Murderkill River corridor report

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

COASTAL ZONE

INFORMATION CENTER

MURDERKILL RIVER CORRIDOR REPORT

QH
87.3
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1986

Kent Conservation District 1986

MURDERKILL RIVER CORRIDOR PROJECT REPORT

prepa:red by

Kent Conservation Disrict
and
Cooperating Agencies and Organizations

October 1986

This project was coordinated by Robert E. Williams, natural
resource consultant, for the Kent Conservation District. Word
processing was by Stephanie L. Kish, Kent Conservation District.
Editing by Kathleen M. Jamison, Department of Natural Resources
and Environmental Control. The project was partially funded by a
grant from the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, made available through
the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental
Control.

The Kent Conservation District is pleased to provide
this report for the use of agencies, organizations, and
landowners concerned with natural resources in the
Murderkill River Corridor. The resource information and
management options included should provide useful guidelines
to decision makers on how best to use and manage the
relatively undisturbed natural resources in the corridor.

The cooperation and assistance of all who participated
with the District in this effort are deeply appreciated.
Although heavy demands were made on project participants
during their busiest season of the year, individual resource
reports were completed, joint discussions of all reports
were held, and the report was completed. We feel this
project can point the way for even better understanding of
resources and more effective cooperation as we look forward
to carrying out many of the management options in the months
ahead. The result will be the improvement and protection of
the rich and diverse resources of the Murderkill River
Corridor.

The District expresses its appreciation to the Office
of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management for the funds made
available through the Delaware Department of Natural
Resources and Environmental Control which made this project
We also wish to thank the Delaware Department of
possible.
Agriculture, Agland Preservation Section, for compiling and
preparing the maps.

Sincerely,

Robert Winkler,- Chairman
Kent Conservation District
@7'

MffRDERKILL RIVER CORRIDOR PROJECT
REPORT

Table of Contents

Section Page

1. Summary 1

2. Introduction 11

3. Farmland 13

4. Fisheries 15

5. Wildlife 19

6. Forests 33

7. Historical and Cultural Resources 37

8. Natural Heritage 43

9. Recreation 46

10. Water Quality 48

11. Wetlands 52

12. Mosquito Control 63

13. Urbanization 65

14. Flood Plain Management 67

15. Maps

1. Murderkill River Corridor Project 70

2. State Administered Lands 71

3. Land Uses 72

4. FEMA 100 Year Floodplain 73

SUMMARY

Although the natural resources of the Murderkill River
Corridor are relatively undisturbed at this point in time,
impending pressures from development and recreation will place
greater stress on natural resources, private lands, facilities and
services. The Murderkill River Corridor Project was carried out
under the leadership of the Kent Conservation District to:

- inventory natural and cultural resources;
- analyze current land uses, trends, and problems;
- identify options for resource management;
- promote awareness and understanding; and
- provide responsible landowners, groups and agencies
with management options for the management of natural
resources in the Corridor.

Problems were identified and management options developed for
all resources. Management options not only protect and improve
one type of resource, they often will protect and/or improve
adjacent resources.
This report will serve as a coordinating guide for programs
that will make total conservation of all resources in the
Murderkill River Corridor a reality.

Farmland

Farmland in the Murderkill River Corridor is the steeper or
more rolling areas included in the one-quarter mile strip adjacent
to the wetlands and bott.omlands. These lands are primarily the
well drained Sassafras sandy loam and Rumford loamy sand soils.
In the steeper and more rolling areas of the Corridor, soil
losses will exceed three times the tolerable limits required to
maintain productivity.
Eroded soil is deposited in ditches, streams, natural areas,
and wetlands. More monitoring of irrigation water application is
needed to prevent excess water use and runoff. Temporary covered
field storage for poultry manure is a priority need. Public
access, trespassing, littering, vandalism and off-road vehicles
are growing nuisances.

Management Options

natural areas. These agencies and group s should continue to
furnish information about farmland preservation.
3. Development of alternative crops and cropping systems should
be encouraged to diversify economic opportunities and provide
for better soil management and reduce insect and disease
problems.
4. Promote better irrigation water management.
5. Encourage the Delaware Development Office to recruit addition-
al processing plants to support the productive capability of
the area.
6. Encourage the development and distribution of educational
materials and guidance on current technology for managing
herbicides,' pesticides', and plant nutrients to protect and
improve water quality.
7. Resource agencies should provide adequate information
to all farmers within the corridor to enable them to select
the proper option within the 1985 sodbuster and swampbuster
regulations to protect the resources and their eligibility
to participate in various federal programs.

Fisheries

The Murderkill has a salinity range from zero in the
tumbleholes below mill dams to well over 20 parts per thousand
(ppt) at its confluence with the Delaware-Bay. Consequently
there is a wide range of fishes available, depending on the
season.
Water quality will have to improve within the Murderkill
River system before fisheries can return to their historical
significance. Lowered dissolved oxygen levels in the saline tidal
portion of the river must be raised*in order for oysters to have a
reasonable chance to reestablish viable beds. However as long as
point discharges from sewage treatment plants enter the Murderkill
River, the Department of Health and Social Services will not
permit any harvesting of oysters for direct consumption. Nutrient
levels in the Murderkill River, especially in the five freshwater
ponds, will have to be reduced to prevent further eutrophication.

Management Options

Fisheries waters are impacted by land uses and disturbances
occurring throughout the corridor. For this reason most
management options listed under other land uses will have a
beneficial effect on fisheries if carried out.

Wildlife

The diverse vegetative habitats in the Corridor provide
support for a great number of birds and animals.

Potential problems include agricultural drainage and erosion;
pesticides; development including marinas, dredging, housing,
industrialization; off-road vehicles; utility and highway
development; unregulated impoundments; substandard sewage
effluent; stream bank erosion; common need encroachment; hunting
pressure; poor forestry practices; and loss of habitat for game
and nongame species.

Management Op-tions

1. Increased land acquisition by appropriate state agencies as a
means of protecting wildlife interests.
2. Increased private landowner contact and wildlife planning by
the regional wildlife biologist and the nongame biologist
through direct contact or referral by SCS or ASCS scientists.
3. Formation of an inter-agency planning team whose purpose would
be to address problems as they arise, and to make recommenda-
tions to any public agency, private group or individual in
order to maintain the high environmental standards which
currently exist in the Murderkill River Corridor. This team
would also serve as an inter-agency communication network to
advise the appropriate agencies as problems develop.

Forests

Current timber types in the Murderkill River Corridor are
tidal/swamp and bottomland and upland hardwoods. The mechanical
damage created by poor harvesting practices and the associated
natural site degradation is viewed as the most critical problem.
Land conversion for residential construction and gravel pits are
also considered as forest resource problems.

Management !Igtions

1. The problems of envirormentally damaging harvesting methods
and practices can be reduced, if not eliminated, through
forester site assessment and harvest planning, assuming owner
dedication to use of such a plan. Forester planning includes
use of selective harvesting and/or patch clearcutting in
mature hardwood stands; and harvesting layout and
sales contract restrictions including wet season
restrictions, buffer zones (minimum 50 feet) along streams)
skid trail layout, stream crossing limitations and others, as
site conditions dictate.
2. The forest resource base and environmental concerns of
residential construction, borrow pits and other forest land
conversions can be minimized through use of stream bank buffer
strips, site specific critical impact assessment prior to
zoning changes, long-term land use planning, (such as low
density planning for residential communities) and requirements
for revitalization and revegetation of areas disrupted.
3. Site specific forester assessments for proposed land use

changes are currently available. Forestry guide-
lines can be developed which enumerate methods for minimizing
adverse impacts of forestry practices and land use changes.
Distribution through "currently in place" programs of
cooperating agencies could help achieve owner acceptance.
4. Education and public relations seem to be a key element to
success. Beyond this immediate need,, it must again be recog-
nized that in most cases the forests of Delaware are generally
treated with monetary return in mind. Environmental protect-
ion measures and harvesting regulations are relatively costly.
These costs are almost always passed on to the owner. Perhaps
effective financial incentives to woodland owners can be
developed through the combined experience of agencies involved
in the Corridor project.
5. Many of the options for managing woodland for financial
return while ensuring future forests and reducing environment-
al impacts are currently available. Increased knowledge of
these management options is greatly needed. Though incentives
are needed, investigation into what methods would achieve
desired results should be undertaken.

Historical and Cultural

The Murderkill drainage is one of the best-known areas in
Delaware for prehistoric archaeological sites. At present, about
125 sites are recorded in the Murderkill River Drainage.
Murderkill Neck includes some of the earliest land patents in Kent
County, dating to the 1680s. Forestry played a large part in the
early economy of the area but gave way to farming as the forest
land was cleared. Industrial efforts were tied primarily to
agriculture.
Cultural resources - the physical remains of our past - are
non-renewable; once destroyed, they are gone forever. Planning to
incorporate the preservation of the past as we move into the
future is essential. The Bureau of Archaeology and Historical
Preservation is producing a plan that will identify primary
research orientations and set goals and priorities for recording
and preserving historically significant properties throughout the
state.

Management Options
1. Several things can be done by both the public and the private
sectors to protect cultural resources. For archaeological
sites, the preferred alternative is preservation in place.
Excavation is extremely expensive and time-consuming, and
it is desirable to have a "bank" of preserved sites that
could be investigated in the future with new techniques and
research goals. Sites can be preserved by avoiding ground
disturbing or erosional activities in their vicinity such as
tree removal, deep plowing, construction work, or dirt-biking.
Ways to accomplish this sort of site preservation include the

public acquisition through efforts such as the Natural Areas
program administered by DNREC, or zoning restrictions or
conditions in site areas.
2. On state-owned lands, archaeological sites are protected by
the Antiquities Act, which forbids any kind of site excavation
or disturbance, except for academic research by qualified
professionals under a permit from the director of Historical
and Cultural Affairs. In order to avoid accidental damage
during normal maintenance or facilities expansions, DNREC has
begun a program of archaeological surveys of its parks and
other properties. One of the first parks for which this has
been done is Killens Pond. This program is designed to
delineate site areas and to produce a management plan to guide
future park activities and protect culturally sensitive areas.
These surveys are partially funded by the Historic
Preservation Fund of the National Park Service, administered
in Delaware by the Bureau of Archaeology and Historic
Preservation.
3. Preservation of the historic landscape is also of concern in
this area, which has one of the best preserved cultural land-
scapes in the state. Protection of agricultural lands and
open spaces accords well with historic preservation goals for
this area. In addition, the preservation of the built
environment, both rural and town, is of considerable
importance in maintaining a feeling of the past. The Bureau
of Archaeology and Historic Preservation does surveys to
identify and nominate historically significant buildings to
the National Register of Historic Places. This action
recognizes structures worthy of preservation and makes its
owners eligible for certain tax benefits. -While it gives a
measure of protection from federal actions, listing in the
National Register does not place any restrictions or demands
on owners who are interested in retaining the historic
appearance of their properties. The Bureau provides free
technical advice on the best methods and approaches for doing
SO.

Natural Heritage

The natural heritage programs of the Division of Parks and
Recreation are directed toward natural areas preservation and rare
plant conservation.
Protection of natural areas is encouraged through inventory)
registration, and dedication. The Statewide Natural Areas
Inventory lists the Island Field Site, the Miocene Beds at Coursey
Pond and the river and adjacent woodlands and wetlands from
Frederica to Coursey Pond and down Brown's Branch to McColley
Pond. Natural areas and rare plants are often lost as a result of
public and private actions.

Management Options

1. Contact landowners in defined natural areas to encourage
registration and dedication of land.
2. Conduct a rare plant survey,- beginning on public land.
3. Distribute a natural areas directory to appropriate public
and private organizations.
4. Continue to work with public and private agencies to
encourage conservation easements and environmentally sound
land use practices.

Recreation

The 1984 Delavare Outdoors, the state comprehensive outdoor
recreation plan (S-CORP), identifies recreation facilities needed
by the state's citizenry. In Kent County the following facilities
are recommended for future development: bicycle trails swimming
pools, swimming - natural site, tennis courts, saltwater fishing,
football/soccer fields, campgrounds,' and golf courses. These
represent in order of priority,* the highest demand for recreation
in the county.
The Killens Pond Master Plan recommends three swimming pools,
a driving range and 18 hole golf course, four camping areas, three
boat launch sites, a nature center, a riding stable, numerous
picnic areas, and an extensive system of trails for nature/hiking,
horseback riding, bicycling and canoeing. Most of these
facilities fall within the SCORP findings.

Management Options

1. In order for Killens Pond State Park to include facilities
recommended in both the Master Plan and the SCORP, more land
must be purchased. A land acquisition program would also
protect sensitive areas. Land in this rural area is becoming
developed around the ponds and in strips of single-family
housing along roadways. Thougfi this is a problem, management
options do exist.
2. Acquisition of properties adjacent to the existing park
should continue. The area downstream between Killens and
Coursey ponds should be considered for purchase. This would
expand the state park (in accordance with the Master Plan) and
provide protection along the Murderkill River Corridor.
Acquisitions could be made as far north as Route 384 and south
to Route 426. Housing development around McColley Pond
precludes acquisitions;however, purchases could be targeted
below the spillway on Brown's B ranch, east of Route 388.
Additionally, the river corridor west of the state park to
Route 13 should be acquired.
3. In addition to fee-simple acquisition, conservation easements
should be employed along the river corridor to assure protect-
ion. Kent County should be encouraged to cooperate in river
corridor protection through appropriate zoning classification

in the county's Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The county
also should be encouraged to provide more park and recreation
areas within the study area.

Water Quality

Analysis of water quality data has been accomplished using
the EPA-STORET computer system programs STAND and MRAN. The data
indicates potential problems in the saltwater area, much of which
has low dissolved oxygen levels during the summer months, with the
lowest levels (at times near 1.0 mg/L) noted between river miles 3
and 9 above Frederica. High fecal coliform bacteria levels are
also seen throughout this same stretch of river) in Spring Creek,
and in the headwaters of the river near Felton. Low pH and
alkalinity values are common to the freshwater segments of Browns
Branch and the upper Murderkill. Evidence of a possible phenols
problem in the saltwater area is also highlighted. These findings
suggest that some designated uses may not be fully supported.
The Murderkill River has been chosen as the site of a pilot
project under the Delaware "Stream Watch" program. The objective
of this program is to encourage citizen involvement in the
protection of stream water quality. The pilot project began in
the spring of 1986.
Management of animal manure to prevent degradation of the
surface and groundwaters of the state Is being emphasized by
DNREC, the Delaware Cooperative Extension Service, the Soil
Conservation Service, and Conservation Districts.

Management Options

1. Work with all agencies and the Kent Conservation District to
encourage the storage of animal manure under cover until the
proper time to apply it on the land.
2. Encourage the adoption of the "MANURE" program to promote
balanced use and management of manure, fertilizers, etc. to
protect and improve water quality.
3. Stress protection of stream quality through Delaware
"Stream Watch."

Wetlands

Wetlands provide important benefits and values to society.
These include fish and wildlife values,' environmental quality
values, and socio-economic values. Wetlands include swampst
marshes, bogs and similar areas.
Areas of concern include ditching of wetlands for drainage
only; lowering of the water table through ditching; loss of
shallow aquifers fram wells for agriculture and industry; water
quality degradation; loss of habitat for wetland dependent
species; negative impacts on threatened or endangered species;
threats to wetlands from urban development; high wetlands

replacement costs; loss of natural shoreline through bulkheading;
improper forestry practices on adjacent wetlands; erosion from
farmland and resulting sedimentation of wetlands.

