Senator Coons applauds Senate progress on Sportsmen’s Act

Senator Coons applauded the Senate’s progress in advancing the Sportsmen’s Act, on Tuesday with a 92-5 vote to invoke cloture. The legislation includes 20 conservation, hunting and fishing bills, including the reauthorization of important domestic and international wildlife and habitat conservation programs, changes to conservation programs such as creating a mechanism to update the Duck Stamp and improvements to access for hunters and fisherman.

“Protecting Delaware’s pristine wildlife and natural resources is all of our responsibility,” Chris said. “The Sportsmen’s Act will help preserve these resources for hunting, fishing, camping, cycling and wildlife viewing – outdoor activities that contribute billions of dollars each year to our local economy. We must continue to protect these natural resources so they can be enjoyed by future generations of Delawareans.”

The North American Wetlands Conservation Reauthorization Act (NAWCA), one of two provisions that Chris co-sponsors, currently funds eight projects in Delaware that have conserved a total of 7,528 acres of wildlife habitat. NAWCA has awarded more than $4 million in funds that stimulated partner contributions of more than $7.5 million. Delaware also benefits from three multi-state NAWCA projects that have conserved 45,500 acres of wildlife habitat on the Chesapeake Bay.

“Ducks Unlimited commends Senator Coons for supporting the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012, which will reauthorize critical conservation programs such as the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and allow for an increase in the Federal Duck Stamp,” said Ducks Unlimited Delaware State Chairman Clif Bakhsh of Middletown.  “NAWCA and the federal Duck Stamp provide the financial resources that allow groups like DU to protect and restore waterfowl habitat across the country. DU is hopeful Senator Coons can help push this bipartisan legislation through the Senate so future generations of sportsmen and women can enjoy our wonderful natural resources.”

The Senate is expected to vote on final passage of the Sportsmen’s Act on Thursday.

America’s Great Outdoors Initiative Achieving Results

The Office of Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced on Wednesday the preliminary results of a comprehensive national survey of outdoor recreation showing a significant increase in hunters and a double-digit increase in anglers over the past five years. These results have occurred in the face of decades of decline in the outdoor recreation industry, a subject addressed by President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative implemented in 2010.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation found that hunters nationwide increased by 9 percent while anglers grew by 11 percent.  Nearly 38 percent of all Americans participated in wildlife-related recreation in 2011, an increase of 2.6 million participants from the previous survey in 2006. They spent $145 billion on related gear, trips and other purchases, such as licenses, tags and land leasing and ownership, representing 1 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product.

“Seeing more people fishing, hunting, and getting outdoors is great news for America’s economy and conservation heritage,” Secretary Salazar said. “That is why, through President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative, we have been focused on helping Americans rediscover the joys of casting a line, passing along family hunting traditions, and protecting the places they love."

Senator Coons is a strong proponent of the America’s Great Outdoors initiative, designed to strengthen conservation efforts and encourage wild life related recreation across the nation. Chris has endorsed two projects in the state of Delaware as part of the national effort. In May, Chris joined Secretary Ken Salazar, Delaware Governor Jack Markell, and others to launch the Delaware Bayshore Initiative to strengthen Delaware’s Chesapeake coastlines. In October of 201,1 he helped announce the First State National Historical Park Act of 2011, which plans for the construction of a new state park.

Click here to read the Department of Interior press release.

Click here to learn more about Chris’ support of conservation and outdoor recreation.

Senators Coons, Carper highlight conservation accomplishments in Chesapeake Bay Watershed

SEAFORD, Del. – On Monday, Senators Chris Coons and Tom Carper were joined by state officials and Seaford cattle farm owners Carlton and Jody Jones to highlight conservation accomplishments in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, working with farmers and other local stakeholders, has achieved historic levels of conservation implementation in the Chesapeake Bay watershed during the past two years, leading to water quality improvements, wildlife habitat enhancement and support of rural economies. 

NRCS helped Chesapeake Bay farmers and forest landowners voluntarily install conservation practices or actions on a total of 650,000 acres of working lands. Since 2004, NRCS has provided more than $500 million to help farmers install or apply conservation practices. Through the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative (CBWI), and other Farm Bill programs, NRCS staff helped landowners to voluntarily implement over 60,000 new conservation practices in the watershed in 2011. 

"Voluntary conservation practices make a tremendous difference as we work to support our local farmers while protecting and sustaining our precious natural resources for generations to come," Senator Coons said. "Delaware farmers continue to raise the bar when it comes to committing themselves to best management practices that protect and preserve the land they farm, as well as the natural resources that surround them. What has been accomplished in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed should not only be celebrated, but should also serve as a model for other areas in the state, region and the nation."

NRCS staff has helped landowners voluntarily apply or construct nearly 300 waste storage facilities, over 150,000 acres of nutrient management to regulate nutrient application, and nearly 70,000 feet of terraces to prevent soil erosion.

