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February often marks a quiet turning point. While winter still has its hold, signs of change begin to appear across Delaware’s landscapes and communities. At DNREC, this is a time when planning, preparation and stewardship continue to shape the months ahead, supporting natural resource management, public health protection and outdoor recreation statewide.
This month’s updates share how DNREC’s ongoing work continues to support Delaware’s land, water and people as winter begins to loosen its grip.
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How Electric Vehicles are Going Mainstream (Again)
Electric vehicles are the future — but they’re not some far-off dream like flying cars. Rather, they represent the present as well as the possibilities to come. And they have a history that’s far deeper than you were likely aware. Learn more in this piece from Outdoor Delaware. Read more
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Winter Survival Strategies: A Closer Look at Hibernation in Delaware’s Animal Kingdom
Delaware doesn’t have many “true” hibernators, but it does have its share of critters that use long naps as a winter survival strategy. Read more
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DNREC Reopens Indian River Bay to Clamming and Shellfish Harvesting After Millsboro Sewage Release
DNREC has set Delaware’s 2026 downstate pond trout season to open Saturday, March 7 for youth anglers under age 16 only, with the regular downstate trout season for all anglers opening a half-hour before sunrise on Sunday, March 8. Read more
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DNREC Reopens Indian River Bay to Clamming and Shellfish Harvesting After Millsboro Sewage Release
DNREC has reopened the Indian River Bay to clamming and shellfish harvest after a mandatory 21-day closure that followed a Jan. 15 wastewater release from the town of Millsboro’s sewage system. Read more
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Spring Turkey Season Lottery Attracts Record Number of Applicants for Hunting State Wildlife Areas
DNREC’s 2026 lottery for State Wildlife Area Spring Turkey Season hunting permits has once again drawn the largest applicant pool since the State’s first turkey hunting lottery was held in 1991. This year, 540 permits were available to 992 hunters who applied for them ahead of the upcoming spring season. Read more
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DNREC Reminds Public: Do Not Sled or Snowboard on Dunes
DNREC reminds residents and visitors not to sled or snowboard on coastal dunes to help protect wildlife habitat. Read more
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One Year In: DNREC Secretary and Deputy Secretary Reflect on Progress, People and Priorities
One year into their leadership roles, DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson and Deputy Secretary Dayna Cobb reflect on what the job has brought, what has surprised them and why the work matters.
In this conversation with Office of Communications writer Matt Bittle, they discuss DNREC’s progress on climate change, environmental justice, permitting improvements and employee morale, along with the challenges of protecting Delaware’s air, water and natural resources during a time of shifting federal support. They also share behind-the-scenes moments from the past year, including community town halls, long-term wildlife conservation efforts and Field Trip Friday visits that highlight the breadth of DNREC’s work.
From adapting to sea level rise and stronger storms to building trust with communities and supporting the scientists, engineers and staff behind the work, this look back highlights the people and purpose driving Delaware’s environmental agency forward.
Like, comment and subscribe! 🔔
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Basic Hunter Education Field Day
Feb. 22, 8 a.m.
(Pre-registration Required)
Little Creek Hunter Education Training Center
3018 Bayside Drive
Dover, Delaware
More Info
Public Hearing: Regulations Governing Reporting of a Discharge of a Pollutant or Air Contaminant
Feb. 25, 6 p.m.
Virtual
More Info
Trivia Night with the John Dickinson Plantation
Feb. 26, 6 p.m.
(Pre-registration Suggested)
St. Jones Reserve
818 Kitts Hummock Rd.
Dover, Delaware
More Info
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2026 Delaware Wetlands Conference
March 4-5
(Sold out — Registration Waitlist)
Chase Center on the Riverfront
815 Justison St., Wilmington
More Info
Open Space Council
March 4, 9 a.m.