Management Options

1. Limits or prohibitions on urban or residential development in
wetlands and 100 year flood plains.
2. Development of stormwater management plan and ordinances
enforced in conjunction with sediment and erosion control
plans.
3. Development of water conservation and control plans to
minimize detrimental effects of drainage ditching.
4. Increased awareness, identification and protection of wet-
lands, their functions and values.
5. Best Management Practices (BMP's) employed in silviculture
and agriculture adjacent to or in wetlands as a means of
protecting and enhancing public and private natural resources.
6. Protection against shoreline loss by discouraging bulkheading
and using alternative shoreline stabilization techniques and
practices in areas of erosion and sedimentation.

Mosquito Problems

Salt-marsh mosquitoes breeding on several hundred acres of
tidal wetlands cause extreme annoyance to residents of Bowers
Beach, South Bowers, and Frederica. These species also can
transmit encephalitis to man and horses, and heartworms to dogs.
Although-these areas are sprayed several times each year when
major broods are in progress, insecticide control Is costly,
offers only temporary relief, and may have environmental
drawbacks. Open water marsh management, including installation of
selectively excavated ponds and ditches in breeding areas,
encourages control of mosquito larvae by fish predation.

Management Options

1. Continue to emphasize Open water marsh management as the
primary control measure in order to keep pesticide use
to a minimum.

Urbanization

Practically all land in the Murderkill River Corridor is
classified as agricultural-conservation districts except the towns
of Bowers and Frederica. Several industrial sites are developed,,
including sand and gravel operations, International Latex
Corporation, and the Kent Sewage Treatment Plant. Some strip
development of single family dwellings along roads is occurring in

the corridor. A few housing developments have been built along
lakes and scenic stretches near streams. To ensure that develop-
ments are undertaken in accordance with all state and local
regulations, every subdivision in Kent'County is subject to plan
review by the Development Advisory Committee and must be approved
by the Regional Planning Commission.

Management Options

1. The county should be encouraged to adopt the Land Evaluation
and Site Assessment (LESA) process as a tool in decision
making on land use changes involving agricultural land.
2. After the Comprehensive Land Use Plan is adopted, the county
should consider ordinances to regulate littering, trespassing,
and off-road vehicles to protect both private and public
lands and the overall environmental quality of the corridor.
Storm-water management should also be addressed.

Flood Plain Management

A flood plain is an area of land that, from time to time, has
been or can reasonably be expected to be underwater. This simple
definition covers areas that are overflowed by streams-at times of
high discharge, areas covered by abnormal tidal action, areas
flooded by tides caused by winds, and even areas that are flooded
by impairment of drainage.
Parts of the Murderkill River Watershed are subject to all
four types of flooding. The flooding caused by poor drainage is
outside of the area defined by the Murderkill River Corridor. The
major problems in floodplain management exist in and around the
coastal communities of Bowers and South Bowers. The raising of a
residence above the current calculated 100 year flood does not
necessarily prevent the hazards of flooding to these structures.
overflowed streams, periodically cause damages to structures in
Frederica and to a few homes located within the flood plains of
the Murderkill Corridor. Demand for developing the stream valley
flood plain currently is low; however,' a few homes have been built
in the stream valley despite the risk of flooding.

Management Options

I. A near-term management option is the use of the
conservation district technicians as a resource to the local
communities in more adequately using the tools (flood hazard
maps, flood elevations, reference elevations, management
alternatives, etc.) that exist to reduce flood hazards.
2. A long-term management option is the active pursuit of a
solution to the coastal community dilemna caused by increasing
flood levels. Economics may be the focal point by which
remedial benefits should be compared to the costs of
measures required to reasonably protect against coastal high
hazard conditions. The Division of Soil and Water Conserva-

tion, Beach Preservation Section is seeking funds to study the
problem. Local support and assistance may be needed to fully
understand the situation. This coordination may be a
role for the conservation district.

INTRODUCTION

Background
The Murderkill River is one of the major drainage basins in
central Delaware. It,heads west of Felton and flows southeast for
about 2.5 miles to join Black Swamp Creek just west of U.S.
Highway 13 between Harrington and Felton. It then 'turns east and-
northeast and flows into Delaware Bay. Double Run, Hudson Branch,
and Pratt Branch combine to join Spring Creek, the major northern
tributary that joins the main stream near Frederica. Ash Gut and
several smaller unnamed streams also join the river from the
north. Brown's Branch, rising just south of Harrington, is the
largest southern tributary.
Topography is gently rolling to nearly level. The elevations
range from sea level on Delaware Bay to about 72 feet in the
western and southwestern sectors. Soils are mainly the well-
drained Sassafras and Rumford loamy sand,' the moderately well
drained Woodstown sandy loam,- with smaller areas of poorly drained
Fallsington loam and very poorly-drained Johnson silt loam and
Pocomoke loam.
Precipitation averages about 46 inches annually and is fairly
evenly distributed throughout the year, with a maximum in August
and a minimum in February.
The Murderkill River Corridor was defined for this project as
the poorly and very poorly drained alluvial soils on floodplains
(G2-Natural Soil Group Map), all tidal marshes and swamps (G3-
Natural Soil Group Map), and an adjacent strip to such areas one-
quarter mile wide. This strip is primarily cropland and upland
forest. The Corridor area includes primarily natural channels in
alluvial soils. In some cases, corridor widths vary depending on
special land use needs and considerations. The Corridor is
bounded by U.S. Highway 13 on the west and the Delaware Bay on the
east.

Purpose
The purpose of the Murderkill River Corridor Project is to
organize a team approach and a public participation process under
the leadership of the Kent Conservation District to assess all
resources in the Corridor and to identify problems, opportunities,
and management options for achieving total conservation and
sustained use of the resources.
Need The Murderkill River Corridor is a complex of diverse and
relatively unspoiled resources and land uses. It provides a
unique opportunity for cooperative effort to develop a better
understanding of these resources in order that they might be
managed and protected for the future benefit of all concerned.
Impending pressures from development and recreation will
place greater stress on resources, private lands, facilities and
services. The diversity of wetlands, forests farmland, waters,
wildlife habitat, historical and cultural resources, and
urbanizing areas are supporting resources and not necessarily

competing resources. True cooperative effort towards achieving
sound management of all resources is essential now, before major
environmental disruptions occur.

Objectives
The primary objectives of this project are to:

- inventory all natural and cultural resources
wetlands, forests, waters,- farmland, parks and
natural areas, wildlife and fisheries habitat,
historical and cultural sites, recreation
potentials, and urbanizing areas;

- analyze current land usesq project trends and
problems;

- identify potential needs and opportunities for
land uses and options for resource management;

- promote awareness understanding and cooperation
with all landowners, organizations, and the public;
and

- provide responsible landowners, groups and agencies
with management options for the natural resources
in the Murderkill River Corridor.

Project Report
The purpose of this report is to compile and assemble in one
document, information essential to public decision makers, land
managing agencies, and private landowners. Such information will
include general natural resource assessments discussion of
problems, and a range of management options ior consideration in
making specific plans for resource conservation.
The report should serve as a basis for further cooperative
effort and coordination of programs to make total conservation of,
all resources in the Murderkill River Corridor a reality.
This project was supported, in part, by a grant from the
Office of ocean and Coastal Resources Management, NOAA, under the
provisions of the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as
amended.

FARMLAND

Robert C. Hochmuth, Extension Agent,
Agriculture, Del. Cooperative Extension Service
Frederick T. Mott, District Conservationist,
Soil Conservation Service

Background
Farmland in the Murderkill River Corridor is the steeper or
more rolling areas included in the one-quarter mile strip adjacent
to the wetlands and bottomlands. These lands are primarily the
well-drained Sassafras sandy loam and Rumford loamy sand soils.
Soybeans'. corn, and small grain are the major crops and are used
to support the poultry industry. In addition, production of
vegetable crops for processing and fresh markets are equally
important.

Trends and Problems
Sheet, rill, and gully erosion occur on approximately 10,000
acres of cropland in the corridor. Fields inadequately protected
by cover crops and crop residues have soil losses of around four
tons per acre per year from water and wind combined. These losses
are within tolerable limits for maintaining long-term
productivity. In the steeper and more rolling areas of the
corridor soil losses well exceed three times the tolerable limits.
Much of the eroded soil is deposited in ditches and streams.
Several locations where sediment from eroding fields is being
deposited in natural areas have been located.
No-till planting, a significant conservation cropping system
is widely used in the corridor to leave large amounts of cover anA
plant residues on the soil. However, on steeper fields with long
slopes, additional measures such as critical area planting,
diversions, water and sediment control structures with tile drain
outlets and grassed waterways are needed. Examples of such
complete cropland protection exist in the corridor.
Irrigation of cropland is on the increase using water
supplied from deep wells, ponds and streams. Monitoring of salt
content in the tidal streams is important. More monitoring of
water applications is needed to prevent excess water use and
runoff.
While some development of residences along roads and in
scenic locations occurs, loss of farmland has taken place slowly
to date. It will speed up in the future. On steeper areas,
especially bluffs, severe erosion into the bottomlands, streams
and lakes can occur unless careful planning is done and protective
measures installed prior to land disturbance.
Animal waste management systems are needed throughout the
corridor to reduce adverse impacts of manure on surface water
runoff and on groundwater and to enable more effective use of
plant nutrients. Typical systems include storage, rates and
timing of land application. Temporary field storage for poultry
manure utilizing covered structures is a priority need.

Private landowners, mostly farmers, are concerned with the
problems of controlling or regulating public access and
trespassing. Littering, vandalism and damage from off-road
vehicles create a nagging and growing nuisance for farmers to deal
with. Posting lands, encouraging hunters, hikers, and bikers to
seek permission and creating an environmental ethic in the public
at large all need to be examined. Ordinances and enforcement
provisions need further study.

Managment Options and Possible Solutions

1. Cost-share programs of the Agricultural Stabilization and
Conservation Service and the Kent Conservation District
should be reviewed to see how erosion control practices
might be more fully emphasized and encouraged along the
steep slopes of the corridor.
2. Information and education programs of the Extension Service,,
Kent Conservation District, Farm Bureau, and Pomona Grange
should emphasize erosion control to protect farmland
productivity and prevent off-site damages to wetlands and
natural areas. These agencies and groups should continue
to furnish information about farmland preservation.
3. Development of alternative crops and cropping system should
be encouraged to diversify economic opportunities and provide
for better soil management and reduce insect and disease
problems.
4. Promote better irrigation water management.
5. Encourage the Delaware Development Office to recruit addition-
al processing plants to support the productive capability of
the area.
6. Encourage the development and distribution of educational
materials and guidance on current technology for managing
herbicides, pesticides,- and plant nutrients to protect and
improve water quality.
7. Resource agencies will have to provide adequate information
and education to all farmers within the corridor so they
will be able to select the proper option within the 1985
sodbuster and swampbuster regulation to protect the resources
and the eligibility of farmers to participate in various
federal programs.

REFERENCES

USDA, Soil Conservation Service. Natural Soil Groups, Kent
County, Delaware. March 1984.

USDA, Soil Conservation Service. Murderkill-River Watershed Plan
and Environmental Statement. Kent County, Delaware.
November 1984. (Draft)

FISHERIES

Charles A. Lesser, Manager of Fisheries,
Division of Fish & Wildlife, DNREC

Commercial Shellfish
Historically, the oyster beds located from the mouth of the
Murderkill River and continuing up river to Webbs Landing were
probably the most valuable of any of the river's shellfisheries.
For years, Murderkill River oysters provided substantial income
for local watermen and sustenance for local communities. These
oysters were hand tonged until the 1930s when they were declared
contaminated by the State due to high bacteria levels. However,
they were still harvested and transplanted to Delaware Bay for
depuration and subsequent harvest until 1974. Today most of the
Murderkill oyster beds have died out due to disease and
intermittent poor water quality.

Recreational Shellfish
Blue crabs are plentiful in the Murderkill River during years
when the Delaware Bay blue crab population is high. They ascend
the Murderkill River to the mill dams in years with low rainfall
and higher than normal salinities occur upstream. In years with
normal rainfall, they range from Bowers Beach to Frederica. Pots
are used by recreational crabbers to capture blue crabs.
Commercial crabbing is illegal throughout the Murderkill River.
Recreational crabbers are limited to two pots per person.

Commercial Finfish
There are few historical records available on the commercial
fisheries the Murderkill River supported. It was a spawning river
for anadromous fishes. American shad spawned in the river and
local fishermen awaited their return each spring. Striped bass,
river herrings and white perch were also popular commercial fishes
that used the Murderkill to spawn.. Today, only white perch and
river herrings utilize the river as a spawning area. Biologists
can only theorize about the decline of shad and striped bass in
the Murderkill. Development of agricultural and residential areas
and their allied uses of fertilizers and pesticides, septic waste
systems, landfill operations, highway construction and storm water
drainage have collectively degraded the water quality and aquatic
habitat in the Murderkill River.
A small spring gill net fishery for white perch still exists.
At most, only six or eight fishermen participate according to
local watermen. The only viable commercial fishery today is in
the spring and early summer when American eels are potted in the
tidal portion of the river.

Recreational Finfish
Due to its proximity to Delaware Bay and its large drainage
area, the Murderkill has a salinity range from zero in the
tumbleholes below mill dams to well over 20 ppt at its confluence

with the Delaware Bay. Consequently, there is a wide range of
popular sport fishes available depending on the season.
Anadromous fish, which are most frequently taken on their
spring spawning run include white perch, alewife and blueback
herring. The majority of the herring are taken in the tumbleholes
where they concentrate during spawning. Fishermen use both hook
and line and umbrella nets. White perch, although present
throughout most of the year, are most sought during the spring
when large adults enter the river from overwintering areas in
Delaware Bay.
The resident freshwater species are most diverse in the
tumbleholes but are distributed downstream into the brackish areas
depending on each species' salinity tolerance. See Table 1 for a
list of finfish collected throughout the Murderkill River.
Public access to the Murderkill River is available at North
Bowers Beach, where there are public and private boat ramps and
parking areas. Private boat launching facilities also are
available at Webbs Landing, on the south side of the river on
Delaware Route 121.
There are five frestuater state-maintained impoundments
within the Murderkill drainage totalling 231 acres:

Andrews Lake - 18 Acres
Andrews Lake has a variety of game fishes such as largemouth
bass, chain pickerel and yellow perch, which are abundant and grow
rapidly. On December 6. 1980,_ a state record was set with a 10 lb
5 oz bass taken from Andrews'Lake on a golden shiner. White perch
are the most abundant panfish, but crappie, bluegill, and
pumpkinseed also are common. Citation size fish for Delaware's
Sportfishing Tournament are uncommon.
Golden shiners provide adequate forage for the bass and
pickerel. The large weed beds serve as cover and spawning areas
for the overabundant shiners.
Since most of the shoreline is residential, bank fishing is
limited to the state-access area and along the road. A public
boat ramp with sidestreet parking -is available.

