The following 2025-2035 Delaware Wildlife Action Plan is currently a draft, pending public comment and review and acceptance by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Please submit comments to DEWAP2025@delaware.gov.
Welcome!
Delaware’s Wildlife Action Plan (2025–2035) serves as a comprehensive, science-based strategy to conserve the state’s diverse fish and wildlife populations and the habitats they depend on. Developed by DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife, in collaboration with conservation partners, stakeholders, and the public, the plan identifies species of greatest conservation need and outlines proactive measures to sustain their populations. By focusing on habitat protection, research, monitoring, and public engagement, the Wildlife Action Plan provides a roadmap for preserving Delaware’s natural heritage for current and future generations.
The 2025 Delaware Wildlife Action Plan results from the hard work of dedicated DNREC experts and many passionate stakeholders in and around our state who want to protect our flora and fauna. This plan contains practical, evidence-based steps Delawareans can take to help protect our Species of Greatest Conservation Need. It also serves as a roadmap over the next 10 years as we continue studying and conserving our mammals, herptiles, birds, fish, insects, mollusks, and plants. Much of this conservation work is already happening across Delaware, and the plan highlights these incredible efforts while setting the stage for what is next. I appreciate everyone who has helped put it together, and who will help put it into action.
~ GREG PATTERSON, Secretary of DNREC
State-Level Wildlife Planning
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) assists state fish and wildlife agencies with conservation of wildlife species of greatest conservation need and the habitats they rely on through State Wildlife Grants.
Federal funding for state wildlife programs requires comprehensive wildlife conservation planning at the state level through Wildlife Action Plans. States must conduct a comprehensive review and revision of their plans every 10 years to be eligible for matching funds from the USFWS.
Explore the Delaware Wildlife Action Plan
The 2025 Plan and Data is available below in sections organized by required Elements of Wildlife Action Plans.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: A CONSERVATION SNAPSHOT
A snapshot of Delaware’s conservation strategy. Why it matters, how it works, and what’s ahead for wildlife and habitats.
SPECIES OF GREATEST CONSERVATION NEED (SGCN)
Discover the richness of Delaware’s rare and vulnerable species.
From wetlands to woodlands, explore the variety of habitats that support wildlife across the state and the species that rely on them.
Explore the major threats, like development, sea level rise, and invasive species, putting pressure on Delaware’s species and ecosystems.
Learn about conservation strategies that can safeguard species and habitats.
SPECIES AND HABITAT MONITORING
Tracking Delaware’s Wildlife, See how species and habitats are monitored to guide conservation efforts.
REVIEW, REVISION AND WORKING TOGETHER
Conservation depends on collaboration. Explore how agencies, researchers, landowners and communities are all a part of the Plan and its continuing development.
Access the Mapping Data Behind the Plan
Dive into the data and explore it interactively in maps and layers.
Download the 2015 Plan
The 2015-2025 plan is available in full as a downloadable ZIP file (Note: this file is about 30 MB), a Fact Sheet, an Executive Summary or as individual chapters and appendices
Related Topics: draft
