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 June is Ocean Month, a time to celebrate and protect Delaware’s beautiful beaches, bays and waterways. DNREC’s Coastal Program is leading the creation of the Delaware Ocean and Bay Plan, a guide to help protect and responsibly manage the ocean and bay resources off Delaware’s coast. The plan will serve as a user-friendly resource for everyone from maritime professionals to the public. Community input will play an important role in its development, with opportunities for residents, stakeholders and other interested groups to review and provide feedback throughout the process.
As warmer weather brings more visitors to our coastlines, we all play a role in keeping these treasures clean and healthy for everyone to enjoy. Learn more about Delaware's beaches and how you can help protect them on our You Can Help page.
As June unfolds, it’s also important to remain aware of Delaware’s Air Quality Index. Checking daily air quality forecasts can help residents make informed decisions about outdoor activities, especially for children, older adults and those with respiratory issues. Sign up for air quality alerts and stay informed about changing conditions at de.gov/airdata.
Finally, Delaware is officially under a statewide drought warning. Residents are encouraged to use water wisely and stay up to date on drought notices and water conservation tips. For more information on the drought, visit de.gov/drought.
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Sentinel Chickens Stand Guard to Help Delaware Detect Mosquito-Transmitted Viruses
The word “sentinel” likely conjures up an image of a soldier standing guard. What, then, are sentinel chickens? No, these aren’t birds dressed in tiny suits of armor carrying miniature swords as they watch over the henhouse. But sentinel chickens do play an important role in protecting public health in Delaware by helping scientists detect two diseases. Read more
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Delaware Natural Resources Police Help Keep the Outdoors Safe for All
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DNREC Newsroom
DNREC Offers Expanded Assistance for Farmers Due to Significantly Increased Reports of Deer Damage
In response to increased complaints from Delaware farmers about significant crop damage and anticipated losses from deer, DNREC has expanded its deer damage assistance programs this year and is now offering expedited, direct enrollment in the Extreme Deer Damage Assistance Program. Read more
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TEDI Surpasses 500,000 Trees Planted
The state’s Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative (TEDI) has surpassed 500,000 plantings toward a goal of reaching 1 million by 2030 and has opened the application period for groups and organizations seeking funding for spring 2027 projects. Read more
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DNREC Indian River Dredging Project Near Millsboro to Improve Boater Navigation, Restore Tidal Wetlands
A DNREC dredging project continues along the navigation channel of the Indian River near Millsboro and in support of a nearby tidal wetland restoration project. Time of year restrictions have been waived due to the benefits of completing the marsh restoration project outweighing the reduced potential risk for negative environmental impacts because of degraded hydrology in the area – thus allowing both projects to continue during the summer months and run until March 2027. Read more
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Delaware Brownfield Conference, Hosted by DNREC, to be Held Aug. 20 in Wilmington
Environmental professionals, developers, municipal leaders, policymakers and community stakeholders are invited to register now for the Delaware Brownfield Conference on Thursday, Aug. 20. Early bird pricing ends June 30. Read more
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Gabriel Alfaro Reels in 10.1 Pounds of Fish to Win 40th Annual Delaware Youth Fishing Tournament
On June 8, DNREC announced the Youth Fishing Tournament winners in all three counties, as well as this year’s overall champion, Gabriel Alfaro. Read more
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Governor Meyer Declares Statewide Drought Watch
Governor Matt Meyer has issued a statewide drought watch after receiving guidance from the Delaware Water Supply Coordinating Council (WSCC). Read more
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DNREC Debuts New Larger Pool at Killens Pond Waterpark
DNREC announced the opening of the new Killens Pond Waterpark main pool that expands space and features for visitors, enhances visibility for lifeguards and provides more efficient filtration. Read more
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Delaware Takes New Approach to Improve Breeding Success for Endangered Beach-Nesting Least Terns
Least terns, a beach-nesting bird species historically found each summer along many of Delaware’s bay and Atlantic Ocean beaches, have faltered in recent years into their current listing as state-endangered – leading DNREC to take a new approach for giving the distinctive birds a lift into a better future. Read more
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17 Parks. 1 Day. | The Amazing Parks Race
Can you visit all 17 Delaware State Parks in a single day?
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of Delaware State Parks, DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson took on the Amazing Parks Race, an ambitious journey across the First State to experience the recreation, history, wildlife and natural beauty that make Delaware's state park system unique.
