NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
April 5, 2010
Vol. 40, No. 91
For more information, contact Capt. Aaron Hurd, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, 302-855-1901, or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.
Volunteer signups open now for June 19 Inland Bays Cleanup
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 Sixth Annual Cleanup of the Inland Bays beginning at 9 a.m. and finishing up about 2 p.m., Saturday, June 19.
This year the cleanup will once again concentrate on two locations. The northern group will meet 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. The southern group will meet at the Mulberry Landing Public Boat Ramp at the Assawoman Wildlife Area just southwest of Bethany Beach. A number of local businesses are donating money, food and equipment such as dumpsters. Volunteers who can bring shallow draft boats are also encouraged to take part.
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 Capt. Aaron Hurd at 302-855-1901 or 302-270-8496, or by email at aaron.hurd@state.de.us.
