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Imagine the stories these vessels could tell! Now, they’re starting a new chapter. Two vintage vessels – a retired City of Baltimore fireboat and a World War II-era tugboat – have joined over 700 retired New York City “Redbird” subway cars at Reef Site 11, also known as the Redbird Reef. Our Division of Fish and Wildlife conducted the sinking on July 22.
Do you know why artificial reefs are important? Artificial reefs mimic the functions of coral reefs, diversifying marine habitats for angling and diving. Durable, stable, non-toxic materials create rich invertebrate communities, providing food and protection for reef fish like tautog, seabass, scup, spadefish and triggerfish. Gamefish such as bluefish, striped bass, and weakfish hunt the baitfish that gather around these structures.
The two boats – a World War II-era tug known as MARAD (US Maritime Administration) TD-21 and the ex-City of Baltimore fireboat Mayor J. Harold Grady – were sunk at approximately 10:22 a.m. and 11:25 a.m. EDT, at depths of 75 and 80 feet respectively.
Do you want to dive deeper? Find more information about Delaware’s artificial reef program at de.gov/artificialreefs and in the 2024 Delaware Reef Guide.
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You don’t need to know much about mosquitoes to appreciate efforts to prevent the bloodsuckers from spreading. But how exactly does DNREC go about controlling the mosquito population? Learn all about how Delaware keeps its citizens and visitors safe from one of the world’s most annoying insects in this article from Outdoor Delaware. Read More
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Around two-thirds of American households have pets, mostly dogs or cats, and many consider them just as much a part of the family as human members. But for a few people, even some of the more unique animals sometimes owned as pets like snakes, parakeets and hamsters aren’t enough — they want to keep wildlife. Find out why animal experts say it’s generally bad to take in wild animals in this offering from Outdoor Delaware. Read more
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Delaware State Parks Hunting Permits Now on Sale
DNREC announced that special hunting permits for Delaware State Parks can now be conveniently purchased wherever hunting licenses are sold in the state. Read more
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DNREC Prioritizes Equity in Community Environmental Project Fund Grants, Launches New Mapping Tool
DNREC announced the 2025 Community Environmental Project Fund (CEPF) grants will have a focus on equity. This change comes after the CEPF grant process was revamped to better address community needs and strengthen partnerships. Read more
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DNREC Opens Doors to Environmental Careers With New Internship Program
In early June, DNREC kicked off a summer internship program to offer accomplished college students and recent graduates an opportunity to work alongside experts in public service and science. Read more
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USACE and DNREC Sign Agreement for Bayshore Beaches
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Philadelphia District has signed a design agreement with DNREC for the Delaware Beneficial Use of Dredged Material (BUDM) for the Delaware River, Philadelphia to Sea Project, also known as the “Delaware Bayshore BUDM Project.” Read more
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DNREC Announces Opening of New Boat Ramp at Records Pond near Laurel
DNREC announced the grand opening of a new boat ramp facility at Records Pond near Laurel in Sussex County. Construction began earlier this year on the new facility – which includes a new boat ramp with courtesy dock, expansion of existing parking lots to accommodate boat trailers, and new decking for an existing fishing pier on Records Pond. Read more
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Delaware’s First 2024 Evidence of West Nile Virus Detected in DNREC’s Sentinel Chickens
West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in Delaware for the first time for 2024 in sentinel chickens that help DNREC monitor the state for mosquito-borne illnesses. Read more
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From sand sculptures to touch tanks and everything between, we had a blast! Check out this video of some of our friends and visitors who joined us at the DNREC building this year. We hope to see you next year!
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Trash on our beaches and in our waterways isn’t just unsightly – it’s also potentially dangerous to marine life and in some cases harmful to water quality. The annual Delaware Coastal Cleanup offers volunteers an opportunity to help make a difference for Delaware’s shoreline and waterways while joining an international effort to clean up the world’s waters.
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Feeding Time at the DuPont Nature Center
August 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29 and 31, 1 p.m.
DuPont Nature Center
2992 Lighthouse Rd.
Milford
More Info
Basic Hunter Education Field Day
August 25, 8 a.m.
Little Creek Hunter Education Training Center
3018 Bayside Drive
Dover
More Info
Public Hearing: Air Emissions Regulations
August 27, 6 p.m.
A Virtual Hearing
See Connection Information
More Info
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Phragmites Management Workshop
September 4, 9 a.m.
St. Jones Coastal Training Center
818 Kitts Hummock Rd.
Dover
More Info
Basic Hunter Education Course
September 5, 5:30 p.m.
Little Creek Hunter Education Training Center
3018 Bayside Drive
Dover
More Info
Basic Hunter Education Course
September 5, 5:30 p.m.
Owens Station Shooting Sports and Hunter Education Training Center
12613 Hunters Cove Rd.
Greenwood
More Info
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Air Quality Forecast
We provide regular air quality forecasts and an air quality index to help you know if you need to take precautions. When planning outings this summer, be sure to check the forecast by visiting de.gov/aqi.
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Digital DNREC E-Permitting
Use the Digital DNREC ePermitting system for recreational fishing and hunting licenses, license exempt numbers, deer harvest report cards and tags, deer damage assistance, hunter education, waterfowl stamps, permits, Conservation Access Passes, and harvest reporting.
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Environmental Justice at DNREC
We provide free interpretation services, upon request, to help ensure full participation by all communities, primarily those with limited English proficiency.
Requests for oral interpretation of an application or assistance with submitting a public comment must be made no later than 10 days prior to the close of that application’s comment period. Requests for live oral interpretation must be made no later than 10 days prior to date of the DNREC-hosted public hearing, meeting, or community event.
Submit a request using the interpretation services request form: de.gov/dnrectranslations
Learn more at de.gov/titlevi
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Mosquito Control Section
DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section provides mosquito control services throughout Delaware to maintain quality of life and protect public health by reducing the possibility of mosquito-borne illnesses. It uses the latest Integrated pest management approach, combining source reduction with the judicious use of insecticides. Learn more at de.gov/mosquito.
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