Coursey Pond - 58 Acres
Coursey Pond was recently drawn down for bridge and dam
reconstruction. Refilling occurred in July 1986. The drawdown
has temporarily altered the population structure of game fish in
the pond. Largemouth bass have been restocked.
Coursey Pond has been excellent for carp fishing. Carp are
extremely abundant and average between 1-2 lbs. They may be taken
by hook and line, spear or bow and arrow. There are many chain
pickerel, with large ones taken most often in the dense stands of
vegetation. Largemouth bass are common, but relatively few large
ones are taken. Crappie are also abundant and reach five inches
in length within three years. Although not as abundant as
crappie, the other panfishes (bluegill, pumpkinseed and white
perch) have growth rates comparable to other Kent County ponds.
Golden shiners and gizzard shad are the principal forage species.
Occasional yellow and white perch of citation size are caught.

Public access for bank fishing is available below the
spillway, along with a small picnic area. A public boat ramp
gives access to the pond.

Killens Pond - 75 Acres
Carp fishing is excellent in Killens Pond' with most of the
shoreline suitable for bank fishing. Dough balls and canned corn
are the most popular baits. Carp reach good size in Killen Pond.
Chain pickerel are abundant and exhibit good growth, reaching
six inches within two years. Largemouth bass are caught
occasionally. Killen Pond always seems to rate high on the list
of ponds yielding 5 lb bass as well as 1 lb crappie. Panfish are
abundant and offer hours of recreation for the young cane pole
fishermen. Bullhead catfish are over-abundant and should be
removed by fishermen. Golden shiners provide suitable forage for
the large game fish.
A severe algae bloom occurs annually,giving the pond a "green
paint" appearance. The pond surface is periodically chemically
treated to kill the algae, but the problem will continue as long
as excess nutrients are present in the pond. Killens Pond rates
high on the eutrophication scale.
A park user fee is required for fishermen from Memorial Day
weekend through Labor Day. Carp may not be taken by bow and arrow
or spear at Killen Pond. Boat access is limited to an unimproved
launch area.

McColley Pond - 49 Acres
McColley Pond also was drawn down during 1985-86 due to
bridge and dam reconstruction and was refilled in July 1986. This
pond has a good population of largemouth bass and chain pickerel
in addition to abundant carp. Crappie over 1 lb are common.
Bluegill and yellow perch are numerous and exhibit fast growth.
The drawdown probably impacted the population structure of
this pond, since it was subjected to tidal influence. However,
carp and catfish should still be available and can provide sport
in mid-summer. 'Cane pole fishermen can fill a stringer using
dough balls, corn or night crawlers as bait. Bow and arrow or
spear fishermen should find carp spawning in the shallows adjacent
to the peninsula on the north shore. The pond was restocked in
1986 with largemouth bass.
Although a state lauching ramp is not available at McColley
Pond, a car top boat can be carried to the pond in the vicinity of
the water control structure. A private campground located off
County Road 398 will permit launching from a ramp into McColleys
for a small fee.

McGinnis Pond - 31 Acres
McGinnis Pond has a well-balanced fish population with a
variety of species available to the angler. Largemouth bass are
abundant and exhibit excellent growth for Delaware. Chain
pickerel also are abundant and average over six inches by the end
of their first year. Panfish, including white perch, bluegill,
black crappie and pumpkinseed, provide hours of enjoyment for the
cane poler as well as the more expensively equipped fisherman.

Crappie are often taken in the vicinity of brush shelters placed
in the pond by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Golden shiners
and bluespotted sunfish are the primary forage fishes.
McGinnis Pond is one of the deeper ponds in the state and is
subject to temperature stratification. In the summer, there often
are three distinct temperature layers within the pond. These
consist of a warm surface layer, a thin intermediate layer and a
colder bottom layer. Since the bottom water layer does not
circulate in the summer, its oxygen concentrations become depleted
and the bass are forced upward into warmer water than they would
normally prefer.
In 1981, the five ponds in the Murderkill Corridor supported
nearly 19,000 man-days of sportfishing with an estimated catch of
over 75,000 fish.
Water quality will have to improve within the Murderkill
River system before fisheries can return to their historical
significance. Lowered dissolved oxygen levels in the saline tidal
portion of the river must be raised in order for oysters to have a
reasonable chance to reestablish viable beds. However,, as long as
point discharges from sewage treatment plants enter the Murderkill
River, the Department of Health and Social Services will not
permit any harvesting of oysters for direct consumption. Nutrient
levels in the Murderkill River, especially in the five ponds, will
have to be further reduced to prevent further eutrophication.

Management Options:
Management options listed for other resource areas impact on
fisheries.

References

Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control. Division
of Fish and Wildlife. Delaware's Public Ponds. Rev. 1986

WILDLIFE

Janis Thomas, Nongame and Endangered Species
Coordinator, Div. of Fish & Wildlife, DNREC
Lynn Herman, Regional Wildlife Biologist,
Div. of Fish & Wildlife, DNREC

Introduction
The Murderkill River and surrounding land corridor
represent a unique, relatively undisturbed environment for
both game and nongame species. The Delaware Division of
Fish and Wildlife, whose primary responsibility is to manage
the state's faunas, recognizes the importance of this area.
Acquisition of the 738-acre Penuel Tract of the Milford Neck
Wildlife Area, for example, shows an interest in protecting
and managing a portion of the river corridor. Approximately
1 1/2 miles of the corridor on the south side of the
Murderkill River (see the attached resource inventory map)
is currently under the jurisdiction of the Wildlife
Division.
The diverse vegetative habitats within the corridor
provide niches for an abundance of animal species. Several
wildlife inventories are currently underway which will yield
information pertaining to the Murderkill River Corridor.

Species Inventory
To better understand the status of birds in Delaware, a
project is underway to gather and publish data on their
breeding and seasonal distribution. Through the cooperative
efforts of the Delmarva Ornithological Society, Delaware
Nature Education Society, the Delaware Museum of Natural
History, the Department of Natural Resources and
Environmental Control's nongame program and volunteers
statewide, data gathering for this five-year project began
in 1983. Publication of The Birds of Delaware is scheduled
for the fall of 1988. The following bird list has been
compiled from the breeding bird atlas project, nongame
program studies and field guide distributional maps.
Due to the diversity of habitat in the Murderkill River
Corridor (wetlands, fields, wooded areas and shore line) the
area contains a large number of species. Some are year-
round residents while others are migratory. The bald eagle
has been reported frequently in the area while the peregrine
falcon and piping plover may be found here. These three
species are listed on the state and federal endangered
species lists.

Hurderkill River Corridor Bird List

Common Loon (Gavia immer)
Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata)
Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus)
Pied-billed Gr-ebe (Po'di'lymbus podiceps)
Red-necked Grebe ceps grisegena)

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
Whistling Swan (Olor coluA--ianus)
Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens)
Canada Goose Branta canadensis)*
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes)

Gadwall (Anas fulvigula)
Mallard (Xn-as platyrhynchos)*
Common Pintail (Anas acuta)
American Wigeon (Anas-americana)
Wood Duck (Aix sjo_nsa)_V__

Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)
Blue-winged Teal (A:n-as discors)
Green-winged Teal @_Anas_crecca)
Canvasback (Aythya valisineria)
Redhead (Aytf@a americana)

Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris)
Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)
Greater Scaup (Aythya marila)
Common Goldeneye (Bu@eThala clangula)
Bufflehead (Bu epb@ala -albeola)

Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser)
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator)
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)
American Coot (Fulica americana)

Common Gallinule (Gallinula chloropus)
Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides)
Herring Gull (Larus arg"tatus)
7-arus delawarensis)
Ring-billed Gull L
Greater Black-back-eX -Gull (Larus marinus)

Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla)*
Bonaparte's Gul7l _(La philadelphia)
Least Tern (Sterna -albifrons)*
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
Forster's Tern (Ste fors teri)

Black Skimmer Rynchops niger)
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)*
Little Blue Heron (Florida caerulea)
Tricolored Heron (Hydranassa tricolor)
Great Egret (Casmerodius albus)

Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
Black-crowned -gight Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)*
Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)
Green Heron (Butorides striatus)*

Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis)
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)
Glossy This (Plegadis falcinellus)
Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola)
King Rail (Rall,-u-selegans)

Clapper Rail (Rallus longirostris)
Sora (Porzana. carolina-)-
Black Raff (LateraMs jamaicensis)
American OystercatchJ_(Haematopus palliatus)
Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)
Piping Plover (Ct@a_radrius melodus)@@
Semipalmated Pl7over (Charadrius semipalmatus)
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)*
American Woodcock (Philohela minor)*

Common Snipe (Capella gallinago)
Red Knot (Calidris canutus)
Sanderling (Calidris alba)
Dunlin (Calidris @lpina)
Willet (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus)

Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca)
Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipe )
Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima)
Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia)
Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla)

Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri)
White-rumped SandpipJ (Calidris fuscicollis)
Common Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus)*
Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)*
Sharp-shinneU -Hawk (Accipiter stri atus)
Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)

Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus)
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)*
Rough-legged Hawk-(-Buteo lagopus)
Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)

Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)**
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)*
Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus)*

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
Merlin (Falco columbarius)
peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)**
Short-eared owl (Asio flammeus)
Common Screech owl (Otus asio)

Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)
Great-horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)*
Barred Owl (Strix varia)*
Barn Owl (Ty7t-o alba)
t ____7ie_
Saw-whe Owl golius acadicus)

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)*
Rock Dove (Columba livia)*
Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus)*
Black-billed Cuckoo (d-occyzus erythropthalmus)*
Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor)*

Whip"poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus)*
Chuck-will's-widow (Caprimulgus carolinensis)*
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)*
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)*
Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus)

Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)
Common Flicker (Cola@ptes auratus)*
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)*
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius)
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)*

Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus)*
Eastern Kingbird (Y@ @annus tyrannus)*
Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus)*
Eastern Phoebe (Say6rnis phoebe)*
Eastern pewee (Co@@to
pus virens)*

Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens)*
Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii)
Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris)*
Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta)
Purple Martin (Progne subis)*

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)*
Tree Swallow (Iridoprocne bicolor)*
Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)*
Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia)*
Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica)*

Fish Crow (Corvus ossifragus)*
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)*
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)*
Carolina Chickadee (Parus carolinensis)*
Tufted Titmouse (Parus bicolor)*

White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)
Brown Creeper (Certhia familiarus)
House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)
Winter Wren (Trogodytes troglodytes)

Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicanus)*
Marsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris)*
Sedge Wren (Cistothorus platensis)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula.)
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa)

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea)*
Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma, rufum)*
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)*
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)*
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)*

Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina)*
Hermit Thrust (Catharus guttatus)
Cedar Waxing (Bombycilla cedrorum)
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)*,
Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus)

Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons)*
White-eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus)*
Northern Parula Warbler (Parula americana)
Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea)
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia)

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata)
American Redstart (Sctophaga ruticilla)*
Pine Warbler (Dendroica pinus)*
Prairie Warbler (Dendroica discolor)
Palm Warbler (Dendroica palmarum)

Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia)*
Hooded Warbler (Wilsonia citrina)
Kentucky Warbler (Oporornis formosus)
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)*
Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens)

Louisiana Waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla)
ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus)*
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)*
Brown-headed Cowbird (Rolothrus ater)*
Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus)

Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)
Eastern Meadowlark(Sturnella magna)*
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)*
Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius)*
Northern Oriole (Icterus galbula)*

Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra)*
Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea)*
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)*
Northern Junco (Junco hyemalis)
Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)*
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)*
Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus)
Pine Siskin (Carduelis pinus)
European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)*

Blue Grosbeak (Guiraca caerulea)
Evening Grosbeak(Hesperiphona vespertina)
Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea)*
Rufous-sided Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus)*
White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)*
Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla)*
Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana)
Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum)*

Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca)
Song Sparrow @_Melospiza melodia)*
Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramin
Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)
Sharp-tailed Sparrow (Ammospiza caudacuta)
Seaside Sparrow (Ammospiza maritima)

*possible breeding

**Federal and State Endangered or Threatened Species

Her etofauna of the Hurderkill River Watershed

James White, Naturalist, Delaware Nature Education Society

A study of the distribution and abundance of reptiles and
amphibians in Delaware began in 1985 with Nongame Tax Checkoff
Funds. This five-year study conducted by the Delaware Nature
Education Society will include a distributional survey of the
herpetofauna of Delaware, a compilation of natural history
information, pinpointing of breeding areas and identification of
rare and endangered species. Principal researchers are Dr.
Rudolf G. Arndt,' Stockton State College,' James F. White, Delaware
Nature Education Society, and Joseph M. McLaughlin, Jr. The
following list is from data collected to date.

Species Habitat

Red-spotted newt -ponds, freshwater marshes
Notophthalmus v. viridescens
Spotted salamander -wet woodlands
Ambystoma. maculatum
Marbled salamander -sandy woodlands
Ambystoma opacum
Northern dusky salamander -rocky streams
Desmognathus f. fuscus
Northern two-lined salamander -rocky streams
Eurycea b. bislineata,

Four-toed salamander* -wet woodlands associated
Hemidactylium. scutatum with boggy areas
Red-backed salamander -woodlands
Plethodon c. cinereus
Eastern spadefoot -woodlands, old fields,
Scaphiopus h. holbrooki cultivated areas with
sandy-soil
Bullfrog -ponds, slow moving rivers,
Rana catesbeiana freshwater marshes
Green frog -ponds, freshwater marshes,
Rana clamitans melanota swamps

Pickerel frog -ponds, freshwater marshes
Rana palustris
Southern leopard frog -ponds ,freshwater marshes,
Rana utricularia swamps
Wood frog -woodlands
Rana sylvatica
Fowler's toad -wet woodlands, old fields,
Bufo woodhousei fowleri cultivated fields
No-rthern cricket frog -wet woodland, ponds'.
Acris crepitans freshwater marshes
Gray eefrog* -wet woodlands associated
Hyla chrysocelis with freshwater marshes or
ponds
Common treefrog -wet woodlands associated
I@y la versicolor with freshwater marshes or
ponds
Green treefrog* -wet woodlands, freshwater
Hyla. cinerea marsh perimeters
Northern spring peeper -wet woodlands, freshwater
Hyla crucifer marsh
New Jersy cho frog -wet woodlands, freshwater
Pseudacris triseriata marsh 'ponds

Snapping turtle -freshwater ponds, rivers
Chelydra s. serpentina streams, brackish water
Eastern 7ud turtle -freshwater ponds-, rivers
Kinosternon s. subrubrum streams, brackish water
Stinkpot -Freshwater ponds., rivers,
Sternotherus odoratus streams
Ea7stern painted turtle -all freshwater habitats,
Chrysemys p. picta slightly brackish water
Rid-bellied turtle -lakes ponds,' freshwater
Chrysemys r. rubriventris parts'of tidal rivers

Spotted turtle -ponds, muddy streams,
Clemmys guttata boggy areas
Ea@_stern box turtle -woodlands', old fields,-
Terrapene c. carolina wet meadows
Fence lizard -woodlands, old fields,
Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus old foundations
Five-lined skink -woodlands, old fields
Eumeces fasciatus
Eastern worm snake -wet woodlands,- under
Carphophis A. amoenus debris and leaf litter

Northern black racer -old fields and woodlands
Coluber c. constrictor
Ri@i neck snake -wet woodlands,' old fields
Diadophis p. punctatus
Black rat snake -old fields' barns', wood-
Elaphe o. obsoleta lands fa;;lands
Ea7s-tern hio-gri-ose snake -sandy woodlands', old
Heterodon platyrhinos fields, dunes