Senate Hearing Room
Legislative Hall
Dover, Delaware
(Virtual Meeting Avaliable)
More Info
Delaware Resilient and Sustainable Communities League Summit
March 5, 9 a.m.
(Pre-registration Required)
DelTech Del-One Conference Center
100 Campus Drive, Building 700
Dover, Delaware
More Info
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  This month, Secretary Greg Patterson and Deputy Secretary Dayna Cobb used Field Trip Friday to spotlight the people, programs and behind-the-scenes work that support DNREC’s mission across Delaware.
In Dover, the leadership team visited the Fish and Wildlife Licensing Office, where staff process tens of thousands of hunting, fishing and boating licenses each year and help ensure services remain accessible to Delaware’s outdoor community.
Another visit focused on the Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy, where staff shared updates on energy efficiency programs, coastal management efforts and climate planning that support residents and businesses statewide.
One Field Trip Friday turned inward, as Secretary Patterson and Deputy Secretary Cobb reflected on their first year in leadership, discussing climate action, environmental justice, permitting improvements and the staff behind the work.
At the Little Creek Construction Shop at the Little Creek Wildlife Area, staff demonstrated the heavy equipment used for maintenance, storm response and habitat management, highlighting the work that keeps wildlife areas, boat access points and park trails safe and accessible year-round.
Most recently, as part of the 75th anniversary of Delaware State Parks, Secretary Patterson and Deputy Secretary Cobb joined more than 350 Division of Parks and Recreation employees and partners at Parks School. The Division highlighted major accomplishments, service hours and historic restorations, while staff shared ideas to strengthen stewardship and shape the future of Delaware’s parks.
Want to explore with us? Check out our #FieldTripFriday playlist and follow us on social!
 The Seahawks won the Super Bowl, but the original seahawk — the osprey — is our forever MVP. 💚
Follow us @DelawareDNREC on social platforms for more wildlife-inspired content like this.
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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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DNREC Language Services
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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PFAS Explained
An online course, PFAS Explained: The Science and Solutions in Delaware, provides an overview of the issue and specific guidance for consumers, business owners, researchers and regulators. This interactive learning module provides a clear, plain-language overview of what PFAS are, why they matter and what Delaware is doing to better understand and address them.
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Rebecca Salmon is a familiar face across the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, bringing nearly a decade of experience to her work with Delaware Natural Resources Police (DNRP).
Hired to DNREC in fall 2016, Rebecca serves as a lieutenant with DNRP in the Office of the Chief. Before joining the Department, she worked as an investigator and dispatcher with the Office of Animal Welfare in the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Public Health.
A Delaware native who grew up in Kent County, Rebecca earned undergraduate degrees in animal and food science and agriculture and natural resources from the University of Delaware, along with a minor in disability studies. After graduation, she hoped to work with service animals or animal training, but her path shifted as she gained experience in law enforcement. An opening with DNRP’s Environmental Crimes Unit (ECU) ultimately brought those interests together.
In her current role, Rebecca’s responsibilities include hiring, accreditation through the Delaware Police Accreditation Commission, records and reporting for the Police Officer Standards and Training Commission, training coordination and media relations, including social media and public outreach. She values both the variety of her work and the connections she has built across DNREC.
“What I like most about working for DNREC is the ability to be flexible in my projects, along with the people I get to work with,” Rebecca said. “Spending most of my career in ECU and serving as the public information officer has allowed me to build relationships not only with my direct DNRP coworkers but with staff across nearly every DNREC division.”
Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys reading, fitness, gardening, boating and fishing. She also loves spending time with her two golden retrievers, Scupper and Riptide.
Reflecting on her time with DNREC, Rebecca says what stands out most are the small, everyday interactions with others.
“Those day-to-day moments are what make this job worthwhile and keep the spark alive,” Rebecca said. “They’re powerful reminders of the positive impact we, as police officers and as women, can have on the communities we serve.”
Thank you, Rebecca, for your continued dedication and service to DNREC and Delaware.
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