Breaking ground on the Michael N. Castle Trail at the C&D; Canal

ST. GEORGES, Del. –Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and U.S. Rep. John Carney joined federal, state and local officials to announce the naming of the Michael N. Castle Trail at the C&D Canal. Monday also marked the groundbreaking of the first phase of the approximately 16-mile long shared-use recreational trail along the north side of the C&D Canal. The trail will create safe new recreational opportunities along the canal where people can hike, bicycle, jog, skate, bird watch and ride horses.

“Mike Castle long ago embraced the notion that the C&D Canal is like an emerald necklace draped across the northern portion of our beautiful state, and I am so very pleased that this jewel will be named after our dear friend,” Chris said. “Quite a few Delawareans, including Mike Castle, have worked hard over nearly eight years to transform this path into a greenway, and I’m pleased today we’re celebrating the groundbreaking. I look forward to the day when my family and I can join others in exploring the beauty of the C&D Canal via the Michael N. Castle Trail.”

As one of America's first commercial corridors, this canal has been an important part of Delaware’s economy since the early 1830's,” Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez said. “182 years later, the C&D Canal continues to demonstrate its significance by creating jobs for workers and expanding recreational access through improved transportation options for bicyclists, hikers, joggers and others.”

DelDOT is responsible for construction of the trail along the canal, which is owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The C&D Canal has been in operation since 1829 and today it is one of the busiest working waterways in the world. The canal is a critical commercial waterway serving the Ports of Baltimore, Wilmington, and Philadelphia.

Click here to learn more about Chris’ work to preserve the environment.

What We’re Reading: Building Delaware’s ecotourism industry

The News Journal reported Wednesday on a new study by the nonprofit Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, which found that outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, camping, cycling and wildlife viewing contribute nearly $4 billion annually to the economy on the Delmarva Peninsula. While Delaware’s conservation areas are a draw for many tourists in the area, limited public access and infrastructure has kept the ecotourism industry from expanding to its full potential.

Here in Delaware, O'Mara said state and local officials need to do more to market what he describes as a "conservation economy."

The state can help with things such as protecting more land, and providing access through boat ramps and bird-viewing platforms.

But entrepreneurs need to step up and provide guide services, food, lodging and equipment, he said. Even commercial fishermen could tap into the market by providing tours in their off-season.

Senator Chris Coons knows that ecotourism and environmental conservation go hand-in-hand. He has worked in collaboration with other members of the Delaware Congressional delegation and state government to oversee construction of a recreational trail for joggers, walkers, cyclists, and equestrians along the banks of the Chesapeake and Delaware (C&D) Canal. Once completed, this trail will allow easier access for Delawareans to enjoy the local environment.

Click here to read the full article on The News Journal’s website.

Click here to learn more about Chris’ work on protecting the environment.

Celebrating Earth Day

Earth Day is a day for us to take a step back and recognize the importance of our natural resources to our health, economy, and way of life.

The environmental challenges facing our nation, and our planet, can seem daunting at times. From climate change, to water scarcity, to species extinctions, these issues are all incredibly complicated and will require long term, comprehensive, and international solutions. However, Chris believes that it is important for us to remember that there are simple things we can do in our everyday lives that can help. You can save resources by reusing and recycling containers and materials; save energy by turning off lights, appliances, and computers; save water by turning off faucets; and you can help wildlife by building bat boxes, keeping a bird feeder, and planting native plants in your yard. These things may seem small, but if everyone did a little, together, we can do a lot. These efforts lead to real, positive impacts for the environment, and can help change the way we look at environmental problems.

Chris also believes that it is important for us all to get out and enjoy the great outdoors as much as possible. Doing so will help us enjoy our open spaces, stay healthy, and connect with our neighbors and broader community. Chris is proud of Delaware’s efforts to create a more livable state, with its Walkable, Bikeable, Delaware plan, which will create a coherent vision for biking and walking infrastructure in Delaware and invest in new recreation opportunities and alternate means for transportation. One of the projects Chris has been helping to lead is the development of a recreational trail along the Chesapeake and Delaware (C&D) Canal. The trail will connect Delaware City with Chesapeake City, create jobs, link communities, and serve as a regional destination for the hikers, bicyclists, joggers, horseback riders, and anglers. Construction of the trail is expected to begin this May. Chris is also very supportive of programs that conserve habitat, farmland, and our hunting heritage, including the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), and the suite of farm bill conservation programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Farm and Ranchlands Protection Program (FRPP), and Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP).

While Chris understands that fossil fuels will continue to play an important role in the near term, he firmly believes that we need to be making alternative choices for the future. Developing innovative forms of renewable and low carbon energy are critical not only to protecting our environment but also to our long-term economic competitiveness. There is state-of-the-art research and development will depend on both public and private investments across the country in the areas of solar, wind, thermal, and biomass energy as well as with energy capture and storage technology that could transform our economy. It is important for the federal government to ensure that this critical research continues to receive the resources it needs. In particular, Chris is focused on promoting the next generation of advanced biofuels, deploying more renewables and energy efficiency into the electricity system, and helping Delaware to become the first state to deploy large-scale wind energy technology off its coast. Imagine the immense benefits to our economy, environment, and our way of life from manufacturing more clean energy products in Delaware and powering our homes with home-grown wind energy. 

