The DEWAP fits into an existing framework of statewide strategies established to conserve and protect the state’s natural resources, including habitat for wildlife. These strategies focus on different approaches to conservation (e.g., land acquisition, preservation, changes in land use, infrastructure investments, policy, etc.), but they are all coordinated and have shared mapping elements and common goals to ensure consistency in implementation.

In 1978, the State of Delaware enacted the Natural Areas Preservation System (7 Del. Code, Chapter 73) for the purpose of establishing an inventory of Natural Areas statewide and a system of nature preserves. A “Natural Area” as defined by the law is an “area of land or water, or of both land and water, whether in public or private ownership, which either retains or has reestablished its natural character (although it need not be undisturbed), or has unusual flora or fauna, or has biotic, geological, scenic or archaeological features of scientific or educational value.”  “Nature Preserves” are Natural Areas that have been formally “dedicated,” or estate, interest or rights transferred, to the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), for and on behalf of the state. The state’s registry or inventory of natural areas was first created in 1978, with a major update in 2006. There are currently 67 Natural Areas identified in the state, and 34 dedicated Nature Preserves.

In 1990, the Delaware Land Protection Act (7 Del. Code, Chapter 75) established an Open Space Program in the state. The Open Space Program coordinates the acquisition of various state lands including parks, fish and wildlife areas, forests, nature preserves, and cultural sites. The program is administered by DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation. A nine-member Open Space Council advises the Secretary of the Department on the implementation of the program and recommends specific land purchases. Quarterly meetings are held to review properties brought before the Council by partner agencies, Parks and Recreation, Fish and Wildlife, Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs and the Delaware Forest Service. Recommendations to preserve properties are based on a rating of ecological, cultural, recreational and locational attributes and a consideration of land use plans and purchase options.

Delaware’s Watershed Resources Registry, developed by the Delaware Watershed Assessment Program in conjunction with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), includes models to identify both preservation and restoration opportunities using a set of metrics derived from geospatial data.

The State of Delaware Enterprise geographic information system (GIS), known as FirstMap, serves as a centralized repository for commonly used GIS data layers, and facilitates the sharing of geospatial data and information within the state. This application is accessible to the public for browsing, and anyone can request access to download data.

The planning opportunities summarized above illustrates opportunities to coordinate and inform the DEWAP priorities and principles with these planning processes. This historical planning context describes the way in which the DEWAP can effectively be implemented to help improve conservation in Delaware.

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