DNREC News - DNREC Offers New Year's Resolutions to Help Preserve Delaware's Environment

Vol. 30, No. 367
Dec. 15, 2000

For more information, contact Kathleen Jamison, Information and Education Section, 202-739-4506.

DNREC Offers New Year's Resolutions to Help Preserve and Protect Delaware's Environment

When writing your list of New Year's resolutions for 2001, consider suggestions from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control that will help protect the state's natural resources and the quality of life that makes Delaware special.

"In addition to making resolutions, which often don't last much longer than New Year's Day, we encourage citizens to make environmental conservation a new daily habit," said Secretary Nicholas A. DiPasquale. "Whether it's one individual's commitment to recycling or neighborhood families working together to clean a local stream, each of us can make a difference."

DNREC also encourages citizens to make resolutions regarding personal safety by enrolling in a hunting or boating safety course to refresh skills; ensuring that boats are equipped with personal flotation devices and checking flares and fire extinguishers for expiration dates; properly maintaining boating and recreational equipment; wearing a certified bike helmet when cycling; and using proper safety equipment and procedures when enjoying Delaware's state parks, nature preserves, forests and other public lands.

DNREC's Suggested 2001 New Year's Resolutions:

Reduce, reuse and recycle household items and trash whenever possible;
Use less energy and water in your home and at work;
Take chemicals, paints, solvents and motor oil to recycling centers;
Obey laws that protect our natural resources and public safety;
Join a local Tributary Action Team and help protect Delaware's watersheds. Call 302-739-4590 for more information about your local citizen organization;
Make a donation to the Nongame and Endangered Species Fund on line 21A of your Delaware State Income Tax Form.
Visit a nearby state park; purchase an annual pass (just $20 for Delaware residents, $10 for seniors) for four seasons of outdoor fun. Call 302-739-4702 or stop by your local state park;
Reduce or eliminate use of chemicals and pesticides to fertilize lawns and gardens;
Plant trees in your community;
Build a bird feeder, plant a vegetable garden or create a native flower bed to attract birds and butterflies to your backyard;
Never litter and teach your children not to litter;
Help maintain and improve local trail systems and state parks - call 302-739-4702 or stop by your local state park for more information;
Take a nature walk each week and encourage others to join you; Use mass transit whenever possible;
Do not use fertilizer to de-ice driveways and sidewalks;
Adopt a Wetland - call DNREC's Aquatic Resource Education Center, 302-653-2882, to learn how to get involved;
Consider donating a conservation easement to protect undeveloped land and to become eligible for income, property and estate tax benefits.

The employees of DNREC wish you and your family a Safe and Happy New Year!

Document number 40-01/00/12/10

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