The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation will conduct a public hearing on proposed amendments to the State Parks regulations (Docket #2025-R-P-0017). Public comment period open through Aug. 20, 2026.

The proposed changes to the Regulations Governing State Parks (7 DE Admin. Code 9201) include clearer formatting, updated definitions and several rule updates. Key changes address:

• Magnet fishing
• Bait restrictions
• 24/7 park operations
• Surf‑fishing procedures
• Standards for appropriate attire and signage
• Drug and alcohol rules
• A ban on reselling reservations

For additional information or to view the proposed amendments, visit the Delaware Register of Regulations, beginning July 1, 2026. For any questions or to view the proposed amendments, in person, by appointment-only, contact Kristie Wyatt, at Division of Parks and Recreation, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, Delaware 19901, via phone at 302-739-9192 or by email at Kristie.Wyatt@delaware.gov.

The Department will accept public comment through Aug. 20, 2026. Comments will be accepted in written form via email to DNRECHearingComments@delaware.gov, using the online form at de.gov/dnreccomments, or by U.S. mail to the address on this page.

Public Hearing Officer: Lisa Vest
DNREC Office of the Secretary
89 Kings Highway
Dover, DE 19901

Proposed DNREC Exhibits

Exhibit 1: A copy of approved Start Action Notice #2025-09 pertaining to the proposed amendments.

Exhibit 2: A copy of the Regulatory Flexibility Analysis/Regulatory Impact Statement, corresponding to the proposed action and as published in the July 1, 2026, Delaware Register of Regulations.

Exhibit 3: A copy of Register Notice SAN #2025-09 and the proposed amendment to 7 DE Admin. Code 9201 Regulations Governing State Parks as published in the July 1, 2026, Delaware Register of Regulations.

Exhibit 4: Proof of publication of the legal notice regarding the proposed amendments to 7 DE Admin. Code 9201 Regulations Governing State Parks in the June 28, 2026, Wilmington News Journal.

Exhibit 5: Proof of publication of the legal notice regarding the proposed amendments to 7 DE Admin. Code 9201 Regulations Governing State Parks in the June 29, 2026, Delaware State News.

Exhibit 6: Public Hearing Notice as published on the DNREC website on July 1, 2026.

Exhibit 7: Notice of this public hearing as it appears on the Delaware Public Meeting Calendar on June 16, 2026.

Exhibit 8: Notice of this public hearing as it appears on DNREC’s Public Hearings website. (This page)

Exhibit 9: Email sent to the Natural Advisory Areas Council notifying them of this hearing.

Exhibit 10: Email sent to the Open Space Council notifying them of this hearing.

Exhibit 11: Email sent to the Parks and Recreation Council notifying them of this hearing.

Exhibit 12: Email sent to the Friends, Partners and Supporters of Delaware State Parks notifying them of this hearing.

Exhibit 13: Notice of this public hearing as it appears on the Delaware State Parks Facebook page, posted on July 1, 2026.

Exhibit 14: Notice of this public hearing as it appears in the Delaware State Parks July Newsletter email.

Public Comments

Ian P. (7/1/2026)

Connor D. (7/3/2026)

Samuel M. (7/3/2026)

Bill S. (7/4/2026)

Jeff G. (7/7/2026)

Chris F. (7/8/2026)

David L. (7/8/2026)

Gene (7/8/2026)

Scott L. (7/8/2026)

Thomas B. (7/8/2026)

Connie S. (7/9/2026)

Dennis S. (7/9/2026)

George F. (7/9/2026)

Joe Jacobs Elm Street Development Inc. (7/9/2026)

Luke C. (7/9/2026)

Matt M. (7/9/2026)

Paul C. (7/9/2026)

Ace D. (7/12/2026)

Caitlin B. (7/12/2026)

Dawn J. (7/12/2026)

Will D. (7/12/2026)

Brett B. (7/14/2026)

Gary L. (7/14/2026)
– Comments (7/14/2026)

Michael (7/15/2026)

Nick G. (7/15/2026)

Sara A. (7/15/2026)

Stephen B. (7/15/2026)