Public input sought for 2015 Wildlife Action Plan draft revision

Public input sought for DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife’s 2015 Wildlife Action Plan draft revision

Open house meetings set for July 28-30 in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties

DOVER (July 6, 2015) – Over the last year, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife and its conservation partners have worked with wildlife experts and other key stakeholders throughout the state and region to develop the 2015 Delaware Wildlife Action Plan (DEWAP). Required in order for Delaware to be eligible for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) State Wildlife Grant Program funding, the DEWAP will assess Delaware’s wildlife and habitats, identify the challenges they face and outline actions needed for conserving them over the long term.

A series of stakeholder workshops have been held recently to identify and prioritize the fish, wildlife and associated habitats most in need of conservation. Identifying and prioritizing these valuable Delaware natural resources is required by the USFWS to obtain federal funding for many conservation efforts in thestate. This process also ensures that common species remain common by utilizing conservation efforts throughout Delaware with many public and private partners over the next decade, preventing these species from becoming endangered or threatened.

Input from the public, wildlife partners and stakeholders is encouraged throughout the DEWAP revision process. This month, public open house meetings will be held in each of Delaware’s three counties. These open houses will give the public the opportunity to meet, ask questions and provide their input to the 2015 DEWAP development team.

Meetings will be held from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on the following dates and locations:

• New Castle County: Tuesday, July 28, Ommelanden Hunter Education Training Center, 1205 River Road, New Castle, DE 19720
• Kent County: Thursday, July 30, DNREC’s Richardson and Robbins Building Auditorium, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901
• Sussex County: Wednesday, July 29, Delaware Technical Community College, Room 344B in the Arts & Science Center, 21179 College Drive, Georgetown, DE 19947

“This plan will address the many effects and impacts of concern such as climate change, habitat loss, disease and pollution on our wildlife and their associated habitats, and the actions identified will help coordinate conservation efforts that ensure a viable future for Delaware’s wildlife, fish and their habitats,” said Joe Rogerson, Delaware Species Conservation and Research Program manager, Division of Fish & Wildlife. “Scientists, hunters, anglers, conservationists and other stakeholders will work together to develop conservation actions to address or alleviate these threats and effectively conserve Delaware’s valuable wildlife resources.”

To review the Delaware Wildlife Action Plan, or to stay updated on the revision process, visithttp://de.gov/dewap. Comments can be submitted by email to DEWildlifeActionPlan@gmail.com, or by regular mail to Joe Rogerson, Species Conservation and Research Program, 6180 Hay Point Landing Road, Smyrna, DE 19977. 

Since 1911, the Division of Fish & Wildlife has worked to conserve and manage Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources, provide safe and enjoyable fishing, hunting and boating opportunities to citizens and visitors, and improve the public’s understanding and interest in the state’s fish and wildlife resources through information and outreach programs. The Division of Fish & Wildlife’s goal is to manage and provide access to the lands with which the Division is entrusted for public use and enjoyment.