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.
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.
Senator Coons led his colleagues on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in passing a bill that would finally create a national park in Delaware. Chris congratulated Delaware's Senior Senator, Tom Carper, on the victory.
“For more than a decade, Senator Carper has worked tirelessly to finally bring a national park to our state, and today he has my sincere congratulations. A national park will preserve and celebrate our state’s vibrant history, while boosting Delaware’s economy and creating jobs. Senator Carper and I will now work to get this bill a vote of the full Senate, and bring the First State National Historical Park one step closer to reality.”
To kick off National Wildlife Refuge Week earlier this month, Senator Coons joined Ducks Unlimited at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Smyrna to celebrate the important role federal refuges play in conserving wildlife and expanding hunting access.
Ducks Unlimited is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wetlands and associated upland habitats for waterfowl, other wildlife, and people.
On Thursday, October 6th, the Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution introduced by Senator Coons to designate October 9-15, 2011 as National Wildlife Refuge Week. The resolution was cosponsored by Senators Sessions, Cardin, Alexander, Murray, Lieberman, Reed, Wyden, Bingaman, Whitehouse, Tom Udall, Scott Brown, Collins, Cochran, and Merkley.
Since 1903, when President Theodore Roosevelt established the first National Wildlife Refuge on Florida’s Pelican Island, the nation has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to preserving a legacy of conservation for hunters, fishermen, birders, and other recreationists. The National Wildlife Refuge System, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has grown to more than 150,000,000 acres, 553 national wildlife refuges, and 38 wetland management districts in every state and territory of the United States.
Chris got a head start on Refuge Week with a tour of Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Smyrna, Delaware on Friday, where he was joined by local conservationists, sportsmen, volunteers, and refuge staff.
Established in 1937 as a link in the chain of refuges extending from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, Bombay Hook‘s 16,000 acre protected area contains 13,000 acres of tidal salt marsh, a particularly crucial wildlife habitat in Delaware. Bombay Hook is an important stop for migratory waterfowl, and was named one of America's 100 Important Bird Areas by the American Bird Conservancy. In addition to 278 species of birds, the refuge is home to over 90 other animal species, 21 of which are fish.
Also on Delaware’s coast is Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, which was established in 1963 and consists of 10,000 acres of tidal salt marsh, woodlands, grasslands, and scrublands that have proven to be an important habitat for the Delmarva fox squirrel, nesting bald eagles, migrating peregrine falcons, and scores of other migratory birds. The refuge is considered to have one of the best existing wetland habitat areas along the Atlantic Coast.
Nationwide, refuges host over 45 million visitors, generate approximately 27,000 jobs, and contribute nearly $1.7 million to local economies. Bombay Hook and Prime Hook in Delaware each attract roughly 100,000 visitors every year. These visitors help support local businesses and the regional economies in Kent and Sussex Counties.
The protected network of diverse habitats for wildlife created by the Refuge System has enabled hunting and fishing at hundreds of refuges. Roughly 9.6 million visitors frequent refuges for the purposes of hunting and fishing every year. In Delaware, hunting is allowed on Bombay Hook, while hunting and fishing are allowed on Prime Hook.
As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Chris remains actively engaged with conservation issues as a staunch advocate for protected lands and waters in Delaware and throughout the nation.
Click here to learn more about Chris’ work on issues pertaining to natural resources and the environment.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons joined eight of his colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Charitable Agricultural Research Act, which will spur new agricultural research, leveraging private dollars to create charitable partnerships between universities and private entities to strengthen and improve American agriculture. The bill amends the tax code to allow for the creation of a new type of charitable, tax-exempt organization, agricultural research organizations, similar to medical research organizations which have been in existence since the 1950s
“In order for our rural communities to remain vibrant and sustainable, we must invest in agricultural research,” Chris said. “Partnering university research with private sector innovation allows both our institutions and industries to work collaboratively to grow our economy. I am pleased that I could join my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to fight for the future of one of America’s most important economic sectors, our farming industry.”
Over the last 60 years, agricultural research has expanded food production significantly. According to the USDA Economic Research Service, farm productivity has risen 158% since 1948; this increase can be largely attributed to research, through the implementation of improved farming practices and the use of new agricultural technologies. Today, the United States produces $312 billion in agricultural products and exports $108 billion annually.
However, agricultural scientists warn that failing to invest in agricultural research could spell disaster for the future of American food security and safety. Agricultural research funding has become stagnant and has fallen far behind other federal agencies since the 1970s. The Charitable Agricultural Research Act seeks to address these challenges by creating agricultural research organizations (AROs) that would work in conjunction with agricultural and land-grant colleges and universities to conduct research in the field of agriculture. To accomplish this, a new section allowing for donations to agricultural research would be added immediately below the portion of the current tax code that provides for charitable contributions to medical research organizations.
Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and John Thune (R-SD) are the lead sponsors of the bill. Senator Coons, a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, is a cosponsor.
To learn more about Senator Coons’ work to protect America’s agriculture, click here.
WASHINGTON - Senator Coons joined 17 other Senators on Tuesday to form the Senate Oceans Caucus. The goal of this bipartisan caucus is to address national issues of importance to marine and coastal ecosystems and industries--a source of jobs for millions of Americans, and an integral part of Delaware’s economy. Given the national focus on getting Americans back to work, we must preserve the vitality of our oceans and the economies they support.
Our nation’s oceans contribute over $230 billion to our national economy, and so threats to oceans and coastal economies are not just local issues. Chris believes that the Senate Oceans Caucus will be an important bipartisan forum for Senators to come together to discuss issues of importance to our oceans, estuaries, and coasts, and the industries and communities that depend on them. Through the Senate Oceans Caucus, Senator Coons is committed to working with his colleagues to increase Delaware’s economic competitiveness and preserve our critical natural resources.
Delaware’s coast presents a unique opportunity to develop new energy sources that will make the U.S. more energy independent and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. NRG Bluewater Wind is in the process of developing one of the first offshore wind farms in the U.S. right off Delaware’s shores. According to the University of Delaware, wind off the Atlantic Coast has the potential to generate enough power to replace about 300 coal plants and to support the energy needs of nine states from Massachusetts to North Carolina. The Bluewater Wind and future wind projects will bring clean, reliable power to Delawareans and will help build a new manufacturing sector that will bring jobs and economic growth to families throughout Delaware and the region. As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Chris is exploring ways the Senate can help to develop the energy technologies of tomorrow, including offshore wind.
Delaware’s coastal waters, estuaries, and rivers are home to a diverse range of aquatic species including bass, bluefish, flounder, trout, oysters, clams, crabs, and more. These species are vital to not only the thousands of anglers who come to Delaware for recreational fishing each year, but also Delaware’s seafood industry. According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in 2007 Delaware’s commercial seafood industry provided over 1,500 jobs and roughly $74 million in sales. Furthermore, recreational fishing in Delaware is a nearly $100 million dollar business according to the 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildfire-Associated Recreation.
Chris believes that research, particularly in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, is integral to improving America’s global competitiveness. The University of Delaware’s Sea Grant Program as well as the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment are conducting critical, cutting edge research on estuarine, coastal, and ocean resources. These efforts serve to bolster Delaware’s educational resources and get young people engaged in the industries of tomorrow. Moreover, the work being done by these institutions will help preserve the strength of Delaware’s key coastal resources.
ST. GEORGES – Senator Coons joined other Delaware leaders on September 1 to announce funding and plans for construction of a recreation trail along the Chesapeake and Delaware (C&D) Canal. Present at the event were U.S. Senator Tom Carper, U.S. Rep. John Carney, former U.S. Rep. Mike Castle, Governor Jack Markell, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Collin O’Mara, Delaware Department of Transportation Secretary Shailen Bhatt, Army Corps of Engineers District Commander Lt. Colonel Philip M. Secrist Ill, Federal Highways Administrator for the State of Delaware Hassan Raza and other federal, state and local leaders.
The first phase of the project includes the construction of approximately nine miles of trail on the north side of the canal from Delaware City to just beyond Summit Marina and has a budget of $4.2 million. Groundbreaking will take place next spring and construction is anticipated to take up to one year.
“Developing a shared-use recreational trail along the C&D Canal will not only create a wonderful place for Delawareans to exercise and have fun, but will be a boom to local businesses,” Chris said. “Quite a few Delawareans, including former Congressman Mike Castle, have worked hard over the last seven years to create this greenway, and I’m pleased that today we’re able to announce such a significant step forward in turning this idea into a reality. The C&D Canal is an amazing resource and I look forward to the day when my family and I can join others in safely exploring the beauty of the C&D Canal thanks to the new recreation trail.”
The C&D Canal Recreational Trail represents the vision of a broad array of Delawareans and will be a unique resource for the First State. Not only will the initial construction of nine miles of trail serve to create jobs in the short-term, but its long-term presence will link communities whose shops and restaurants will be a destination for the hikers, bicyclists, joggers, horseback riders, anglers, and students who visit the trail. At a time when concerns about health and wellness are increasingly becoming part of our national dialogue, this project will help kids and families to be more active outdoors. This greenway will be a valuable asset to residents living in southern New Castle County communities like Delaware City, Odessa, Townsend, Middletown, and Summit.