Eastern kingsnake* -woodlands, river swamps,
Lampropeltis g. getulus farmlands
Northern water snake -all freshwater and brackish
Nerodia s. sipedon water areas
Rough gFe-e-nsnake -vines, bushes, trees near
Opheodrys aestivus water
Eastern ribbon snake -wet meadows, old fields,
Thamnophis s. sauritus woodlands, near streams
Eastern garter snake -wet meadows, marshes,
Thamnophis s. sirtalis old fields

*High probability of occurence," more research needed

Hurderkill River Corridor Mammals

Mammals found within the corridor are as diverse as the
birds, reptiles and amphibians. Many of the most popular game
species are represented and quality hunting is available
throughout most of the corridor. The following list was derived
from Fish and Wildlife records and field guide distributional
maps:

Masked shrew (Sorex cinereus)
Shorttail shrew Blarina brevicauda)
Least shrew (Cryp@_totis parva)
Earstern mole--Fscalopus aquaticus)
Starnose mole ( ondylura cristata)

House mouse (Mus musculus)
White-footed mouse (Peramyscus leucopus)
Meadow jumping Mouse7(-Zapus hudsonius)
Meadow vole (Microtus @e_nns@lvanicus)
Pine vole (Mi7crotus pinetorum)

Rice rat Oryzomys palustris)
Norway rat (Tattus norvegicus)
Southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans)
Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)
Longtil weasel (Mustela frenata)

Mink (Mustela vison)
Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)
Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus)
Woodchuck (Marmota monax)
Eastern chipmunk amias striatus)

Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
Beaver (Castor canadensis)
Red fox (Vul@es v@lpes')_

Gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
Raccoon (Procyon lotor)

Striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis)
River otter (LJ_racanad'ensis)
Whitetail deer (0-docoileus virginianus)
Little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus)
Silver-haired bat (Lis-ionycteris noctivagans)

Eastern pipistrel (Pipistrellus subflavus)
Big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus)
Red bat (Lasiurus borealis)
Hoary bat Lasiurus cinereus)

Nongame Management
A nongame biologist, Janis Thomas, was hired by the Delaware
Division of Fish and Wildlife in 1984, with funding provided by a
Nongame Tax Checkoff on the Delaware individual income tax form.
Responsibilities include development of programs directed toward
non-consumptive activities such as bird watching and feeding, as
well as research and management activities involved with
endangered and nongame species.
As a first priority, a draft Nongame and Endangered Species
Plan was prepared which defined problems and objectives of the
nongame program in Delaware. General in scope by necessity, the
plan addresses needs on a statewide basis. While not defining
management objectives specifically for the Murderkill River, it
provides an excellent framework for decisions concerning impacts
on nongame species within the corridor. (See references to this
section for Delaware's draft nongame plan).

Game Management
Effective January 1, 1986, the Delaware Division of Wildlife
was reorganized under a lan originally developed by past
director Norman G. Wilder. This plan divides the state into four
management regions. Associated with each region is a regional
wildlife biologist whose responsibilities include managing state
wildlife areas, acting as liaison between hunters and the
Delaware Division of Wildlife, and consulting with private
landowners to encourage good wildlife management practices. The
Murderkill River falls within Region 3 and in January 1986, Lynn
Herman was employed as the regional wildlife biologist.
The Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife owns a small
portion of the Murderkill River Corridor. Administered as part
of the Milford Neck Wildlife Area, the Penuel Tract totals
approximately 738 acres of upland forest, agricultural lease and
marshland adjacent to the Murderkill River. Acreage breakdown is
as follows:

Agricultural Lease . . . . . . . . . 276 acres
Division Maintained Agriculture . - 15 acres
Forestland . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255 acres
Marshland . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192 acres

TOTAL 738 acres

While a comprehensive management plan has not been written for
this tract, a maintenance management plan has been in effect
since acquisition of the area in 1978. As outlined by Division
Director William Wagner, the writing of comprehensive management
plans for all wildlife areas under the reorganized structure.
Currently the regional biologists are working on the format that
these management plans should follow and it is hoped that they
will be forthcoming. The Penuel Tract will be given first
priority within Region 3 since a limited management framework
currently exists for the area. The following summary briefly
outlines the current management practices for the Penuel Tract.

Agricultural leases are paramount to the continued
management of wildlife species on state owned lands. Guidelines
have been developed which are designed to maximize benefits to
wildlife species. The Penuel lease is for a period of six years,
with the lease contract going to the highest closed bid.
Normally a 50:50 planting ratio of corn to soybeans is specified
within the contract. At Penuel, permission was given for a
single crop of soybeans during the 1985 and 1986 growing seasons
because limtied success has been achieved with corn in the past.
It is anticipated that a new agricultural lease will be
negotiated beginning with the 1987 growing season.
A trapping lease is issued on a yearly basis by sealed bids
for the marshland area which is primarily composed of spartina
and cattails. The only exception is that a small refuge area has
been designated in the eastern portion of the marsh and is not
open to trapping at any time. Box trapping for raccoons is
permitted in the upland areas by the trapping leasee.
Approximatley 15 acres are being tilled by the Wildlife
Division to provide dove hunting during the fall season. Dwarf
sunflowers and sorghum are planted annually and mowed at various
times throughout the fall to provide quality dove hunting.
The forestlands within the tract are highly variable in both
size and age classes and consist of a variety of tree species,
including American beech, tulip poplar, white oak and sweetgum.
Recently, the State Forestry Section has been evaluating the
timber resources on wildlife areas within Region 3. To date a
plan for the Penuel Tract has not been completed. It is hoped
that this area will be evaluated next and that the forest plan
will be incorporated into the comprehensive wildlife plan.
In 1984, wild turkeys were released near the main tract of
the Milford Neck Wildlife Area east of Milford. Numerous
sightings reported near the Penuel Tract suggest that some of the
birds may have settled within or near this tract. Management of
turkeys will receive consideration in the comprehensive wildlife
plan.
Waterfowl hunting is limited on the - Penuel Tract to four
state-owned blinds located adjacent to the Murderkill River. A
first come, first served basis regulates the use of these blinds.
Upland game hunting is open from 1/2 hour before to 1/2 hour
after sunset. Specific regulations are provided on a map of the
Penuel Tract which is available at the Dover Fish and Wildlife
office. Statewide seasons for all game are set annually and are
provided in the state hunting guide.
Harvest figures for various game species are not available
for site specific areas such as the Penuel Tract. The statewide
hunter survey which is conducted annually does not single out the
various wildlife areas within the state or harvest data. It is
not possible therefore to provide species harvest information for
this area. Generally however, good quality habitat is provided
and hunting is comparable to other wildlife areas statewide.
The completion of a comprehensive management plan for the
Penuel Tract will enable more controlled management for various
game species on the area.

Potential Problem or Areas of Concern to the Delaware
Division of Wildlife

The following list of concerns has been determined for the
Murderkill River Corridor. As development proceeds on lands
adjacent to the Murderkill River, consideration should be given
to these potential environmental impacts.

1. Tax ditching designed to drain upland agriculture areas.
2. Agricultural erosion.
3. Chemical contamination from agricultural spraying of
of pesticides and herbicides.
4. Wildlife habitat loss through development within the
corridor including marinas, dredging, housing and
industrial expansion.
5. Unregulated use of off-road vehicles such as dirt.
bikes, three wheelers and four wheel drive trucks.
6. Powerline or highway development.
7. Unregulated impoundment construction and management,
8. Substandard sewage effluent from the Kent County sewage
treatment plant.
9. Stream bank erosion within the Murderkill Watershed.
10. Phragmites encroachment into wetland areas.
11. Increased hunting pressure on waterfowl; unregulated
duck blind and goose pit construction.
12. Sewage sludge use as fertilizer on agricultural or forest-
lands.
13. Unregulated forestry practices.
14. Habitat loss for game and nongame species, as well as rare,
threatened or endangered species as defined by the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service and the Delaware Division of Fish and
Wildlife.

Management Options
The following suggestions are offered as a means of
minimizing or controlling environmental impacts within the
Murderkill River Corridor.

1. Increased land acquistion by appropriate state agencies as a
means of protecting wildlife interests.
2. Increased private landowner contact and wildlife planning by
the regional wildlife biologist and the nongame biologist
through direct contact or referral by SCS or ASCS scientists.
3. Formation of an inter-agency planning team whose purpose
would be to address problems as they arise, and to make
recommendations to any public agency, private group or
individual in order to maintain the high environmental
standards which currently exist in the Murderkill River
Corridor. This team would also serve as an inter-agency
communication network to advise the appropriate agencies
as problems develop.

REFERENCES

Thomas Janis E. )Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlifel',
D;partment of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
Nongame and Endangered Species Plan 1985-1990.

FOREST RESOURCES

John M. Schwalm and Nancy Milliken Willis,
Foresters, Delaware Department of Agriculture,
Forestry Section

Introduction
The forests of the Murderkill River Watershed are primarily
diverse hardwood woodlands. In total, they encompass 16,412 acres
of which 229 acres are coniferous plantations. Specific figures
for the Murderkill River Corridor are not available.
Aside from historical value and current status data sections
which follow, the role these forests play in impacting the
Murderkill River is dependent on two factors. The first relates to
ownership goals and utilization of proper forest management and
harvesting practices.
The second is the potential impact of the management and
harvesting techniques used upstream of the Corridor study area.
For instance, excessive harvesting during the spring along a
tributary can increase erosion sediments to the main Corridor.
Therefore, from a forestry viewpoint the levels of management and
use of proper harvesting practices throughout the entire Murderkill
River drainage area need to be considered.

Historical Values
Throughout the Murderkill drainage area the primary use of the
forest is wood for the farm or home. Removal of trees for
firewood, lumber, posts, fence boards, duck blinds, and many other
products has continued since the area was first settled.
The clearing of woodland for cropland was at its highest level
approximately 100 years ago. The extent of clearing was determined
primarily by soil wetness or drainage. Unlike other areas within
the state, little of the well-drained cropland was abandoned during
the Depression years. Therefore, most converted woodland has
remained in cropland or home use since first cleared.
Clearing of woodla_ad,@c
_ppt-ir@@s, to date, at a moderate to low
rate for residential cO 1*14- 6ii
%pation ts attributed to
t
a perceived desire ta--"-- well as the
suitability of the upjgj@C- 6@-for"_-#tie se
Along the Murderkill.Co_rri4&i'itself,_ wood@was most likely
used for boat or ship lumber. There were no sawmills, basket mills
for forest product manufacturing facilities along the Corridor;
however, transportation of forest products may have occurred and
wood may also have been used for stream production.

Current Forest Condition and Timber Types
Present forests exist primarily due to a relatively high water
table preventing equipment access throughout the year, especially
during agricultural crop planting) cultivating and harvest seasons.
Little over-mature timber exists in the area due to continued
farm use and harvesting. Also, nearly all present timber stands
are even-aged as a result of the use of the clearcut harvest method
in the past. (The term "clearcut" means harvest of all

merchantable stems, generally trees 12 inches in diameter and
greater in hardwood forests, with a nine inch minimum for sawtimber
in softwood forests.)
The other land treatment practice which modified the forest
was construction of drainage ditches, normally hand dug. In these
areas,' the present forest composition is partially the result of
the modification in the surface water table.
The overall health of the forests is good. Except for
woodlots west of Route 13, gypsy moth populations are low with
little' if any, defoliation damage. Also, these forests have fared
well t@rough the drought of the past three years.

Tidal/Swamp Forests
Tidal forests occupy 684 acres of the Murderkill River
Watershed. The tree species which predominate in these forests are
black (tupelo) gum', red maple and sweetgum, with limited areas of
green ash. The timber grade is poor, as well as the rate of
growth. These forests are classified (by U.S. Forest Service
definition) as non-commercial forest land, unable to produce 20
cubic feet of fiber per acre per year and/or withdrawn from timber
utilization. For these reasons, management of tidal forests for a
timber crop is not financially/economically viable.
However, management for other uses such as wildlife is
recommended.
Bottomland hardwoods
Bottomland hardwood forests comprise 9,299 acres of the
Murderkill River Watershed. The predominant species of this type
are swamp chestnut oak, willow oak, chestnut oak, swamp white oak
red maple, sweetgum, black (tupelo) gum, black cherry, southern red
oak and Virginia pine. Other associated species depend on
available surrounding seed source and tolerance for standing water
during the growing season. Timber grade and growth are fair
overall-, and where tidal influence is not present are better.
These forests are classified as commercial forest landt unless
withdrawn from timber utilization. Management for timber
production is possible and economically practical. Special site
protection measures are strongly recommended to ensure the long-
term economic practicality on most of the bottomland hardwood
sites. The optimal management regime entails selection harvest of
mature trees with consideration for time of year) slope,' soil
fragility, drainage patterns and species composition. Clearcutting
is not recommended for maintaining species composition, grade and
site quality.

Upland Hardwoods
The uplanT-hardwood forests occupy 6,200 acres of the
watershed. The predominant species are yellow poplar, white oak,
beech, green ash, sweetgum, southern red oak, black oak, and pin
oak, with scattered pockets of loblolly pine. The growth and
timbe@r grade are fair to good, dependent on exact site conditions.
The upland hardwoods of this area are classified as commercial
forest land, unless withdrawn from timber utilization. The best
financial return from forest management is possible for the
Corridor area in this timber type. Though site maintenance is not

as critical as for the bottomland sites, site specific harvesting
restrictions are recommended. The forest management regime which
will ensure species composition and grade is selection harvest.

Current Problems
Most forest resource problems are related to owner goals
and/or lack of knowledge of forest management at the time of land
treatment or timber harvesting. The typical "driving force" for
cutting timber is the need for money. This situation can be
attributed to a "depression" in the farm or agricultural markets or
general financial woes of landowners. Compounded by the typical
"immediate need" situation it is seldom that an owner sells timber
more than once in a lifetime, and therefore, has little knowledge
of the mechanics of the process.
Despite the efforts of foresters and availability of forestry
assistance programs, the largest percentage of forest land
treatment is done without consideration of the perpetuation of the
forest or site condition. This fact leads to the major problems of
environmentally disrupting harvesting methods and harvesting
practices. (Harvesting methods or forest management techniques
concern which trees are cut, i.e., selection, clearcut, patch cut,
timber stand improvement, etc.; while harvesting practices are the
mechanical methods of removal, i.e., rubber-tired skidder;
utlization of buffer strips, skid trails, stream crossing, etc.).
The primary harvesting method of concern for the Corridor is
use of the clearcut method. Clearcutting of all merchantable
stems, especially in conjunction with poor harvesting practices
can lead to soil erosion; siltation of soil nutrients; loss of seed
source from genetically superior trees of various species; loss of
timber grade in the future stand through stump sprouts; lower
quality species and reduced competition (yellow poplar is an
exception); and loss of the "filtering" system of which standing
trees are a component. Except where yellow poplar is predominant,
these losses are seen for at minimum one decade.
The mechanical damage created by poor harvesting practices and
the associated natural site degradation are viewed as the most
critical problem.
The greatest losses occur when 1) harvesting is performed
during wet seasons, 2) there are no buffer strips to stream bluffs
or slopes greater than 10 percent, and 3) debris is left in streams
and/or equipment is run directly across or through streams. These
practices cause deep rutting, increased soil erosion and siltation,
slope or bluff collapse, and blockages to waterways.
The final result of the created environmental problems can be
the reduction or elimination of seedling establishment and
survival, flooding, increased stream pollution and numerous other
environmental problems.
Land conversion for residential construction and gravel pits
are also considered as forest resource problems. The continued
loss of the forest land base to other uses does not always create
immediate adverse impacts; however, over time impacts of supply and
demand problems will affect us all.
The immediate impacts of current residential construction in
primarily the upland forests of the Corridor are loss of timber

grade from septic tank influences and heavy equipment usage; and
slope/bluff erosion and instability.
The immediate concerns of gravel pits in woodland along the
main corridor of the Murderkill River are threat of potential
pollution from river bank erosion into the borrow pit and the
inability to effectively and rapidly revegetate the area once the
pit is abandoned.

