered by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. State Forest lands are administered by the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service. [column


Wild Turkeys in Delaware

The wild turkey population in Delaware is one of the greatest conservation success stories in the region. The Division of Fish and Wildlife has reintroduced wild turkeys, once lost to Delaware. It now manages an ongoing conservation program and annual turkey hunting season.
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Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails Program

The DNREC Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails Program (ORPT), formerly known as the Delaware Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund (DTF), is a matching grant program assisting with public park land acquisition and outdoor recreation facility development in Delaware.



White Clay Creek State Park Master Plan

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has adopted the White Clay Creek Master Plan. The plan presents a vision and framework for White Clay Creek State Park for the next 10 years.
The master plan,


Tri-Valley Trail at White Clay Creek State Park

The White Clay Creek State Park Trail Plan, adopted in 2011 after extensive public outreach, addressed a future segment of the Tri-Valley Trail. Combined with other trails, the proposed Tri-Valley Trail is part of an 18-mile Greater Newark regional trail network. The Division of Parks and Recreation proposes to fill the trail system gap


Killens Pond State Park Trail Concept Plan

DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation is in the process of developing a plan to provide a vision and a framework for the future trail system of Killens Pond State Park.

Contact Us

Bob Ehemann Manager, Park Resource


Fork Branch Preserve

The Division of Parks and Recreation proposes to build a small trailhead and 2.75 miles of trail to create public access to the Fork Branch Nature Preserve, in Dover.

Contact Us

Bob Ehemann Manager, Park Resource Office


Cape Henlopen State Park Trail Plan

DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation is in the process of updating the Trail Plan for Cape Henlopen State Park. The purpose of the Trail Plan is to provide a vision and a framework for the future trail system in the park.
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Brandywine Zoo Master Plan

DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation held an open house in June of 2018 to present future plans for the Brandywine Zoo, in Wilmington.

Contact Us

Division of Parks and Recreation 302-739-9210



Brandywine Creek Trail Plan

DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation has updated the Brandywine Creek State Park Trail Plan. The purpose of the trail plan is to provide a vision and a framework for the future trail system of Brandywine Creek State Park.
Final Trail Plan


Auburn Valley Master Plan

DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation is in the process of updating the Auburn Valley Master Plan, which guides development of Auburn Valley State Park. About the Park Nestled along the Red Clay Creek and home to the world’s largest operating collection of Stanley Steamer cars, Auburn


Assawoman Canal Trail Concept Plan

A group of local community leaders and area residents interested in expanding bicycle and pedestrian opportunities developed the Assawoman Canal Trail Concept Plan. This work led to the 2015 opening of a 1.1-mile trail segment between Route 26 and Elliott Avenue along the west bank of the canal in Ocean View.


Planning, Preservation and Development

The Planning, Preservation and Development Section administers land acquisition and protection programs, including the Open Space Program, the Office of Nature Preserves and the Cultural Resource Unit.
The Division of Parks and Recreation has released a set of informational posters and a survey of public opinion (open through March


Watershed Assessment and Management

The Watershed Assessment and Management Section oversees the health of the state’s surface water resources and takes actions to protect and improve water quality for aquatic life and human use.

Contact Us

Michael Bott 302-739-9939



Sportsmen Against Hunger – The Season for Giving

Few things are better for avid hunters than a successful day in the field. Add the satisfaction of providing for families, creating opportunities for others, and supporting local charities, and you have an even better recipe. Our Sportsmen Against Hunger program represents what the holiday season is all about.


“Not My Trash – But I Picked It Up.”
Coastal Cleanup 2020

For 32 years, volunteers cleared tons of trash from Delaware beaches in single-day events. In 2020, to make the Coastal Cleanup accessible and safe for everyone, the effort transitioned to a month-long campaign.


Outdoor Delaware: Fun and Education

Get smarter about our environment and enjoy the journey. Learn what makes our natural world tick and how we can help conserve and protect it.


Outdoor Delaware: Boating, Fishing and Hunting

Want to go cruisin’, drop a line or test your aim? Here’s where you’ll find out about seasons, safety, licenses and much more.


Outdoor Delaware: Adventure

Outdoors or indoors, there are plenty of exciting activities to experience and places to see in Delaware. Discover what’s out there!


Our Own Toliara

Toliara is a radiated tortoise who lives at the Brandywine Zoo. Radiated tortoises are reptiles and considered among the most beautiful in the world. His ancestors emerged on land shortly after dinosaurs became extinct some 65 million years ago.


From Phragmites Part-Timer to a Wildlife Management Career, Thanks Delaware!

Former Division of Fish and Wildlife Regional Manager Bill Jones reflects on 34 years in state service and his progress from a part-time job to a career in wildlife management.


Time Travelers Dig the John Bell House

The Delaware State Parks Time Traveler program offers a hands-on experience for volunteers to get involved in cultural heritage work at our state parks. And you can literally get your hands dirty.


Delaware Hunting Seasons

Delaware hunting seasons generally begin in September and run through early February of the following year. Specific seasons, based on species and method of take, begin and end on different dates throughout the year.





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