Contact: Sgt. Gregory  Rhodes, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, phone: (302) 542-6102
or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, phone: (302) 739-9902

New Volunteer Organization Formed to Support Fish and Wildlife Programs

Chief James Graybeal of the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement has announced the formation of a new Sussex County-based non profit organization whose primary mission is to support Division-sponsored programs. Most of the programs are geared towards educating our youth on the environment we now enjoy in Sussex County and how to help protect it for generations to come.

The organization is officially registered as the Association of Delaware Fish, Wildlife, and Boating Enforcement Volunteers, and is comprised of volunteers and financial sponsors who recognize the importance of educating our youth on the environment.

Prior to the forming of the Association, Debbie Passwaters, wife of Capt. James Passwaters of the Division, had coordinated a group of volunteers which supported Division programs. “The group grew to a point where it required a more formal structure,” said Mrs. Passwaters, who was instrumental in forming the new organization under the direction of her husband.

The volunteers participate in a variety of youth activities throughout the year. Adult volunteers are key to the success of such large annual youth events as the Youth Fishing Tournament held in June and Camp Awareness, a weekend camp held in late May at which middle schoolers from all over the state have fun learning about the environment. Other volunteer efforts include teaching boating safety classes, tagging crab pots for removal from the waterways and conducting marine courtesy inspections at state-administered boat ramps.

If you would like to join the Association as a volunteer, sponsor it with a donation, or would like more information, please call 302-855-1929 or write to the Association of Delaware Fish, Wildlife, and Boating Enforcement Volunteers at 21309 Berlin Road, Unit #2, Georgetown, DE 19949.
 

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