Management Alternatives and Possible Solutions

1. The problems of environmentally damaging harvesting methods
and practices can be reduced, if not eliminated, through
timely forester site assessment and harvest planning I I
assuming owner dedication to use of such a plan. Forester
planning includes use of selective harvesting and/or patch
clearcutting in mature hardwood stands; and harvesting layout
and sale contract restrictions including wet season
restrictions, buffer zones (minimum 50 feet) along streams,
skid trail layout, stream crossing limitations and others, as
site conditions dictate.
2. The forest resource base and environmental concerns of
residential construction, borrow pits and other forest land
conversions can be minimized through use of stream bank buffer
strips, site specific critical impact assessment prior to
zoning charges., long-term land use planning, (such as low
density planning for residential communities) and requirements
for revitalization and revegetation of areas disrupted.
3. Site specific forester assessments for proposed land use
changes are currently available through the state Forest
Service. -Generalized forestry guidelines can be developed
(for distribution) which enumerate methods for minimizing
adverse impacts of forestry practices, and land use changes.
Distribution through "currently in place" programs of coopera-
ting agencies could help achieve owner acceptance.
4. Education and public relations seem to be one key element to
success. Beyond this immediate need, it must again be recog-
nized that in most cases the forests of Delaware are generally
treated with monetary return in mind. Environmental protect-
ion measures and harvesting r6gulations are relatively costly.
These costs are most always passed on to the owner. Perhaps
effective financial incentives to woodland owners can be
developed through the combined experience of agencies involved
in the Corridor project.
5. Many of the needed options for managing woodland for financial
return while ensuring future forests and reducing environment-
al impacts are currently available. Increased knowledge of
these management optionsby landowners is greatly needed.
Though incentives are also perceived to be needed, future
investigation into what methods would achieve the desired
results should be undertaken.

HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

Alice Guerrant, Historical Archaeologist,
Historical and Cultural

Prehistoric Resources
The Murderkill drainage is one of the best-known areas in
Delaware for prehistoric archaeological sites ' having been
extensively surveyed and studied by the University of Delaware
Center for Archaeological Research under a grant from the
Delaware Bureau of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. The
area was included in the test cases used for developing a general
model of site locations in such environments. This summary is
taken from articles discussing this research in the Fall, 1983,
issue of The Bulletin of the Archaeological Society of Delaware.
Although prehistoric settlement in Delaware began some
14,000 years ago, with the Paleo-Indian period, very few sites of
that period are known in this area. At that time, much larger
amounts of water were held in the polar icecaps than are held
today, resulting in a dramatically different climate, landscape,
and coastline than presently exists. Sea level was much lower,
the mouth of the Delaware River was not yet inundated, and
environmental zones were hence shifted eastward. Tundra-like
conditions covered most of Delaware and aboriginal subsistence
was focused on hunting the giant fauna of the Pleistocene, such
as mammoth and giant bison. The area's usefulness for Paleo-
Indian populations consisted of "the poorly-drained game-
attractive settings of the mid-peninsular drainage divide , and
hence sites found are "small lithic scatters that indicate
occasionally utilized procurement sites" (Custer and Galasso,
p.7).
With the end of the Pleistocene, polar icecaps began to melt
and worldwide sea level rise began. By about 6500 B.C., the
climatic conditions more nearly approximated modern ones, and the
hardwood forests that once covered Delaware had developed. The
Pleistocene megafauna became extinct, and prehistoric cultures
shifted to more intensive hunting and gathering techniques', with
an increased reliance on plant materials. This time period, know
as the Archaic (6500 B.C. - 3000 B.C.) also left few traces in
the Murderkill area. However, enough sites were found to
postulate a different settlement pattern and use of the area than
during the previous period. "Some kind of macro-band base camp
focal point exists in the Archaic settlement systems which also
include a variety of micro-band base camp/large procurement sites
(Custer and Galasso, P. 11).
The end of the Archaic period is marked by the development
of pottery, and an increase in the number of sites, which have
been interpreted generally to mean the development of increasing
plant use leading to horticulture, with a concomitant rise in
population density and a shift in the settlement pattern to a
semi-sedentary existence. These cultural changes define the
Woodland period (3,000 B.C. to A.D. 1,600). In the mid-Atlantic

region$ and particularly for Delaware, this period has been
divided into two parts.
The earlier part, Woodland 1 (3,000 B.C. to A.D. 1,000) has
left the largest number of sites in the Murderkill area. Nearly
all are located in floodplain settings, often along the major
drainages or at stream confluences. These indicate "a shift of
settlement pattern foci to major drainage floodplain settings as
part of an adaptive response to the warm, dry climatic conditions
of the mid-postglacial xerothermic" (Custer and Galasso, p. 11).
In addition, large numbers of procurement sites in the interior
of the drainage have been found, which "probably represent
hunting stations at game-attractive locales" (Custer and Galasso,
p. 12).
It was during this period that the greatest complexity of
prehistoric social organization has been noted in the
archaeological remains. Elaborate ceremonial sites and other
evidence, in the form of exotic artifacts, have been found that
point to a social system that participated in a trade network
ranging from present-day upstate New York and the Ohio River
Valley to the Dakotas. In the Murderkill River drainage, this is
exemplified by the Island Field Site, a c. 740 A.D. cemetery, now
an archaeological museum and research facility operated by the
State of Delaware.
By around A.D. 1000, these extensive trade networks had
apparently collapsed. This marks the beginning of the Woodland
II period (A.D. 1000 - A.D. 1600). Despite the disappearance of
exotic materials and the lack of evidence for a hierarchiacal
social structure from sites of this period, the archaeological
remains point to many continuities in lifestyle and economic
organization including the same general site locations.
With th; coming of European settlers the Contact Period
began. During the hundred years or so that recognizable Indian
cultures were able to retain their identity on the Delmarva
peninsulat white settlement steadily encroached on their lands,
and rapid acculturation to white lifestyle and economy drained
their traditional ways. Between 1730 and 1750 most of the
remaining Indians in Delaware moved as a group to the western New
York and Pennsylvania areas-, joining a stream of different Indian
groups being pushed westward, gradually losing their individual
tribal identities and merging with the Delawares, Iroquois, and
other larger groups. No sites from the Contact Period are known
in the Nurderkill drainage, and very few have been identified for
the entire state.
At present, about 125 sites are recorded in the Murderkill
River drainage. Many of these were used over and over again
throughout the prehistoric period, with the great majority of
these sites dating to the Woodland I and Il periods. Few of
these sites have been even' minimally tested although several
broad area surveys have been performed. Only the Island Field
Site has been extensively excavated. Publications with more
information on the archaeological work in this area are available
at the Island Field Museum, the Bureau of Archaeology and
Historical Preservation, and the Division of Natural Resources
and Environmental Control. Besides publications, the Island

Field Museum presents a slide talk and many exhibits on
prehistoric life and artifacts. In addition, Killens Pond State
Park now has a brochure and markers for a self-guided tour along
a hiking trail that interprets recently discovered prehistoric
sites.

Historic Period Resources
The Murderkill River Watershed consists of a large section
of South Murderkill Hundred, with small portions of North
Murderkill, Milford, and Mispillion Hundreds. The Hundred is an
early English sub-county unit once used in Delaware as a voting
and census district and still used to record land transactions.
The eastern portion of the watershed, especially Murderkill Neck,
includes some of the earliest land patents in Kent County, dating
to the 1680s.. This area, since the time of its earliest European
settlement, has had primarily an agricultural economy, focused on
grains in the colonial period, and switching to fruits and
vegetables after the Revolutionary War. The 17th- and 18th-
century history of this area revolves around the evolution of the
landscape from a forested, natural wilderness to a cultural
landscape molded by man, with defined fields, clusters of
buildings, and road networks.
Until the early part of the 19th century, forestry products
played a large part in the area's economy. However, these were
fairly rapidly depleted, as more and more land was cleared for
farming. Eighteenth century farming methods and the greatly - I
increased erosion caused by land clearing led to soil depletion
by the late 18th century. Farmers became more and more concerned
about their land's lessening productivity and began efforts
towards replenishing the fertility of the soil. In this, they
were joining a nationwide movement known as scientific farming.
Among the tenents of this movement was the diversification and
rotation of crops, with the increasing use of clover and manure.
In addition, farmers into the 20th century obtained oyster shells
from the oystermen at Bowers Beach, and burned the shells for
lime for fertilizer.
The leading example of the areas progressive 19th century
farmers was Jehu Reed. He experimented extensively with
fertilizers and crops developing from a large nursery business
his own vast acres of fruit trees. He is credited with
introducing large scale peach production into Kent County,
beginning the establishment of his orchards about 1830. For some
time he maintained his own line of fast sailing vessels to take
his peaches speedily to market. The Jehu Reed House a true
.. peach mansion" still stands at Little Heaven as a monument to
Reed's wealth and taste.
Even the industrial efforts in this area were tied to
agricultural pursuits. The earliest of course, were water-
powered grist and saw mills, which quickly multiplied along the
Murderkill and its tributaries, above the head of navigation.
Because of the area's low relief, impoundments were necessary.
Several of these former mill ponds and dams still exist on the
waterway, including McGin nis, Andrews, Coursey, Killens, and
McColley ponds. Today these ponds are primarily for recreational

use and hence are generally larger than they were historicsally.
Their names memorialize a few of the many millers who operated
along the Murderkill in the past. Although no longer extant, the
site of the mill and miller's house at Killens Pond was located
during an archaeological survey but has not been excavated.
During the 19th century some industries were established in
the few towns that developed in the area, but as was the case
with the 18th century milling industry, these manufacturies were
all connected with agricultural production or the processing of
the area's raw materials. Both steam and watermills to saw
timber were important, especially for sawing shiptimber both for
export and for the developing local shipyard in Frederica. Other
important industries were canneries, fertilizer plants, a plow
manufactory, brush factories, basket factories, carriage
builders, and nurseries. These were concentrated in Frederica,
which developed around the major landing on the Murderkill, and
the railroad towns of Viola Felton, and Harrington; other
important commercial interests were also geared to the farming
community such as dealers in farm machinery and hardware, and
blacksmiths specializing in repairs rather than new products.
Few of the buildings that once housed these integral parts of the
past's agricultural economy now survive.
One of the major historical events in the area occurred in
1856,' with the opening of the railroad through the central part
of Delaware. This created major changes in the landscape, with
the rapid creation of new towns around the railway stops,
including Violat Felton, and Harrington. Older towns such as
Frederica, were economically threatened, and often experienced a
slowing or reversal of their growth. The market in perishable
fruits and vegetables was given a tremendous boost, especially
with the development of refrigerated boxcars,- using ice to cool
their contents. The railroad was of central importance to the
Murderkill area until the invention and development of truck
transport in the 20th century. Reminders of this era can be seen
in the railroad stations still standing in Felton and Harrington.
Aside from the area's general contributions to Delaware's
economic and social history, one nationally significant
historical movement began here, the development of Methodism as a
separate religion. Barratt's Chapel, built in 1780) is known as
the Cradle of Methodism for the part this structure played in
1784 in the decision to cut American Methodism's ties with the
English Episcopal Church. In addition, the Barratt House, where
further discussions were held between the conference leaders and
Francis Asbury, also still stands nearby. Barratt's Chapel and
Museum are open to the public for a fee, and offer an excellent
opportunity to learn about the beginnings of one of the major
Protestant churches in the United States today.

Management Options

1. Cultural resources - the physical remains of our past - are
non-renewable; once destroyed, they are gone forever.
Planning to incorporate the preservation of the past as we
move into the future is essential. The Bureau of Archaeology

and Historical Preservation is now engaged in producing a
plan for cultural resources throughout the state. This plan
identifies primary research orientations and sets goals and
priorities for recording and preserving historically
significant properties across the state.
2. Several things can be done by both the public and the private
sectors to protect cultural resources. For archaeological
sites, the preferred alternative is preservation in place.
Excavation is extremely expensive and time-consuming, and it
is desirable to have a "bank" of preserved sites that could
be investigated in the future with new techniques and
research goals. Sites can be preserved by avoiding ground
disturbing or erosional activities in their vicinity such as
tree removal, deep plowing, construction work, or dirt-
biking. Ways to accomplish this sort of site preservation
include the Natural Areas program administered by DNREC, or
zoning restrictions or conditions in site areas.
3. On state-owned lands, this type of protection is insured by
the Antiquities Act, which forbids any kind of site
excavation or disturbance, except for academic research by
qualified professionals under a permit from the Director of
Historical and Cultural Affairs. In order to avoid
accidental damage during normal maintenance or facilities
expansions', DNREC has begun a program of archaeological
surveys of each of its parks. One of the first parks for
which this has been done is Killens Pond. This program is
designed to delineate site areas and to produce a management
plan to guide future park activities and protect culturally
sensitive areas. These surveys are partially funded by the
Historic Preservation Fund of the National Park Service,
administered in Delaware by the Bureau of Archaeology and
Historic Preservation.
4. Preservation of the historic landscape is also of concern
in this area,' which has ona of the beat preserved cultural
landscapes in the state. Protection of agricultural lands
and open spaces accords well with historic preservation
goals for this area. In addition, the preservation of the
built environment, both rural and town, is of considerable
importance in maintaining a feeling of the past. The Bureau
of Archaeology and Historic Preservation performs surveys to
identify and nominate historically significant buildings to
the National Register of Historic Places. This action
recognizes structures worthy of preservation and makes its
owners eligible f-or certain tax benefits. While it gives a
measure of protection from federal actions, listing in the
National Register does not place any restrictions or demands
on owners of listed properties. For private owners who are
interested in retaining the historic appearance of their
properties, the Bureau provides free technical advice on the
best methods and approaches for doing so.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bulletin of the Archaeological Society of Delaware. No. 14, New
Series. Fall 1983.

Custer, Jay F. A Management Plan for Delaware's Prehistoric
Cultural Resources. report on file, Bureau of Archaeology
and Historic Preservation. 1983.

Custer, Jay F. Delaware's Prehistoric Archaeology: An
Ecological Approach. Newark: University of Delaware Press.
1983.

Scharf, J. Thomas. History of Delaware. Philadelphia. 1888.
Vol. 2.

A Tricentennial View of-Frederica, Delaware: 1683 - 1983.
Friends of Dover Public Library. 1984.

Wise, Cara L. Management Plan for Killen's Pond State Park.
report on file, Bureau of Archaeology and Historic
Preservation. 1983.

