DOVER, DE, April 28, 2015 -- The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has announced that it is seeking nominations for the 2015 Delaware Wetland Warrior Award in an effort to recognize exemplary efforts to protect wetlands and the many benefits -- mostly relating to water quality -- that they provide to all Delawareans.
The Wetland Warrior Award is presented annually to a citizen, organization or business that has demonstrated outstanding efforts on behalf of Delaware wetlands through outreach and education, monitoring and assessment, or restoration and protection. The award will be presented on Governor's Day, Thursday, July 30, 2015, at the Delaware State Fair in Harrington.
Wetland Warriors are Delaware's environmental heroes who work tirelessly to slow wetland loss, help restore degraded wetlands, preserve habitat, increase awareness of the value of wetlands, and bolster support for their protection. The award recognizes these wetland stewards who have helped ensure that future generations will enjoy these natural habitats.
Delaware has more than 320,000 acres of wetlands, comprising about 25 percent of the state's area. Wetlands protect lives and property from the impacts of floods and storms, filter pollutants and improve water quality, reduce erosion, and provide critical habitat for fish and wildlife. Almost every part of our state is within one mile of a wetland -- making wetland protection vital to our health and safety.
DNREC studies indicate that over the past 15 years, more than 3,896 acres of wetlands were lost due to conversion to other land uses statewide. This acreage is significant because in the previous 10-year period, the total statewide wetland loss was 1,996 acres. These recent trends make recognizing the conservationists who have prioritized wetlands even more important. It is through natural resource stewards, such as these Wetland Warriors, that Delaware will protect its natural treasures.
See also:
"DNREC accepting applications for wastewater, drinking water asset mgmt program"
"DNREC now collecting grant proposals for wastewater, surface water project planning"
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