DNREC and partners commission
new Nanticoke River Water Trail
Trail will enable paddlers to ‘explore the Nanticoke
River the way that Captain John Smith did’

SEAFORD (July 9, 2011) – DNREC’s Divisions of Parks & Recreation, and Fish & Wildlife, along with other partners, and in conjunction with the Nanticoke Riverfest in Seaford, today officially commissioned the Nanticoke River Water Trail.

The Nanticoke River Water Trail is designated in the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network. It provides a regional component to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. Stretching approximately 26 miles through Sussex County, Delaware, the water trail includes some of the most biologically diverse natural habitats in the state, is of distinct, exceptional recreational and ecological significance and is rich in historic and cultural landmarks.

“The Nanticoke River Water Trail brings together our state’s rich heritage and its environmental beauty,” said Senator Tom Carper. “This natural resource gives Delawareans and Americans of all ages the opportunity to explore the Chesapeake's treasured landscapes and ecosystems, while learning the story of our nation’s beginning. I am proud to support this important waterway, both for the health of the Nanticoke and for the preservation of our nation’s legacy.”

“I'm glad the federal government was able to step in to help get this designation for the Nanticoke River Water Trail," said Senator Chris Coons. "It's going to help Delawareans access one of Sussex County’s most historic natural treasures. These 26 miles of meandering waters are important to our environment and to our local economy. I'm hopeful that this designation will help better connect Delawareans with the great outdoors and our wonderful local history.”

“This trail offers Delaware’s uniqueness and natural beauty and we want people to take advantage of it,” said Governor Jack Markell. “Access to water and recreational opportunities are key to getting families and kids outdoors enjoying what our state offers everyone.”

“Explorers of the water trail will experience one of the healthiest rivers on the Delmarva Peninsula and the largest watershed in Delaware,” said DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara. “Our stewardship of this watershed reaches across upland forests, Native American sites, ‘breadbasket river wetlands,’ largemouth bass fisheries, breeding bird habitat, rare plant species, the endangered Delmarva fox squirrel and the largest concentration of bald eagles in the northeastern United States. I thank the National Park Service for the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails grant that enabled the development of this water trail, and our other partners who collaborated to make this vision a reality.”

“The National Park Service is pleased to be a partner in the development of this water trail to make the Nanticoke River in Delaware more accessible for public use and enjoyment,” said John Maounis, Superintendent, National Park Service, Chesapeake Bay Office. “On June 10th and 11th in 1608, Captain John Smith and his crew traveled this river. The Nanticoke River today is still one of the healthiest major tributaries in the Chesapeake watershed, as well as one of the most culturally and historically significant. The Nanticoke River Water Trail promises to be a great contributing feature within the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network and the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historical Trail.”

“We are honored to help inaugurate the Nanticoke River Water Trail, and to be a partner with DNREC and the NPS in the trail’s development,” said Joel Dunn, Executive Director, Chesapeake Conservancy. “As a key segment of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, the Nanticoke trail creates new opportunities to connect modern day explorers to one of the Bay’s great rivers, and engage them in the Chesapeake’s cultural and natural history.”

“I like to think of this water trail as a living storybook that will entice more visitors and residents to discover the pristine beauty of the Nanticoke River and the rich history of its watershed,” said Scott Thomas, Executive Director of Southern Delaware Tourism.

In addition to its natural treasures, the area is also rich in historic and cultural landmarks. The Nanticoke River is part of the first national water trail, the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Water Trail, which retraces the historic routes along the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries taken by John Smith and his crew from 1607 to 1608.

Designated as a Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrail, the Nanticoke River Water Trail provides a regional component to the Caption John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. The trail begins above the city of Seaford and follows the main stem of the Nanticoke River to the Maryland State Line. The water trail also offers paddlers the chance to explore Broad Creek and Deep Creek, both tributaries of the Nanticoke River.

Not only is the Nanticoke River one of the healthiest, it is also one of the most diverse. Ecosystems ranging from upland forests to estuarine salt marsh provide habitat for rare species. Explorers of the Nanticoke River Water Trail can see where history unfolded and where wildlife and native plants still thrive today.

The Nanticoke River also connects the many interdependent stories of the Nanticoke region, including the early Native American settlements and establishment of Woodland, Seaford, and other river towns, with the river providing sustenance, habitat, economic opportunities, transportation and recreation. Today, the river provides numerous programs and initiatives relating to environmental stewardship and resource restoration.

Along the trail, there are seven boat launches, fishing access sites, picnic facilities, shared-use trails for hikers and equestrians and a developing scenic byway. An interpretative set of Water Trail maps and guides are available through www.shop.delaware.gov. Visitors and residents can also visit the trail’s new website: www.paddlethenanticoke.com which provides information like paddling tips, downloadable maps, event and other travel resources.  

Vol. 41, No. 251