NATURAL HERITAGE

Charles R. Vickers, Chief, Natural Heritage
Programs, Division of Parks and Recreation

The Natural Heritage Programs of the Division of Parks and
Recreation are directed toward preserving Delaware's biological
and ecological diversity. Two major programs involving the
Murderkill River Corridor are natural areas preservation and rare
plant conservation.
The Office of Nature Preserves within DNREC is legislatively
mandated under the 1978 Natural Areas Preservation System Act to
administer a statewide system of nature preserves and natural
areas. These lands contain unique or significant examples of
Delaware's diverse natural heritage: unspoiled wetlands, old
growth forests, rare plant and animal communities, and geological
or archaeological sites. These natural landscapes provide
endangered species habitats, scientific research sites,
reservoirs of native ecosystems-, critical areas benefitting the
environment I and buffers against modern-day pressures.
Protection of natural areas is encouraged by a voluntary -
three step process: (1) inventory - locate the most significant
sites;
(2) registration - recognition by the state and landowner of the
significance of the area and a good-faith agreement to protect
it; and (3) dedication - permanent legal restriction placed on
the area through a conservation easement or articles of
dedication. once a natural area is dedicated, it is a nature
preserve.
The Murderkill River Corridor contains three areas listed on
the statewide Natural'Areas Inventory. One is the Island Field
Site, a prehistoric occupation and burial site. Part of a 1200-
year-old cemetery is preserved at the Island Field Museum, with
five acres owned by the State of Delaware and managed by the
Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs. The surrounding
land is in private ownership and efforts should be directed
toward long-term preservation of more of the site.
The second area is the Miocene Beds at Coursey Pond. This
exposed fossil outcrop is on both sides of the tumblehole below
the spillway. This convenient location makes it ideal for
teaching purposes and lends itself to interpretation.
The third portion of the Murderkill River Corridor on the
Natural Areas Inventory is the river and adjacent woodlands and
wetlands from Frederica to Coursey Pond and down Brown's Branch
to McColley Pond. This large expanse of undeveloped waterway and
wooded swamp is important for its wildlife habitat, wetland,
recreation, and open space values. The area is diverse in its
vegetative composition. Low salinity areas have big cordgrass
and high-tide bush. Freshwater marshes are dominated by cattails
and marsh mallow. The wooded swamp areas are dominated by red
maple, black gum, green ash, and bayberry. Some areas contain
steep banks and bluffs with oaks, tuplip trees, scrub pines,
dogwoods and American beech trees.

Two sections of this corridor have been dedicated as nature
preserves. This means these sites have legal restriction
attached to the deeds to permanently protect the natural
resources. In January 1985, seventy-two acres were donated to
the Office of Nature Preserves for the purpose of setting up a
nature preserve. This site is known as the Burton-Derrickson
Tract. In December 1985, fifty-five acres were donated by
another landowner. This site is known as the Hopkins-Trice
Tract.
The natural areas program is voluntary. Our efforts succeed
only with the cooperation of the landowner. Efforts are underway
to contact area landowners about protecting the natural heritage
values of their property. Several options are available.
Landowners can register the portion of their property within the
defined natural area with the Office of Nature Preserves.
Although not legally binding, registration is recognition by the
state and landowner of the significance of the area and a good-
faith agreement to protect it.
Another option for protection is dedication. There are two
different ways of dedicating land. One option is the landowner
retains the deed to the land and sets up a conservation easement.
Legal restrictions for protection of the natural values of the
site are attached to the deed. The second option for dedication
is a donation or gift of the land. In this case the landowner
transfers ownership to the Office of Nature Preserves and deed
restrictions are applied to the site. For both options,
conservation easement or donation, some type of economic
incentive is afforded the landowner. Depending on the
circumstances, property, income and inheritance taxes may be
reduced.
A second major natural heritage program is Delaware's Rare
Plant Conservation Program. Of the more than 1,700 native
vascular plants in Delaware more than 400, or about 25%, are rare
(species with three or fewer populations statewide). With the
potential for such loss of diversity, the need to increase
efforts to protect and preserve Delaware's flora is apparent.
The Murderkill-River Corridor needs to be inventoried for
rare plant species. This survey could begin on public lands
within the corridor and then expand to private lands. With the
vast majority of Delaware's rare species being wetlands-
associated plants, there is the possibility of some of these
species being in the corridor.
The preservation of biological and ecological diversity is a
far-reaching responsibility involving a well-defined and
coordinated effort on the part of many groups - public and
private. Natural areas and rare plants are frequently lost as a
result of public and private actions. These losses may be the
result of inadequate information, economic pressures,
carelessness or indifference. The Office of Nature Preserves is
in the process of developing a natural areas directory to help
avoid such losses by informing public agencies, private
conservation groups and interested individuals about natural
areas in Delaware and about legal obligations when considering
public projects and making land use decisions.

Management Options

1. Contact landowners in the defined natural area to encourage
registration and dedication of land.
2. Conduct a rare plant survey, beginning on public land.
3. Distribute a Natural Areas Directory to appropriate public
and private organization.

The Murderkill River Corridor Study emphasizes the natural
resource values of this area. It is hoped that this will provide
further impetus for protection of the natural heritage of this
undisturbed waterway.

RECREATION

Susan M. LaPorte, Division Planner, Division of
Parks and Recreation, DNREC

Within the study area ' Killens Pond State Park is the
largest recreation facility. It covers 581 acres, including the
66 acre pond. The park features a swimming pool and recreation
complex with ballfields, picnic area and a playground. Picnic
pavilions for group picnicking, small fishing piers, a 59-site
family campground, primitive camping areas, and trails are also
found at the park. A variety of water craft can be rented at the
pond.
The Killens Pond State Park Master Plan, which was completed
in 1970, recommends the establishment of most of the park's
existing facilities, however it suggests facilities in greater
numbers (listed below) and a much larger land base. The land
base recommended had boundaries extending from Route 13 east to
County Road 15, south to an area below McColley Pond. (See
attached map). This land base covers.3260 acres and encompassed
Killen, Coursey and McColley Ponds.
The 1984 Delaware outdoors, the state comprehensive outdoor
recreation plan (SCORP), identifies recreation facilities needed
by the state's citizenry. In Kent County the following
facilities are recommended for future development: bicycle
trails, swimming pools, swimming - natural site, tennis courts,
saltwater fishing, football/soccer fields,' campgrounds, and golf
courses. These represent, in order of priority, the highest
demand for recreation in the county.
The Killens Pond Master Plan recommends three swimming
pools, a driving range and 18 hole golf course, four camping
areas, three boat launch sites, a nature center, a riding stable,
numerous picnic areas, and an extensive trail system including
trails for nature/hiking, horseback riding, bicycling and
canoeing. Most of these facilities fall within the SCORP
findings.

Management Options

precludes acquisitions; however, purchases could be targeted
below the spillway on Browns Branch, east of Route 388.
Additionally, the river corridor west of the state park to
Route 13 should be acquired.
3. In addition to fee-simple acquisition,- conservation easements
should be employed along the river corridor to assure
protection. Kent County should be encouraged to cooperate
in river corridor protection through appropriate zoning
classification*in the county's Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
The county also should be encouraged to provide more park and
recreation areas which could be located within the study
area.

REFERENCES

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental
Control, Division of Parks and Recreation Dover DE.
Delaware Outdoors, A Comprehensive Plan for Meeting
Delaware's Outdoor Recrational. Needs and Conserving the
Environment. 1984.

Chas. T. Main, Inc., Boston, MA. Master Plan Report, Muderkiln
State Park, Kent County, Delaware. 1970.

WATER QUALITY

Dennis Brown, Planner, Division of Water Resources,
DNREC

Background
The Murderkill River basin is comprised of about 68,000 acres
in southern Kent County. The river has a saline tidal main stem of
about 11 miles, and three major tributary streams, each of about 10
miles length. These tributaries are Brown's Branch (which rises
near Harrington), the upper Murderkill (which rises southwest of
Felton), and the Spring Creek system (including Double Run which
rises near Woodside, Hudson Branch which rises near Viola, and
Pratt Branch which rises near Felton). The river flows toward the
northeast and discharges to Delaware Bay at Bowers. Agriculture is
the predominant land use in the upper reaches of the basin, with
forest and residential areas of secondary importance. State-owned
areas that provide access to water-based recreation include
McGinnis Pond, Killen Pond State Park,.Andrews Pond, Coursey Pond
and McColley Pond.

Monitoring
THe state has 17 routine water monitoring stations in the
Murderkill River basin. These stations are shown on the map on the
following page (numbers 3, 5, and 7 are inactive). Approximately
35 miles are assessed.

Standards and Designated Uses
Murderkill River water quality is governed by the general
saltwater and freshwater criteria. The designated protected uses
for the river include industrial water supply, primary contact
recreation in freshwater areas, secondary contact recreation,
propagation of fish, aquatic life and wildlife, and agricultural
water supply in freshwater areas. The river is rated 17th (out of
36 basins) on DNREC's basin priority list.

Historical Water Quality'
The 1984 ter Quality Inventory described the river as having
water quality which cannot fully support some designated uses.
Problems were most common in the saline tidal area, where
seasonally low dissolved oxygen levels affected the propagation of
fish and aquatic life use. The freshwater areas had generally good
water quality. The Federal Clean Water Act's goal of achieving
waters of "fishable-swimmable" quality appeared to be met
throughout the basin, although parts of the saline tidal area may
not have had full attainment. Trends toward lower bacteria and
nutrient levels were noted in tfie freshwater areas,- while dissolved
oxygen levels appeared to be heading lower in the saline tidal
areas. Causes of the observed problems were rank-ordered as
natural (wetlands runoff),' upland runoff, and point source
discharges.

2
AMBIENT SAWLINC STATIONS

(23.14 miles from Cape Henlopen)
KwEnm RIVER STATION/sTol
LOCATION DESCRIPTION RrM MILES
-Nu@m ERS
1. U.S. Rt. 13, below Felton 17.12 1-206011
2. Rd. 3840 Killen Pond 14.87 2-206021
3. Rd. 35 bridge 12.29 3-206031
4. Del. Rt. 14, Browns Branch 10.72/7.39 4-206041
5. Rd. 384 bridge. Browns @ranch- 10.72/4.62 5-206051
6. Rd. 398 bridge, Mc-Colley Pond
.10.72/2.50 6-206061
7. Rd..3809 Andrews 7.46/3.55/0.45 7-206071
8. Del. Rt. 12, Spring Creek 7.46/0.22 8-206081
9. Frederica By:-Pass bridge, U.S. Rt. 113 7.20 9-206091
11. Zero Mile from Mouth (Boat) 0.00 11-206111
12. 0.46 Wle from Mouth (Boat) 0.46 12-206121
13 1.251:11as from Mouth (Boat) 1.25 13-206131
1 A 3.25- Kilas from Mouth (lost) 3.25 14-206141
15.' 5.39Kilca front Mouth (Boat) 5.39 15-206151
16. 7.JlMile@ frost Mouth (Boat) 7.11 16-206161 11
17. 7.14, Miles frcm Mouth, Spring Crack conf. (Boat) 7.14 17-206171
18., 8.32Miles frou Houch-(Boat) 8.32 18-206181
19. 9.64YAles from Mouth (Boat) 9.64 19-206191
5.71 Uiles from Mouth (Boat) 5.71 20-206231

ATIC-1
ERS 19 velS 17 16 15 14 13 12
I I - I I --T= I T
6,0 4.0 - 0j
RIVER MILE

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Recent Water Quality: July 1983 to June 1985
Analysis of water quality data has been accomplished using the
EPA-STORET computer system programs STAND and MEAN (for further
details, refer to the Introduction). Examination of the data
indicates potential problems in the saltwater area. Most parts of
this area have low dissolved oxygen levels during the summer
months, with the lowest levels (at times near 1.0 mg/L) noted
between river miles 3 and 9, above Frederica. High fecal coliform
bacteria levels are also seen throughout this same stretch of
river, in Spring Creek, and in the headwaters of the river near
Felton. Low pH and alkalinity values are common to the freshwater
segments of Brown's Branch and the upper Murderkill. Evidence of a
possible phenols problem in the saltwater area is also highlighted.
These findings suggest that some designated uses may not be fully
supported.
A review of monitoring data reveals some interesting patterns
in nutrient distribution. The freshwater areas generally have
moderate to high average total nitrogen (3.2 to 4.4 mg/L) and low
total phosphorus (0-10-0-14 mg/L) concentrations. The saltwater
areas typically have lower total nitrogen (most values about 2.6
mg/L average) but maintain much high total phosphorus levels
(generally near 0.45 mg/L). Low levels of BOD are common in the
freshwater area above Killens Pond and at McColley Pond', and in the
saltwater area between river miles 0.0 and 6.0. In these areas,
the majority of measurements fall below the minimum reported value
of 2.4 mg/L.

Discussion
The above water quality information seems to show potential
for impact on beneficial uses in the saltwater section of the
river. The fish and aquatic life use may be stressed due to the
seasonally depressed dissolved oxygen levels at mid-basin. The low
BOD values seen in most of this segment seem to suggest that the
5
water is not carrying high levels of organic wastes. Rather, the
low dissolved oxygen may be caused by natural benthic demand or by
nearly anoxic water draining from the wetland margins. Primary
contact recreation use may be affected by the excessive bacteria
levels found. The elevated concentrations of phenols may impact
the edibility of fish tissue (taste and odor effects). However, it
is believed that the phenol results may be spurious due to
interferences with the laboratory test by natural components of the
river water. The Clean Water Act's "fishable-swimmable" goal is
rated "generally attained" because the possible impacts outlined
above appear to be caused primarily by natural effects.
Comparison of the 1984 and current water quality evaluations
shows some possible trends. The river in the vicinity of Frederica
appears to have declining dissolved oxygen, and higher total
phosphorus and fecal coliform. levels. Brown's Branch seems to
support improving dissolved oxygen concentrations. This
improvement may be the result of the recent upgrading of the
Harrington sewage treatment plant. The Murderkill River estuary
appears to be phosphorus-rich in comparison with other Delaware
estuaries. The excess phosphorus may have the Kent County sewage
treatment plant near Frederica as its source.

A biological investigation of the river near the Kent County
Regional STP discharge was performed in July, 1985. The purpose of
this work was to determine Vhat, if any, impacts the Kent County
discharge has on the river biota. Macroinvertebrates were sampled
at three location (two near the discharge and on "control") using a
Petite Ponar and epibenthic skid dredge. The results showed high
densities of tolerant organisms nearest the discharge, a dense but
more diverse community at the downstream location, and a low
density, fairly diverse community at the control station. The
report concluded that the discharge exerts multiple stresses on
aquatic life (as evidenced by poor diversity and immense standing
crop), but this influence decreased rapidly downstream of the
outfall. The literature suggests that freshwater
macroinvertebrates cannot survive salinities above 0.5%; this fact
may in part explain the results found.
There are three permitted point source discharges in the
Murderkill River basin. These are: Kent County Regional STP,
Harrington STP, and Southwood Acres STP. The total wastewater flow
from these facilities (about 97% of which is from Kent County) is
15.516 MGD, and contains about 3820 lb/day each of BOD 5 and TSS-

Looking Ahead
The Murderkill River has been chosen as the site of a pilot
project under the Delaware "Stream Watch" program. The objective
of this program is to encourage citizen involvement in the
protection of stream water quality. The pilot project began in the
spring of 1986.
Management of animal manure to prevent degradation of the
surface and groundwaters of the state is being emphasized by DNECP
the Delaware Cooperative Extension Service, the Soil Conservation
Service, and Conservation Districts.

Management Options

1. Work with all agencies and the Kent Conservation
District to encourage the storage of animal waste
manure under cover until the proper time to apply it
on the land.
2. Encourage the adoption of the "MANURE" program to
promote balanced use and management of manure,
fertilizers, etc. to protect and improve water quality.
3. Stress protection of stream quality through the Delaware
"Stream Watch" program. REFERENCES

Delaware Nature Education Society. Delaware Stream Watch Guide.
July 1986.