Over the course of one day, Secretary Patterson traveled from the Atlantic Ocean to the Delaware River and from southern Delaware to Wilmington, stopping at every state park along the way. From biking trails and exploring historic sites to visiting beaches, marshes and family destinations, the challenge showcased the incredible variety of experiences waiting to be discovered across Delaware.
Join us as we follow the full journey!
Seventeen parks. One day. Seventy-five years of memories, adventure and discovery.
Learn more about Delaware State Parks at destateparks.com, and follow @DelawareDNREC on social media to see more coverage of the Amazing Parks Race.
Like, comment and subscribe! 🔔
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DNREC Environmental Studies Scholarship Recipient
 Matt Grabowski, administrator of the DNREC Division of Water, presents the Environmental Studies Scholarship to Jedeiah.
Since 1998, DNREC has awarded an annual Environmental Studies Scholarship to support Delaware students pursuing careers in environmental science and natural resource fields. The $1,000 scholarship is presented each year to a graduating senior enrolled in an environmental studies program who plans to major in an environmental science-related field at an accredited college or university.
This year's recipient is Jedeiah Martinez, a graduate of Polytech High School's Environmental Science Program. She will attend the University of Delaware this fall, where she plans to major in Marine Biology. Through her coursework and field experiences, Jedeiah has demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and the future of Delaware's natural resources.
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Kayak Fishing for Adults
June 20, 9 a.m.
(Preregistration Required)
Silver Lake Park
300 Washington St., Dover
More Info
Basic Hunter Education Field Day
June 25, 8 a.m.
(Preregistration Required)
Little Creek Hunter Education Training Center
3018 Bayside Drive, Dover
More Info
Layers of the Estuary: Sand Art
June 27, 10 a.m.
(Preregistration Required)
St. Jones Reserve
818 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover
More Info
Feeding Time at the DuPont Nature Center
June 27, 1 p.m.
DuPont Nature Center
2992 Lighthouse Road, Milford
More Info
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Small Fry Adventures
July 1, 10 a.m.
(Preregistration Required)
Aquatic Resources Education Center
2520 Lighthouse Road, Smyrna
More Info
Life in the Bay Seining Program
July 2, 4 p.m.
(Preregistration Required)
Woodland Beach
Woodland Avenue, Smyrna
More Info
Tying in the Estuary
July 11, 10 a.m.
(Preregistration Required)
St. Jones Reserve
818 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover
More Info
Top 3 in 30 Webinar: Community-Level Disaster Response
July 16, 2 p.m.
(Preregistration Required)
A Virtual Meeting
More Info
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DNREC Programs
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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 Help Shape the Future of Delaware's Beaches and Dunes
DNREC's Division of Watershed Stewardship is reviewing Delaware's Regulation Governing Beach Protection and the Use of Beaches (7 DE Admin. Code 5102). Proposed updates would strengthen the Coastal Construction Program, clarify regulatory language and improve protection of Delaware's beach and dune systems.
Public input is an important part of this process. Share your feedback by completing the public survey.
To learn more about the regulatory review, visit the project website.
To receive project updates and be added to the Interest Persons list, email DNREC_BeachPermits@delaware.gov.
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Employee Spotlight
 Julie performing a jurisdictional determination, used to identify the presence and exact boundaries of regulated waters and wetlands on a property.
Julie Molina has spent 12 years serving the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, guided by a passion for protecting the environment and the natural resources that support Delaware communities.
In her current role as a planner with the Division of Fish and Wildlife, Julie manages the Delaware Bayshore Initiative, where she leads efforts to support land preservation, promote sustainable recreation and build partnerships that strengthen communities while advancing environmental stewardship. Earlier in her career with DNREC, she worked as an environmental scientist in the Division of Water’s Wetlands and Waterways Section, specializing in regulatory matters involving wetlands and waterways.
“I enjoy tackling challenges and developing practical strategies to address them,” Julie said. “Collaborating with like-minded individuals who share the same goals and motivations has led to many successful projects.”
One of Julie’s most meaningful accomplishments has been establishing best management practices for marinas to incorporate into daily operations, helping protect water quality and safeguard public health related to shellfish consumption.
A Delaware native, Julie enjoys expressing her creativity outside of work by cooking elaborate meals and caring for her growing collection of houseplants, with calatheas among her favorites.
Her work helps ensure the Delaware Bayshore remains a vibrant place for wildlife, recreation and the communities that call it home.
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