Population growth and economic development in the state spurred the desire and mandate in the latter part of the last century to set aside and preserve areas of unusual natural significance. Natural areas - including forests, stream corridors and wetlands - were deemed irreplaceable as laboratories for scientific research, as reservoirs of natural materials, and as unique habitats for plant and animal species.
An inventory of natural areas and a system of nature preserves were first created in 1978. This inventory, updated numerous times since, is now comprised of more than 181,000 acres statewide, along with some 19 dedicated nature preserves.
Natural Areas Maps
What the maps show:
New Castle County
Currently has 40,269 acres of Natural Areas or 15% of the overall county acreage.
Approximately 25,712 acres (64%) of its Natural Areas have been protected.
Kent County
Currently has 63,095 acres of Natural Areas or 17% of the overall county acreage.
Approximately 47,894 acres (76%) of its Natural Areas have been protected.
Sussex County
Currently has 78,065 acres of Natural Areas or 13% of the overall county acreage.
Approximately 52,038 acres (67%) of its Natural Areas are under protection.
Delaware Natural Areas Advisory Council
Natural Areas maps were prepared and approved by the Natural Areas Advisory Council (NAAC).
The Council advises DNREC’s Secretary on the administration of nature preserves and the preservation of natural areas. Among its duties, the NAAC:
- Reviews and makes recommendations on the Department's criteria for acquisition and dedication of nature preserves
- Reviews and makes recommendations on departmental plans for the selection of particular natural areas for state acquisition
- Advises the Secretary on policies, rules and regulations governing the management, protection and use of nature preserves
- Within 10 days of receiving plans from the Department for the selection of particular natural areas for state acquisition, issues written notices to adjacent landowners that such areas are being considered for state acquisition.
Delaware Natural Areas Advisory Council Meeting Info