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control,
Division of Water Resources. 1986 Delaware Water Quality
Inventory.

WETLANDS

Bennett N. Anderson, Environmental Scientist, Water
Resources Division, Wetlands and Underwater Lands
Branch, DNREC.

Introduction
From a resource point of view the Murderkill River drainage
basin has without a doubt the last of the highest quality untouched
natural resources left in the state. The flora and fauna found in
the river and its surrounding wetlands thrive in a diversity of
natural habitats from tidal saline at the river's mouth to fresh at
its headwaters. The river's mostly unbroken natural corridors
allow free movement of wildlife along its watercourse. Few areas
of the state can boast of such a natural setting and because of
this, its recreational values and uses are highly regarded.
The wetlands comprising part of the Murderkill River watershed
are a limited and highly valued resource. The support that
wetlands provide to wildlife and water quality has been widely
documented over the years - For these reasons, any proposed
development having primary or secondary impact upon wetlands should
be given close scrutiny and proper planning.

Background Definition
There is dual jurisdiction over wetlands in the Murderkill
watershed. The State of Delaware claims jurisdiction through Title
7, Chapter 66 - The Wetlands Act of 1973 - over tidal wetlands
within the state. These are defined as "...those lands above the
mean low land subject to tidal action ... which are capable of
growing a wide variety of wetland plants." Federal jurisdiction
covers a broader range of wetland habitats through Section 10 of
the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and Section 404 of the Clean
Water Act of 1977 which define wetlands as "...those areas that are
inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency
and duration sufficient to support and that under normal
circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically
adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally
include swamps, marshes,- bogs and similar areas."

Wetland Classification System
Clasiification of wetlands is based on three factors:
vegetation, soils and hydrology. The classification system itself
was devised and adopted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in
1979 and has been widely accepted and used by federall statet and
local agencies, university scientists and private industry for
identifying and classifying wetlands. The classification system is
hierarchical, or vertical, in nature, proceeding from general to
specific. The highest level and most general is the System level
consisting of five units: marine (open ocean), estuarine (saline
and brackish waters and marshes), riverine (rivers and streams),
lacustrine (lakes and ponds), and paulustrine (shallow marshes,
bogs, swamps and shallow ponds). The next lower tier is the sub-
system which describes the tidal regime for Marine and Estuarine

systems, the water depth for laustrine systems and water flow in
the riverine system. Next the class level describes the general
appearance of the wetland in terms of dominant vegetative cover
(e.g. forested, shrub-scrub, emergent grasses). The class is
further subdivided into sub-class to define the type of substrate
if cover is less than 30% vegetated (e.g. bedrock, rubble, mud,
sand or organic) or if more than 30% vegetated describing the
dominance type of vegetation (e.g. broad-leaved deciduous, needle-
leaved evergreen in the community). The sub-class is then followed
by four types of specific modifens: (1) water regime, (2) water
chemistry, (3) soil and (4) special. While it may sound somewhat
complicated, upon examination, it is logical, straight forward and
very useful.

Wetlands Inventory
In 1985, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in conjunction
with DNREC completed a wetlands inventory in Delaware to provide
goverment administrators, private industry and others with
improved information for project planning and impact evaluation and
for making land-use decisions. This inventory identifies the
current status of Delaware's wetlands and serve as the base from
which future changes can be determined. It is available in a joint
publication by the Fish and Wildlife Servive and DNREC titled
Wetlands of Delaware. Much of the inventory data is still being
analyzed for further application.

Upland

Upland Water Table
HighWater High Water Groundwater
Discharge
Low Water Stream
Low Water
Water Table Water Table 6.6 Ft
River

Depressional Wetland Overflow Deepwater Overflow Seepage Wetland on Slope
Wetland Habitat Wetland
Fiqure 1 Schematic diagram showing wetlands, and deepwater habitats, and upplands on the landscape. Note differences in wetlands due to
hydrology and sopogrphic position.

The Three Parameter Approach
In defining wetlands from an ecological standpoint, emphasis
is upon the three key attributes of wetlands:

1. hydrology - the degree of flooding or soil saturation
2. wetland vegetation - hydrophytes
3. hydric soils - undrained, saturated, anaerobic soils
supporting hydrophytes.

All areas considered wetland must have enough water sometime
during the growing season to stress plants and animals not adapted
for life in water or saturated soils. Most wetlands have
hydrophytes and hydric soil present. The Soil Conservation Service
has prepared this list of the hydric soils of Kent County:

Bayboro Elkton
Fallsington Johnston
Othello Plummer
Pocomoke Swamp
Tidal Marsh Mixed Alluvial Land

The Fish and Wildlife Service has produced a very extensive
list of Delaware's wetland plants (hydrophytes) which can be found
in the appendix to Wetland of Delaware. Particular attention
should be paid to the reference to flooding or soil saturation
during the growing season. When soils are covered by water or
saturated to the soil surface, free oxygen is not available to
plant roots. During the growing season, most plants must have
access to free oxygen for respiration and growth; flooding at this
time would have serious implications for the growth and survival of
most plants. In a wetlands situation, plants must be adapted to
cope with these stressful conditions. If, however, flooding only
occurs in winter when the plants are dormant, there is little or no
effect on them.

Wetland Values - Introduction
Delaware's wetlands have a long history of use for hunting,
trapping, fishing, timberi and livestock grazing. These uses tend
to preserve wetlands integrity and resources and thus will continue
to provide well into future generations. However, many other of
manis activities run counter to wetland preservation and
continuance. Activities such as drainage for agriculture and
silviculture and filling for industrial or residential development
result in a conversion of wetlands and a subsequent loss of those
wetlands functions and values. To date only minor conversions of
wetlands have occurred in the corridor.
Wetlands in their natural state provide a wealth of benefits
and values to society. These benefits can be divided into three
basic categories: (1) fish and wildlife values, (2) environmental
quality values, and (3) socio-economic values.

Table 1. List of Major 'Wetland Values

Fish and Wildlife Values Socio-Economic Values

-Fish and shellfish habitat -Flood control
-Waterfowl and other bird -Wave damage protection
habitat -Erosion control
-Furbearer and other wildlife -Ground-water recharge
habitat -Water supply
-Timber and other natural products
-Energy source (peat)
Environmental Quality Values -Livestock grazing
-Fish and shellfishing
-Water quality maintenance -Hunting and trapping
-pollution filter -recreation
-sediment removal -aesthetics
-oxygen production -Education and scientific research
-nutrient recycling
-chemical and nutrient
-absorption
-Aquatic productivity
-Microclimate regulator
-World climate (ozone layer)

Fish and Wildlife Values
Fisfi ind wildlife utilize wetlands in a variety of ways. Some
animals are totally wetland-dependent, spending entire lives in
wetlands. Others use wetlands only for specific reasons such as
reproduction and nursery grounds, feeding, and resting and staging
areas during migration. Many upland animals utilize wetlands for
protective cover and to obtain drinking water,* especially important
during severe droughts. Wetlands are also essential for survival
of numerous threatened or endangered species of animals and plants.

Environmental Quality Values
Besides providing homes for fish and wildlife, wetlands play a
less conspicuous but nonetheless important, role in maintaining
high environmental quality', especially for aquatic habitats. They
do this in a variety of ways, including purifying natural waters by
removing nutrients, chemical and organic pollutants, and sediment
and producing food which supports aquatic life.

Water Quali!@ Improvement
Wetlands help maintiin good water quality or improve degraded
waters in several ways: (1) nutrient removal and retention, (2)
processing chemical and organic wastes, and (3) reducing sediment
load of the water. Wetlands are particularly good water filters
because of their location between land and water. Thus they can
both intercept runoff from land before it reaches the water and
help filter nutrients, wastes, and sediment from flooding waters.
Clean waters are important to people as well as to fish and
wildlife.

Wetlands remove nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus,
from flooding waters for plant growth and help prevent
eutrophication or overenrichment of natural waters. Freshwater
wetlands are important in reducing nutrient and heavy metal loading
from urban runoff. It is, however, possible to overload a wetland
system (exceed its carrying capacity) and thereby reduce its
ability to perform this function. Conversely, a wetland system
that is functioning in dynamic equilibrium at its maximum carrying
capacity will fail if any portion of its filtering system is
altered or stressed by draining or filling in of the wetland. This
point has already been evidenced by the annual late summer choking
of ponds by aquatic vegetation.

Sediment
ands also play a valuable role in reducing turbidity of
surface water runoff. This is especially important for aquatic
life and for reducing siltation of portst harbors, rivers, and
reservoirs. Removal of sediment load is also valuable because
sediments often transport absorbed nutrients', pesticides.' heavy
metals and other toxins which pollute our waters. Depressional
wetlands should retain all of the sediment entering them. But this
valuable process is not without cost to the wetlands themselves.
The trapping of sediment fills in the wetlands which shortens
their lifespan and resulting beneficial functions and values. It
is therefore imperative that Best Management Practices (BMP's) be
implemented for both agriculture and urban runoff areas adjacent to
wetlands.
Creek banks of salt marshes typically support more productive
vegetation than the marsh interior. Deposition of silt is
accentuated at the water-marsh interface, where vegetation slows
the velocity of water causing sediment to drop out of solution. In
addition to improving water quality, this process adds nutrients to
the creekside marsh which leads to higher plant productivity.

RAINSTORM[
.............

Higher flood and higher flows

% Lower flood crest and
% lower flows
%

%
%%
WETLANDS

NO WETLANDS
-- ----------

TIME 56 NOW-
Fig= fi. - Wedand values in reducing flood crests and flow mus after rainstoms (adapted from Kuder 1983).

Aquatic Productivity
Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the
world rivaling our best cornfields. They are particularly
efficient converters of solar energy. Through photosynthesis,
plants convert sunlight into plant material or biomass and produce
oxygen as a byproduct. Other material, such as organic matter,
nutrients, heavy metals, and sediment are also captured by wetlands
and either stored in the sediment or converted to biomass. This
biomass serves as food for a multitude of animals, both aquatic and
terrestrial. For example, many waterfowl depend heavily on seeds
of marsh plants, especially during the winter while muskrats eat
cattail and bulrush tubers and young shoots.

2500. Salt
Marsh

2000 Tropical Fresh-
Rain water
Forest Wetland

1500

1000 Cold Warm
Deciduous Temperate Forest Mixed
Forest
Cultivated
Land Grassland
500
Boreal
Forest

Desert
NET PRIMARY PRODUCTIVTY OF SELECTED ECOSYSTEMS (q/m2/YEAR)
ADAPTED FROM LIETH (1975)AND TEAL AND TEAL (1969)

FIGURE 3 Relative productivity of wetland ecosystems in relation to other ecosystems (redrawn from Newton 1981). Salt marshes and
freshwater wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems.

Although direct grazing of wetland plants is generally
limited, their major food value is reached upon death when plants
fragment to form "detritus". This detritus forms the base of an
aquatic food web which supports high consumers, e.g., commercial
fishes. This relationship is especially well-documented for
coastal areas. Animals, like zooplankton, shrimp, snails, crabs,
worms, killifish and mullet, eat "detritus" or graze upon bacteria,
fungi, diatroms, and protozoa growing on its surfaces. Forage
fishes (e.g. anchovies, sticklebacks, killifishes, and silversides)
and grassfish are the primary food for commercial and recreational
fishes, including bluefish, flounder, weakfish and white perch. A
simplified food webs for Delaware estuaries is presented in Figure
4. Thus wetlands can be regarded as the farmland of the aquatic

4. Thus wetlands can be regarded as the farmlands of the aquatic

environment where great volumes of food are produced annually. The
majority of non-marine aquatic animals also depend, either directly
or indirectly, on this food source.

ESTUARINE
VIIETLAND PLANTS ESTUARINE WATEILS

4 DE TR ITics ZOOPLANKTON GRASS SHRIMP
STRIPED BASS
I's SHEEPSHEAD MtXNOW
YSTERS BLUEFISH
KILLIFISH MENHADEN
VOILMS MULLET %,LAxnsm
FLOUNDER

Figure '4 Simplified food pathways from estuarine we&M vegetation to commercial and recreational fishes of importance to people.

Socio-economic Value
The more tangible benefits of wetlands to mankind may be
considered socio-economic. They include flood and storm damage
protection,. erosion control, water supply and ground water
recharge, harvest of natural products, livestock grazing and
recreation. Since these values provide either dollar savings or
financial profit', they are more easily understood and appreciated
by most people.
In their natural condition, wetlands serve to temporarily
store flood waters, thereby protecting downstream property owners
from flood damage. After all, such flooding has been the driving
force in creating these wetlands to begin with. This flood storage
function also helps to slow the velocity of water and lower wave
heights,* which reduces the water's erosive potential. Rather than
having all flood waters flowing rapidly downstream and destroying
private property and crops, wetlands.slow the flood of water, store
it for a period of time and slowly release stored waters
downstream. This becomes increasingly important in urban areas,
where development has increased the rate and volume of surface
water runoff and the potential for food damage.
Besides reducing flood levels and potential damage, wetlands
may buffer the land from storm damage. Salt marshes are considered
important shoreline stabilizers due to their wave dampening effect.
A fringe of salt marsh grass as narrow as eight feet can reduce
wave energy by over 507.. Forested wetlands along lakes, ponds and
large rivers will function similarly.

Summary - Values
Marshes, swamps and other wetlands are assets to society in
their natural state. They provide numerous products for human use
and consumption', protect private property and provide recreational
and aesthetic appreciation opportunities. Destruction or

alteration of wetlands eliminates or minimizes their values.
Drainage of wetlands, for example, eliminates all of the beneficial
effects of the marsh on water quality and directly contributes to
flood problems. While the wetland landowner can derive financial
profit from some of the values mentioned, the general public
receives the vast majority of wetland benefits through flood and
storm damage control, erosion control, water quality improvements,
fish and wildlife resources, and aesthetics. It is, therefore in
the public's best interest to protect wetlands to preserve these
values for themselves and for future generaiton.

Wetland Trends
Wetra-nds are dynamic environments subject to change by both
natural processes and human actions. These forces interact to
cause wetland gains and losses as well as to degrade and improve
their quality. In general, the overall effect in Delaware has been
a loss and degradation of wetlands. Table 2 outlines major causes
of wetland loss aftd degradation in the state.

Table 2. Major causes of wetland loss and degradation in Delaware
(adapted from Zinn and Copeland 1982; Gosselink and
Baumann 1980).

Natural Threats

1. Subsidence (including natural rise of sea level).
2. Erosion
3. Overwash from sandy barrier beaches.
4. Hurricanes and other storms.
5. Biotic effects, e.g., muskrat and snow good "eat-outs" and
common reed invasion.

Human Threats
Direct:

1. Discharges of materials (e.g., pesticides, herbicides, other
pollutants, nutrient loading from domestic sewagel urban
runoff, agricultural runoff, and sediments from dredging and
filling, agricultural and other land development) into waters
and wetlands.
2. Filling for dredged spoil and other solid waste disposal, roads
and highways, and commercial, residential and industrial
development.
3. Dredging and stream channelization for navigation channels"
flood protection,- agricultural development, coastal housin;
developmens and pond maintenance.
4. Construction of-dikes, dams, levees and seawalls for flood
control, waterfowl impoundments, water supply, irrigation and
storm protection.
5. Drainage for crop production, timber production and mosquito
control.
6. Flooding wetlands for creating lakes, ponds', and waterfowl
impoundments.