Once completed, the trail will highlight Delaware’s natural beauty as well as the historical and contemporary importance of the C&D Canal to both Delaware and our national economy. The canal has been an important conduit for trade in our region since the 1830s, and it remains one of the busiest working canals in the world, serving the ports of Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, and Camden, New Jersey. Visitors to the canal will not only enjoy the beauty of the canal, but will also see the nearly 1000 foot container ships that travel through Delaware on a daily basis carrying cargo from around the world.
After seven years, the allocation of funds for this project represents government at its best – working to help improve the quality of life for Delawareans. The Delaware Congressional Delegation, including former Congressman Mike Castle, worked closely with Governor Markel, the Delaware General Assembly, other Delaware officials, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Highway Administration, and a variety of nongovernmental groups to help make the C&D Recreational Trail a reality. This type of collaboration that ultimately yields results is what Delawareans expect and deserve from their elected officials.
From Tuesday’s News Journal: Following Senator Coons’ participation in a briefing on “cool roofs” at the Environmental and Energy Study Institute this past Thursday, many of us on staff have been thinking excitedly about the future of urban energy conservation and the potential we have right over our heads. Wade Malcolm at TheNews Journal explores the emerging “green roof” movement in an article today about the University of Delaware’s first green roof, which covers the Colburn Laboratory and was designed and planted by students, faculty, and staff.
On a warm fall day in 2008, Annette Shine sat in a classroom teaching a course she likes to call “how not to blow up a chemical plant.” Her group of University of Delaware chemical engineering students struggled to learn the difficult material in a sweaty, 86-degree room. The building's ventilation system had been switched over to heat for the winter, so forget about air conditioning. Shine opened a window, but construction nearby made too much noise. So she and her students treated it as an engineering problem, and eventually, they came up with a solution. Grow a garden on the roof.
This fall, people looking over a one-story wing jutting out from the south side of Colburn Laboratory will see an array of colorful plants covering the flat tar roof. The 14,000 square feet of small sedums planted in trays with 4 to 8 inches of soil will be UD's first “green roof.” “There was no good way to cool the building if it got hot certain times of the year,” said Shine, an associate professor. “And it's a popular classroom even though it can be uncomfortable, so this will help.” Rooftop vegetation has sprouted on campuses across the country, from community colleges to Ivy League institutions.
…
The new Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Laboratory, currently under construction on Academy Street, is being built to accommodate a green roof. Nelson hopes the visibility of the Colburn Lab project will inspire more greening elsewhere in the university. “We wanted the first one to be in a visible place to kind of market it to the rest of campus,” [assistant professor of landscape design Chad] Nelson said.
The process was not without its challenges. It required a structural engineering study to ensure the roof wouldn't collapse under the weight of the garden, and facilities personnel wanted assurances that the plants would not become a maintenance hassle. Shine credited the students for helping her through the long process. “Chad and I provided continuity, but the students did a lot of the legwork,” she said.
Senator Coons joined Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) in introducing an important piece of legislation for Delaware’s ecosystem this week — the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act of 2011 — alongside Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez (both D-N.J.), Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand (both D-N.Y.), and Robert Casey (D-Penn.).
This bill will protect and enhance the Delaware River watershed by establishing the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
"The Delaware River Basin is a precious asset that provides critical resources to Delawareans as well as habitat for a diverse array of wildlife," Chris said. "The Basin is an incredible economic engine for the region, supporting jobs in the tourism, fishing, and maritime industries, which bolster revenue in the broader regional economy. This legislation will ensure that we take a comprehensive, long-term approach to managing the Basin. It is our responsibility to preserve the Delaware River Basin's vibrant ecosystem for future generations."
The legislation would strengthen not only the environmental health of the watershed, but also the economic impact the Delaware River watershed has on the area. It is estimated that the Delaware River watershed contributes over $10 billion in annual economic activity to the tri-state region of Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
The Delaware River is directly responsible for over 200,000 jobs and $4.3 billion in annual wages and indirectly responsible for an additional 230,000 jobs and $3.4 billion in annual wages. Overall, there are 2,900,000 jobs contained within the watershed and $149 billion in annual wages.
Additionally, the Delaware River is home to the largest freshwater port in the U.S., the Delaware River Port Complex, which generates over $19 billion in annual economic activity.
To learn more about the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act, click here. To learn more about Chris’ ideas for environmental protection, click here.
