The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Division of Parks and Recreation, will conduct a public hearing on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m. to consider comments from the public on proposed changes to the Regulations Governing State Parks (Docket # 2025-R-P-0017).

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 and a ban on reselling reservations.

For additional information regarding the hearing matter visit de.gov/dnrechearings or to view the proposed amendments to the regulation, visit regulations.delaware.gov/services/current_issue.shtml 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 (302) 739-9192 or by email at Kristie.Wyatt@delaware.gov.

The web link to the virtual hearing can be accessed through the DNREC Public Hearings page at de.gov/dnrechearings. If prompted for a password, please use: 497132. To access the audio-only portion of the virtual hearing, dial 1-646-931-3860 and enter the Meeting ID: 892 7738 9404. Language assistance is available by request within 10 days of the hearing. Closed captioning is available via the Zoom virtual meeting tool.

Those wishing to offer verbal comments during DNREC public hearings must pre-register no later than noon of the date of the virtual hearing at de.gov/dnreccomments or by telephone at 302-739-9001.

The Department will accept public comment through the close of business on Thursday, August 20, 2026. Comments will be accepted in written form via email to DNRECHearingComments@delaware.gov, or by using the online form at de.gov/dnreccomments, or by U.S. mail to the following address:

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

Related Topics:  parks, permitting and regulation, public comments, public hearing, public notice