Indirect:

1. Sediment diversion by dams, deep channels and other structures.
2. Hydrologic alterations by canals, spoil banks, roads and other
structures.
3. Subsidence due to extraction of ground water.

Tidal Wetlands
StatewidW,' tidal wetlands losses amounted to an estimated 444
acres annually between 1954 to 1971. After the Delaware
legislature enacted the Wetlands Act of 1973 to provide special
protection to coastal tidal wetlands, those human induced losses
dropped to an average of 20 acres annually, a dramatic reduction of
losses to only 4.5% of the pre-Wetlands Act period and a fairly
successful record by any standard.

Non-tidal Wetlands
Freshwater non-tidal wetlands in Delaware have faired far
worse than tidal wetlands. From just the period between the mid-
1950's to the late 1970s/early 1980s,' preliminary research
estimates indicate a 20% loss of Delaware's freshwater wetlands
statewide. The statewide average net loss rate may be as high as
1,500 acres per year. Losses are attributed to channelization
projects and forestry practicest while agricultural conversion and
urban development of freshwater wetlands were more localized.
As much as two-thirds of Delaware's original freshwater
wetlands may be gone. Considering non-hydric soil inclusions
within hydric soil areas,, it is likely however that the actual loss
is somewhat less, perhaps in the 40-50% range. In any event,
Delaware's freshwater wetlands have been significantly reduced and
the remaining areas need to be protected. This emphasizes the need
to insure the protection of the Murderkill River Corridor.

Areas of Concern

1. Ditching of wetland for drainage only.
2. Loss of water and lowering of the water table (through ditch-
ing) and shallow aquifer for loss for individual wells for
irrigation and industry.
3. Inadequate stormwater runoff program.
4. Decrease in water quality within the Murderkill basin and
downstream effects upon commercial and recreational fin and
shellfish fisheries.
5. Loss of general wildlife habitat and negative effects on
wetland dependent species.
6. Loss of high value wetlands.
7. Negative impacts on rare, threatened or endangered species of
plant and animals.
8. Residential and/or urban development in wet areas (or
wetlands) that will require expensive drainage and maintenance
and thus will threaten adjacent wetlands.
9. Mitigation of wetland losses and high wetlands replacement
costs.
10. Loss of natural shorelines through bulkheading resulting in
loss of water quality and natural habitat.
11. Wetland damage through improper silviculture harvesting
techniques.
12. Excessive sedimentation influx of wetlands due to improper
soil cultivation practices.

Management_ Options

lands
5. Best Management Practices (BMP's) employed in silviculture
and agriculture adjacent to or in wetlands as a means of
protecting and enhancing public and private natural resources.
6. Protection of shoreline loss; discouraging bulkheading and
using alternative shoreline stabilization techniques and
practices in areas of erosion and sedimentation.

REFERENCES

U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service and State of
of Delaware, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental
Control. Wetlands of Delaware. National Wetlands Inventory.
September 1985.

HOSQUITO PROBLEMS

William H. Meredith, Fish and Wildlife, Mosquito
Control Section, Delaware Division of Fish and
Wildlife, DNREC

Problems with pest mosquitoes along the Murderkill River
Corridor are caused by salt-marsh mosquitoes breeding on several
hundred acres of tidal wetlands in the lower basin (see Map # I ).
The primary salt marsh pest species are Aedes sollicitans and
Aedes cantator. They are strong fliers that bite night and day.
Periodic broods of these species occur when the infrequently-
flooded, high salt marsh is rewetted after a dry period, either by
rainfall or flooding tides. These species do not breed in the
low' frequently-flooded salt marsh, nor are they problems in man-
made impoundments that maintain high and stable water levels.
These mosquitoes can occassionally cause extreme and widespread
annoyance to residents of Bowers Beach and South Bowers along the
coast, and to inhabitants of Frederica, furtber i@nland. Besides
nuisance problems, these species can transmit diseases such as
encephalitis to man and horses,' and canine heartworm to dogs.
Most of the salt-marsh breeding area shown on Map #2 has
been parallel-grid ditched in earlier attempts to drain the marsh
surface of breeding waters, thus limiting mosquito production.
This effort has met with only limited success in terms of mosquito
control, and has had undesirable secondary environmental impacts.
Today, the Delaware Mosquito Control Section must spray these
marshes several times between May and September, using aerially-
applied chemical insecticides. The spraying is done only if a
major brood is in progress.' Control with insecticides requires
constant surveilance, is costly, offers only temporary relief, and
may have hidden environmental drawbacks.
Future salt-marsh mosquito control by the Section will
emphasize installation of a system of selectively-excavated ponds
and ditches in documented breeding areas. This technique is known
as Open Marsh Water Management (OMWM), and involves no structures
above the level of marsh surface that would impede marsh surface
floodover. Most of the ponds and ditches used in OMWM have no or
only limited connections to normal tidal flow, but are routinely
flooded by the higher full and new moon tides. This very
effective approach relies on biological control of mosquito larvae
by fish predation. The most common fish predator of Delaware's
high marshes is the mummichog or killifish, which is an abundant
resident of permanent high-marsh ponds and deeper tidal creeks.
The OMWM alterations eliminate many of the desirable egg
deposition sites for aedine mosquitoes, and fishes in close
proximity to breeding sites will consume those larvae that do
emerge. OMWH is a more permanent mosquito control strategy and
should greatly reduce the use of chemical insecticides over the
lower basin. Additionally, the OMWH method restores standing
water to the high marsh that was removed by the parallel-grid
.ditching, restoring or creating beneficial habitat for waterfowl
wading birds and shorebirds. It may take several years until the

Section is able to treat the Murderkill's breeding marshes with
OMWM; until that time, chemical control must be used.
Production of several species of upland or freshwater
mosquitoes occur along the more landward reaches of the corridor,
with the most troublesome breeding period from early spring to
early summer. The typical breeding habitat for these species is
the temporary waters of woodland pools, or in the standing water
of freshwater swamps and marshes. Selected woodland breeding
areas in the upper basin are sprayed by helicopter during the
early spring as part of the Section's spring woodland control
program. Later in the season, little effort is made by the
Section to control mosquitoes along the upper corridor because
t. people problems" usually do not exist in this portion of the
basin and mosquito populations remained tolerable. When a local
problem is encountered, chemical insecticides applied by a fog
truck or helicopter are used to treat specific areas.
Attempts to control other biting flies such as gnats,
greenheads and deer flies are not made by the Section, although
private landowners or campground operators may attempt some
control. These pests, which can locally be very annoying, do not
have the flight range nor disease potential of salt-marsh
mosquitoes.

Management Options

1. Continue to emphasize Open Water Marsh Management in order
to keep mosquito control with pesticides to an absolute
minimum.

URBANIZATION

Kent County Planning office

The Kent County Zoning Ordinance, adopted by the Kent County
Levy Court in 1972, governs land use, and industrial and
residential development.
Twelve types of districts are defined with details on
permitted uses, accessory uses, permitted signs, and conditional
uses. Lot sizes for residential categories and yard sizes for
industrial developments are specified. The 12 districts are:

- Agricultural-Conservation
- Agricultural-Residential
- Single-Family Residential
- Multiple-Family Residential
- Residential Mobile Home
- Planned Unit Development
- Neighborhood Business
- General Business
- Limited Industrial
- General Industrial
- Historic Preservation
- Midrise Multiple-Family Residential

Practicallly all land in the Murderkill River Corridor is
classified in the Agricultural-Conservation District with the
exception of lands within the towns of Bowers and Frederica.
These municipalities administer their own land use regulations.
Several individual industrial sites are developed, including sand
and gravel operations', the International Latex Corporation and the
Kent County Sewage Treatment Plant.
Some strip development for single family dwellings is
occurring along county roads in the corridor. These developments
in the Agricultural-Conservation District require a minimum lot
area of one acre with a minimum road frontage and lot width of 150
feet and a minimum lot depth of 175 feet. Lot area of less than
one acre is permitted for single family dwellings or mobile homes
in approved subdivisions of five lots or more. The map of
existing development in Kent County illustrates the occurance of
strip development in the corridor.
A few housing developments have been built along lakes and
scenic stretches near streams. The majority of residential
subdivision developments within the watershed occur in the
northwesterly reaches in the areas of Woodbury and Andrews Lake.
To ensure that such developments are undertaken in accordance with
all applicable state and local regulations, every proposed
subdivision in Kent County is subject to plan review by the
Development Advisory Committee and must receive approval from the
Regional Planning Commission prior to plan recordation.
Commercial and industrial site plans for which total floor area
exceeds 5,000 square feet are subject to the same review and
approval procedure. This review process has been established to

minimize the impact of development on existing communities and the
natural environment.
The Kent County Zoning Ordinance also regulates development
within flood plain areas. The ordinance contains specific
requirements for the construction and/or placement of structures
within flood plains. It also addresses the use of fill for
elevation purposes, minimum floor elevations and proper anchoring
of structures.
New construction in Kent County is reviewed and inspected
under the enforcement of the Building Officials and Code
Administrators code, which governs proper construction methods.
Recently, Kent County adopted the State Housing Code which
establishes minimum property maintenance standards to ensure
public safety, health and welfare. In addition, Kent County has
implemented the Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA)
procedure as an aid in the decision making process for specific
land use issues.

Management Options

1. Kent County is updating its Comprehensive Land Use
Plan. Residential strip development is a topic of particular
attention at this time. The Regional Planning Commission is
studying alternatives which would reduce the pro-
liferation of this type of development in the county.

FLOODPLAIN MANAIGEMNT

Lee Emmons, Conservation District Program Manager,
Division of Soil and Water Conservation, DNREC-

Introduction
A floodplain is an area of land that, from time to time," has
been or can reasonably be expected to be underwater. This simple
definition covers areas that are overflowed by streams at times of
high discharge, those areas covered by abnormal tidal action,
areas flooded by tides caused by winds, and even areas that are
flooded by impairment of drainage.
The delineation of a floodplain to some degree is an
arbitrary procedure. For practical purposes the area covered by a
flood with an average recurrence interval of 100 years has been
defined as a floodplain by many. The jurisdiction within the
Murderkill Corridor all regulate the 100 year flood as a flood
that has one chance in one hundred or a one percent chance of
being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
The regulations of the 100 year floodplain as we know it
today is the result of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
administered by the Federal Insurance Administration of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency. The NFIP enables property
owners to purchase flood insurance as long as his community
implements a program to reduce flood risks. All of the
communities that have identified flood risks in Delaware
participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. For the
Murderkill River Corridor this includes: The Town of Bowers,
since February 2, 1980, the Town of Frederica, since January 2,
1981, and all of the unincorporated areas of Kent County, since
March 15, 1978. Without community oversight of building
activities in the floodplain, the best efforts of some to reduce
flood losses could be undermined by others.
Each community has entered the NFIP on a voluntary basis.
After assessing their flood hazards and the effects of loss of
Federal assistance in flood prone-areas, eaeb community in
Delaware chose to accept the responsiblity of floodplain
management in order to provide the best benefits to the community.

Extent and Condition
X national program created a floodplain management system in
the Murderkill River Watershed rather than the recognition of a
local need to establish an organized flood protection program.
This however, has brought attention to the local conditions.
Parts of the Murderkill River Watershed are subject to all
four types of flooding: overflowed streams, abnormal tidal
action, wind blown tides and impairment of drainage. The flooding
caused by poor drainage is outside of the area defined by the
Murderkill River Corridor. This flooding problem is being
addressed by the USDA/SCS under a PL-566 Small Watershed project.
Of the remaining 3 types of flooding, abnormal tidal action and
wind blown tides have the largest impact in the corridor
especially when the two types of flooding occur at the same time.

The damages occur to the coastal communities of Bowers Beach and
South Bowers (regulated by Kent Count) when a northeaster, blowing
winds westward off of the Delaware Bay occurs during a spring
tide. This is especially damaging when the storm lasts for two or
more tidal cycles. The first elevated, wind blown tides break
down the barrier shore and dune line of defenses allowing
subsequen tides to cause damage to the structures in the low lying
areas behind the dunes. The access roads to these communities are
often flooded isolating people who have not evacuated and
subjecting them to high human risks.
Since 1978, for the unincorporated areas and two years later
for Bowers, new structures within floodplains had to meet
floodplain management requirements. The basic components are the
flood proofing of nonresidences and the elevation of residences
above the 100 year flood elevation. The rate structure of the
NFIP (premiums decreased the higher a structure is raised in a
floodplain) has caused many homeowners of older structures to
raise their homes to take advantage of the lower rates and to
reduce the risks of living in a floodplain.
The fourth type of flooding, overflowed streams, periodically
causes damages to structures in the Town of Frederica and to a few
homes located within the floodplains of the Murderkill Corridor.
Observations have indicated that demand currently for development
,in the stream valley floodplain is low however, a few isolated
homes have been built in the steam valiey with the appearance of
risk caused by flooding.

Major Problems
Major problems in floodplain management exist in and around
the coastal communities of Bowers and South Bowers. The raising
of a residence above the calculated 100-year flood level does not
necessarily prevent the hazards to these structures. Hurricanes
delay the calculated risks mitigated by a floodplain dweller
especially of a coastal commu nity. The risks normally mitigated
against is also compounded due to dynamic conditions which are
occurring on both the land and the sea. In the last century, the
water level at Bowers has increased 1.5 feet. Sea level rise is
predicted to increased 3-5 feet in the next 100 years. Combine
sea level rise with land subsidence at the rate of 1/2 foot per
century and the co nly used practice of elevating structures on
pilings, which in South Bowers is in a foundation of marsh muds
causing in one instant a sinking of the pilings by 2 feet over a
sixteen year period, will dramatically negate current floodplain
management practices of these coastal communities.
Another problem that exists within the Murderkill River
Corridor is that the jurisdiction with the responsibility of
floodplain management are not large enough to justify the
aquisition of technicians with floodplain managment abilities.
With Kent County having only 100,"000 people, Bowers with less than
200 and Frederica with 1,000 people and only a very small
percentage of the populations of these communities living in the
floodplains, the number of times that the person responsible for
carryout out floodplain management within these communities, and
who have many other responsibilities on a daily basis, over shadow

the importance of floodplain management abilities that occur on an
occasional basis.

Management Options

1. A near term management option to increase the effectiveness of
current floodplain management objectives is the use of the
conservation district technicians as a resource to the local
communities in more adequately the tools (flood hazard maps,
flood elevations, reference elevations, management alterna-
tives, etc.) that exist to reduce flood hazards.
2. A long-term management option is the active pursuit of a
solution to the coastal community dilemna caused by increasing
flood levels. Economics may be the focal point by which
remedial solution benefits should be compared to the cost of
measures required to reasonably protect against coastal high
hazard conditions. The Division of Soil and Water
Conservation, Beach Preservation Section is seeking funds to
study the problem. Local support and assistance may be needed
to fully understand the situation. This coordination need may
be a role for the conservation district.

REFERENCES

Federal Emergency Management Administration, Federal Insurance
Administration. Questions and Answers on the National
Floodplain Insurance Program FIA. 1983.

Kent County, Delaware. Zoning Ordinance, adopted Feb. 8, 1972.

National FloodPlain Management Conference. Proceedings.
Washington D.C. 1974.

USDA, Soil Conservation Service. Floodplain Management, Why We
Need It. SCS Program Aid No. 1276. 19F6-.

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