WILMINGTON — Senator Coons, Governor Jack Markell, DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara and former Congressman Mike Castle celebrated 100 years of fish and wildlife conservation in Delaware on Monday. The milestone was marked at a ceremony at the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge in Wilmington along side staff of the Division of Fish and Wildlife, and representatives of various conservation groups.
“For the past 100 years, the Division of Fish and Wildlife has protected a wealth of natural resources in our great state,” said Chris. “Delaware’s natural resources support countless recreational activities that draw hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, which helps support local businesses and our regional economy. I congratulate the Division of Fish and Wildlife for 100 years of building a true conservation success story.”
DNREC highlighted several of its conservation success stories in the First State, including:
- Restoration of many species of fish and wildlife including deer, turkey, bald eagle, striped bass and summer flounder populations;
- Acquisition of thousands of acres of land and waterways for habitat conservation, management, restoration and public use;
- Habitat management and restoration on thousands of acres of private lands and waterways;
- Statewide quality outdoor recreation and access for resident and visiting anglers, hunters, nature enthusiasts and the general public;
- Environmentally compatible mosquito control;
- A modern and professional enforcement section that protects our resources and improves boating safety.
The celebration also included the planting of a native Delaware sycamore tree in an area on the refuge that was recently cleared of invasive plant species. A total of 100 special trees were planted on the Peterson Refuge to mark the anniversary.