Pages Tagged With: "recreation"
Boating and Fishing Access Locations
Fishing access locations in the State of Delaware include locations on the Atlantic Ocean, the Delaware Estuary, and several rivers and ponds. The access areas shown on the map on this page include both state-owned and municipal-owned areas. Please be aware of any boat ramp fees or permits thatDelaware’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
Delaware’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, known as the SCORP, tracks the state’s recreation inventory, identifies needs for infrastructure and programs and guides public and private planning and investment to meet those needs. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation has released the 2025 – 2030 SCORP, Expanding Outdoor Recreation for All,DNREC Photo Contest
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is looking for striking photographic images taken throughout the state of Delaware. Photographs should highlight Delaware’s natural beauty and focus on subject matter such as waterways, landscapes, native plants, wildlife and aquatic life, and people enjoying nature, hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities. All entriesDNREC Calendar: Outdoor Recreation
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) offers outdoor recreation classes and opportunities for children and adventurous adults at its several nature centers, outdoor education centers, the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve and via several educational programs. This calendar is presented as a list of upcoming events (below) and asMonthly Calendar: Outdoor Recreation
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) offers outdoor recreation classes and opportunities for children and adventurous adults at its several nature centers, outdoor education centers, the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve and via several educational programs. This calendar is presented as a month-to-month calendar grid (below) and as a list ofProposed Offshore Wind Cable Landing at Delaware Seashore State Park
DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation is working with park visitors and residents of coastal Sussex County to plan for potential recreational impacts of a proposal to bring power lines from an offshore wind project ashore at 3Rs Beach in Delaware Seashore State Park.Parks and Recreation Council
The Parks and Recreation Council advises the director of the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation on matters related to the planning, acquisition, development, management, conservation and programming of lands and services under the jurisdiction of the division. The council is established in State Law at 29 Del. C. § 8009.Artificial Reef Guide Requests
DNREC publishes the Delaware Reef Guide to provide information about the state’s artificial reef sites. The Guide is available for download in PDF format. A limited number of printed copies are available as well. Use the request form below to request a copy by mail. Please include yourAt One With Nature: Delaware’s Nature Preserves
Looking for special summer getaways off the beaten path in Delaware? We highlighted three beautiful state Nature Preserves – one in each county.Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails Program
The DNREC Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails Program (ORPT), formerly known as the Delaware Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund (DTF), is a matching grant program assisting with public park land acquisition and outdoor recreation facility development in Delaware.White Clay Creek State Park Master Plan
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has adopted the White Clay Creek Master Plan. The plan presents a vision and framework for White Clay Creek State Park for the next 10 years.Tri-Valley Trail at White Clay Creek State Park
The White Clay Creek State Park Trail Plan, adopted in 2011 after extensive public outreach, addressed a future segment of the Tri-Valley Trail. Combined with other trails, the proposed Tri-Valley Trail is part of an 18-mile Greater Newark regional trail network. The Division of Parks and Recreation proposes to fill the trail system gapKillens Pond State Park Trail Concept Plan
DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation is in the process of developing a plan to provide a vision and a framework for the future trail system of Killens Pond State Park.Contact Us
Fork Branch Preserve
The Division of Parks and Recreation proposes to build a small trailhead and 2.75 miles of trail to create public access to the Fork Branch Nature Preserve, in Dover.Contact Us
Cape Henlopen State Park Trail Plan
DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation is in the process of updating the Trail Plan for Cape Henlopen State Park. The purpose of the Trail Plan is to provide a vision and a framework for the future trail system in the park. [panel type=”success” heading=”ContactBrandywine Zoo Master Plan
DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation held an open house in June of 2018 to present future plans for the Brandywine Zoo, in Wilmington.Contact Us
Division of Parks and Recreation 302-739-9210
Brandywine Creek Trail Plan
DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation has updated the Brandywine Creek State Park Trail Plan. The purpose of the trail plan is to provide a vision and a framework for the future trail system of Brandywine Creek State Park. Final Trail PlanAuburn Valley Master Plan
DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation is in the process of updating the Auburn Valley Master Plan, which guides development of Auburn Valley State Park. About the Park Nestled along the Red Clay Creek and home to the world’s largest operating collection of Stanley SteamerAssawoman Canal Trail Concept Plan
A group of local community leaders and area residents interested in expanding bicycle and pedestrian opportunities developed the Assawoman Canal Trail Concept Plan. This work led to the 2015 opening of a 1.1-mile trail segment between Route 26 and Elliott Avenue along the west bank of the canal in Ocean View.Planning, Preservation and Development
The Planning, Preservation and Development Section administers land acquisition and protection programs, including the Open Space Program, the Office of Nature Preserves and the Cultural Resource Unit.Contact Us
Brooks Cahall Section Administrator 302-739-9210
Disc Golf: No Funny Pants Required
Any disc golf enthusiast will tell you it’s a great game. No clubs are required, you don’t need a caddie or an electric cart, you can play alone or with a group, and you don’t have to wear funny pants.Federal Consistency Determinations: NMFS Emergency Fishery Management Plan Rule
The National Marine Fisheries Service is proposing to use an emergency rule under the Fishery Management Plan for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region to increase the recreational bag limit for Atlantic king mackerel in federal waters.Freshwater Trout Fishing
DNREC’s freshwater trout program is a self-supporting put-and-take fishery. Rainbow, brown and/or brook trout are stocked in selected streams in New Castle County and in selected ponds in Kent and Sussex counties. Basic Requirements No minimum size. Four fish per day in fly-fishingAngler Alert: Snakeheads
The Northern Snakehead (Channa argus), a fish native to China and Russia, has become a problem invasive species in several states, including Delaware. Anyone who catches a snakehead in Delaware is encouraged to kill it and notify the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Snakehead(Image by Susan Trammel-USGS) Snakeheads wereArtificial Reef Program
Delaware has 14 permitted artificial reef sites in Delaware Bay and along the Atlantic Coast. Cleaned and stable construction materials, boats, and subway cars create new habitat. They support expanded recreational fishing and diving. DevelopmentInvasive Aquatic Species
Delaware, along with other states in the Mid-Atlantic Region, has been invaded by non-native aquatic species that pose a threat to native species, to ecological processes, and to the economy. An invasive species is a non-native species whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmentalResearch and Monitoring
Biologists from the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife keep track of the state’s fish populations. They work on Delaware’s rivers, ponds, estuaries, the Delaware Bay and in coastal waters and study how different species are faring. What Fisheries Biologists Do Fisheries Biologist John Clark tagged this 54.8-pound striperResources for Delaware Pond Owners
Many small “farm” ponds in Delaware provide important recreational opportunities. Children may catch their first bluegill from such a pond. Ponds provide aesthetic beauty, irrigation, fire safety in rural areas, and wildlife habitat.Contact Us
Fisheries Office 302-735-8650
Gamefish and Freshwater Fishing Restrictions
Gamefish are found in either tidal or non-tidal freshwater in Delaware. Gamefish taken from Delaware waters cannot legally be sold, traded or bartered unless authorized by permit. Black Crappie Gamefish Species Include: Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Black Crappie White Crappie Rock Bass White Bass Walleye
