June 9, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 260
For more information, contact Capt. Aaron Hurd, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, 302-855-1901, or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.
Volunteers Sought for the Inland Bays Cleanup on June 13
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section, along with the Enforcement Section volunteers, the Center for the Inland Bays and the Division of Parks and Recreation are seeking volunteers for the Fifth Annual Cleanup of the Inland Bays beginning at 9 a.m. and finishing up about 2 p.m., Saturday, June 13.
This year the cleanup will begin at the Massey’s Landing Public Boat Ramp at the end of Long Neck Road and concentrate on the Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay areas. A number of local businesses are donating money, food and equipment such as dumpsters. Volunteers who can bring shallow draft boats are also encouraged.
Volunteers should dress to get dirty and be prepared for cooler conditions on the water as well as wet walking conditions on land. Boots are also suggested. Those who have access to lifejackets should bring one, as they are required on boats. Otherwise, lifejackets will be provided. Young children should not attend.
Last year’s event drew 100 volunteers who collected a large quantity of debris, including soda bottles and cans, tires, derelict crab pots and a lot of plastic. A large construction dumpster was donated and filled by the end of the day.
“With this event, we are continuing our public outreach on behalf of the Division of Fish and Wildlife, Delaware State Parks, the Center for the Inland Bays and our Fish and Wildlife Enforcement volunteers. We hope that through activities such as the clean-up, the persons using the Inland Bays will pause long enough to make decisions that truly benefit these waterways,” said Capt. Aaron Hurd of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement.
Volunteers are encouraged to sign up in advance, as lunch and t-shirts will be provided. To volunteer or for more information, please contact Debbe Passwaters at 302-856-2656 or debbe0904@mchsi.com or Marie Burke at 302-934-9495 or pebble128@aol.com.
