News Briefs 4/19/24
DAR tree planting near Ellendale set April 20
The Daughters of the American Revolution, Col. John Haslet Chapter and the Delaware Department of Agriculture/Delaware Forest Service will be planting native pine seedlings on the 1-acre DAR-Walter F. Gabel parcel starting at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 20. Short opening remarks will be followed by planting until noon.
This reforestation project will increase soil fertility, improve biodiversity in wildlife habitats and help sequester carbon to improve air quality. Six American holly trees will be planted in memory of Walter F. Gabel, who served as Delaware state forester 1974-91. His three daughters are DAR members. The establishment of this parcel not only honors Gabel’s distinguished service to Delaware forestry but also pays tribute to his lineage and patriot ancestors who fought in the American Revolution.
The site is on the south side of Redden Road near the intersection with Maple Branch Road (Road 593), about 2.1 miles west of Route 113 between Ellendale and Georgetown. Parking is available on the shoulder of Redden Road.
38th District GOP to discuss education April 22
The 38th District Republican Club will host a forum and panel discussion at 6 p.m., Monday, April 22, on How to Save Education in Delaware. The event will take place at Millville Town Hall, 36404 Club House Road, Millville.
Participants will include Ron Russo, former Wilmington High School principal and founding president of the Charter School of Wilmington; Tanya Hettler, PhD, education director from the Caesar Rodney Institute; Indian River School Board District 4 candidates Joshua Hudson and Anita West-Werner; Senate Minority Leader Gerald Hocker, R-Ocean View; and Rep. Ron Gray, R-Selbyville.
For more information, go to 38thdrcp.com.
Tree-removal penalties tightened in Dewey
Dewey Beach commissioners voted unanimously April 12 to increase penalties for the improper removal of trees. Failure to replace a tree as required is still subject to a $1,000 fine. If the fine is not paid and the tree has not been replaced within 30 days of the violation notice, a second $1,000 fine will be imposed. A new $1,000 fine will be imposed each successive 30-day period until the tree is replaced.
Anyone who improperly removes or destroys a tree can be assessed a $1,000 fine and be required to replace the tree with one of comparable size and species from the Delaware Department of Agriculture list of recommended trees. If the fine remains unpaid and a tree has not been replaced or scheduled for replacement with town approval for 30 days, a second $1,000 fine will be assessed, and a new fine of $1,000 will be assessed for each successive 30-day period until the tree has been replaced or the town has agreed to a schedule for replacement. For more information, go to townofdeweybeach.com.
Changes to Lewes parks panel
Two members of the Lewes Parks and Recreation Commission have stepped down.
Commission Chair Janet Reeves announced April 15 that Warren Golde left the panel for personal reasons. Golde had served on the commission for nine years and was responsible for overseeing 1812 Memorial Park and Mary Vessels Park.
“He worked hard not only on [his] parks, but on many others. He has put in tireless hours on volunteerism,” Reeves said.
Reeves also said Judy Jeffers would leave her seat after serving for three years. Reeves said Jeffers brought invaluable knowledge to the commission.
Mayor and council appointed Ann Colligan to fill Jeffers’ seat.
Five Points Working Group meets April 22
The Five Points Working Group will meet at 6 p.m., Monday, April 22, at the Cape Henlopen High School library in Lewes. The agenda includes a look ahead to the summer season, an update on pedestrian bridges over Route 1, a status update on implementation of Phase 2 projects, and an overview of an upcoming June workshop. For those unable to attend in person, the meeting will also be available via Zoom at publicmeetings.delaware.gov/#/meeting/78584.
Lewes environmental group meets April 22
The Lewes Planning Commission’s Environmental Subcommittee will meet at 1 p.m., Monday, April 22, at city hall.
The agenda includes discussion and possible recommendation regarding amending the wetland buffer ordinance.
See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.
Lewes BPW, council joint meeting April 22
The Lewes Board of Public Works and Mayor and City Council will hold a joint workshop at 3 p.m., Monday, April 22 at the Rollins Center.
The agenda includes a presentation by the Sussex Conservation District.
See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.
Lewes open space panel to meet April 23
The Lewes Open Space Subcommittee will meet at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 23, at the Rollins Center.
The agenda includes discussion of the purpose and intent of open space.
See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.
Lewes bike group to meet April 23
The Lewes Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 23, at city hall.
The agenda includes an update and discussion on the Lewes Bike Plan.
See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.
New commemorative tree policy in Lewes
The Lewes Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously approved an updated commemorative tree policy.
Donors will be required to pay $1,000 per tree, which covers purchase, shipping, installation and maintenance. Plaques are an additional cost.
For more information, call the city Parks and Recreation manager at 302-645-7777.
SPC celebrating Arbor Day April 26
The Sussex Preservation Coalition will hold its second annual Arbor Day celebration from 10 a.m. to noon, Friday, April 26, at Hudson Park, 18482 Cool Spring Road, near Milton and Harbeson.
The featured speaker will be Christophe Tulou, Delaware Center for the Inland Bays executive director.
Other groups taking part include the Sierra Club, Delaware Habitat Guardians, Sussex Alliance for Responsible Growth and League of Women Voters. A swamp white oak will be planted in honor of Eul Lee, founder of Sussex 2023.
