News from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
February 20, 2008
Volume 38, Number 70

Contact: Clyde Shipman, Operations, phone: (302) 739-9220 or Beth Shockley, Public Affairs, phone: (302) 739-9902

New Chief of Enforcement of DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation Sworn In

DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation has a new Chief of Enforcement – 13-year veteran Parks Ranger Wayne Kline. DNREC Secretary John A. Hughes conducted a swearing in ceremony on Feb. 19 at DNREC’s offices in Dover.

Chief Kline is the fifth enforcement chief in the Division’s history, and oversees 22 Rangers as well as more than 50 seasonal Parks Patrol officers in Delaware’s 15 state parks.

He has served for the past 13 years as a Parks Ranger for DNREC, including seven years as Regional Enforcement Supervisor of Kent and Sussex counties and six years at Delaware Seashore State Park.

“We’re so pleased to see Chief Kline receive this well-deserved  promotion,” said Clyde Shipman, manager of Parks Operations and Maintenance. “The leadership and experience that Wayne brings to the position in overseeing the Division’s enforcement and safety programs are as extensive as they are exemplary.”

Chief Kline started his career at DNREC as a seasonal Parks maintenance worker at White Clay Creek State Park in the summer of 1991. He also served as a seasonal Ranger for three years at other Delaware State Parks.

Chief Kline received a B.A. in Wildlife Resources from West Virginia University and his Master's degree in Public Administration from Wilmington College.

He and his wife, Jennifer and their 9-week-old baby, Ellen, live in Millsboro.

Chief Kline received the promotion to Chief following the retirement of Greg Wilson, who served in the post for 15 years. Wilson retired in July 2007.