Happy Earth Day!

Senator Coons hails new international cooperation on climate change and clean air

This morning, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced a new climate change and clean air initiative at the State Department. This initiative will bring together a coalition of countries including Sweden, Mexico, Canada, Bangladesh, and Ghana to fight some of the biggest contributions to global climate change.

The Climate and Clean Air Coalition, in cooperation with the U.N. Environment Programme, will target so-called short-lived "climate forcers." Those substances like methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) remain in the atmosphere only days or weeks, unlike carbon dioxide, which lasts generations.  Collectively, they account for 30-40% of current global warming. The initiative will look to find ways to reduce these pollutants that have the potential for reducing average global temperatures by ½ degree Celsius. This could be a significant reduction in light of the recent pledge reduce average global temperatures by 2 degrees Celsius at last year’s international conference on climate change.

Senator Coons is a strong supporter of cooperative, international approaches to fighting climate change and improve clean air. Prior to last year’s international conference on climate change in Durban, South Africa, he joined 15 of his Senate colleagues in signing a letter urging coordinated international efforts as we transition to a clean energy economy.

Chris was also glad to hear that additional countries, including many in Europe and Latin America, are expected to join the coalition next year. All reductions are voluntary and the programs are low cost or even cost neutral.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency head Lisa Jackson joined Secretary Clinton for this morning’s announcement, highlighting the health benefits of the initiative. Her agency estimates these programs could save over 2.5 million lives and prevent some of the 30-50 million tons of agricultural losses each year due to these pollutants.

Senator Coons’ environmental scorecard

The League of Conservations Voters (LCV) released its 2011 National Environmental Scorecard on Tuesday, providing new insight into how members of Congress voted on a wide range of environmental issues.  During a year when the LCV saw an unparallel assault on our environmental wellbeing, Senator Coons remained committed to protecting our environment for future generations and received a perfect score on the LCV’s 2011 Scorecard.

The 2011 Scorecard includes 11 Senate and a record 35 House votes on issues ranging from public health protections to clean energy to land and wildlife conservation. Chris was one of 31 senators to earn a perfect 100% score.

For over 40 years, the National Environmental Scorecard issued by LCV has been the nationally accepted yardstick used to rate members of Congress on environmental, public health and energy issues.

Click here to learn more about Chris’ work to help preserve the environment.

Click here to learn more about Chris’ work to increase investments in clean energy.

Senator Coons thanks Delawarean for conservation efforts

Senator Coons was proud to learn that Bill D’Alonzo of Greenville, DE was honored for his decades of dedication to environmental conservation with the 2012 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year award.

D’Alonzo was selected in recognition of his more than twenty years of work with Ducks Unlimited, as a volunteer and member of the board of directors. The award comes with a $50,000 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant, which D’Alonzo has requested benefit the Chesapeake-Delaware Bay conservation area.

“I’m proud of Bill for serving as a role model when it comes to conservation and contributions to the outdoors.  Protecting our natural resources is a responsibility we all must take seriously,” said Chris. “Ducks Unlimited is fortunate to have such a dedicated advocate representing them both locally and nationally.”

 D’Alonzo is president and CEO of Friess Associates.  He has served on DU’s development committee, finance committee and investment sub-committee.  He also serves on the board of directors for DU’s Wetlands America Trust and DU’s national board of directors. He picked up his award at the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show in Las Vegas this month.

DU is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, DU has conserved more than 12 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent.

Commemorating 100 years of fish and wildlife conservation

WILMINGTON — Senator Coons, Governor Jack Markell, DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara and former Congressman Mike Castle celebrated 100 years of fish and wildlife conservation in Delaware on Monday. The milestone was marked at a ceremony at the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge in Wilmington along side staff of the Division of Fish and Wildlife, and representatives of various conservation groups.

“For the past 100 years, the Division of Fish and Wildlife has protected a wealth of natural resources in our great state,” said Chris.  “Delaware’s natural resources support countless recreational activities that draw hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, which helps support local businesses and our regional economy.  I congratulate the Division of Fish and Wildlife for 100 years of building a true conservation success story.”

DNREC highlighted several of its conservation success stories in the First State, including:

• Restoration of many species of fish and wildlife including deer, turkey, bald eagle, striped bass and summer flounder populations;
• Acquisition of thousands of acres of land and waterways for habitat conservation, management, restoration and public use;
• Habitat management and restoration on thousands of acres of private lands and waterways;
• Statewide quality outdoor recreation and access for resident and visiting anglers, hunters, nature enthusiasts and the general public;
• Environmentally compatible mosquito control;
• A modern and professional enforcement section that protects our resources and improves boating safety.

The celebration also included the planting of a native Delaware sycamore tree in an area on the refuge that was recently cleared of invasive plant species.  A total of 100 special trees were planted on the Peterson Refuge to mark the anniversary.