Del. officials announce purchase of new land for conservation

Big strides were made Tuesday in preserving pristine natural habitats in the first state. Almost 50 acres of land along the Nanticoke River is now protected by the state of Delaware.

The land was acquired by Delaware from a local family and it now creates an over 100 acre strip of land for conservation. Officials say this is a big benefit to the public.

“So we’re in the process now of developing a management plan and thinking about how we can provide access whether it’s for trails and people who want to hike or maybe come in with a camera and just enjoy nature,” says DNREC Secy. David Small.

This new plot of land ultimately cost just over 200,000 dollars. This bill was split between money from Delaware, federal funds, as well as money from two private conservations groups.

U.S. Senator Chris Coons tells 47 ABC the money is well spent.

“This was a great opportunity to celebrate what’s best about Delaware which is our ability to come together. To bring to the table private dollars, state, federal, local dollars and persevere a key piece Nanticoke river watershed which is now going to be a part of this state’s efforts to conserve a whole region here on the Nanticoke River,” says Coons.

In a statement – Delaware Governor Jack Markell says — the combination of funds used is a first of its kind in Delaware — and it quote “provides a successful model that can be applied to future land protection projects along the Nanticoke River.”