Rehoboth Beach, Del. — The Delaware Center for the Inland Bays is seeking boat-owning volunteers to participate in their yearly waterway cleanup initiative scheduled for Saturday, August 28, running from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
This environmental initiative will target shoreline areas throughout Rehoboth and Indian River Bays using watercraft, while Delaware Department of Transportation’s Adopt-A-Highway teams handle terrestrial cleanup operations. The aquatic cleanup program, which the Center has coordinated since the early 2000s, receives backing from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).
Historical cleanup campaigns have successfully collected thousands of pounds of waste materials, encompassing plastic containers and bags, automotive tires, aluminum cans, food packaging, abandoned fishing equipment, and dock materials. Waterway debris poses significant threats to both recreational bay users and diverse wildlife populations, including avian species, aquatic life, and marine mammals like dolphins.
Organizers specifically require boat operators with motorized vessels to gather and transport collected waste materials. Interested boat captains should reach out to Program Manager Bob Collins at 302-226-8105 ext. 711 or via email at [email protected].
Individuals without boats are also welcome to assist with debris collection activities on the water and help transfer gathered materials into onshore dumpsters. Participants must complete advance registration for the 2021 cleanup event online at tinyurl.com/InlandBaysCleanUp. Pre-registration is mandatory to ensure sufficient boat capacity for all volunteers.
Cleanup assignments will be distributed to participants on event day at the designated departure location: Massey’s Landing Public Boat Ramp, situated at Long Neck Road’s terminus in Millsboro.
Participants should prepare for variable weather conditions, including potentially cooler and windier circumstances on the water, and wear appropriate clothing for messy and damp working conditions. Work gloves are suggested and closed-toe footwear is mandatory. Volunteers who own personal flotation devices should bring them, as life jackets are required aboard all cleanup vessels. Additional lifejackets will be supplied when necessary. Participants must provide their own beverages and meals, as no refreshments will be available.
All participants must complete liability waivers on the day of the event. This activity is not suitable for children younger than 12, and minors under 18 must have parental or guardian supervision.
The Center will adhere to CDC and state COVID-19 safety protocols.
DNREC continues its support through the Delaware Natural Resources Police. Event sponsors include DNREC’s Fish and Wildlife Division, DNREC’s Parks and Recreation Division, Dewey Beach Lions Club, GFL Environmental/Waste Industries of Delaware, state Senator Ernie Lopez, and the Delaware Solid Waste Authority’s Community Cleanup Initiative.
The Delaware Center for the Inland Bays operates as a nonprofit organization founded in 1994 and represents one of 28 National Estuary Programs. Through collaborative partnerships, the Center focuses on preserving, protecting and restoring Delaware’s Inland Bays and surrounding watershed areas. Additional information is available at inlandbays.org.
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control manages the state’s natural resources, safeguards public health, offers outdoor recreation opportunities and provides environmental education to Delaware residents. More details can be found on their website, with social media updates available @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Additional information is available by contacting Program Manager Bob Collins at 302-226-8105 ext. 711 or through email at [email protected].
