Former DNREC secretary supports Open Space Alliance efforts

We have a once‐in‐a‐generation opportunity to permanently protect 120 acres of open space in Lewes by conserving two of the last remaining large, undeveloped tracts. Acquiring these parcels is critical, because without concerted efforts to protect open space and create parks, refuges, preserves and recreational amenities, our region will become unrecognizable over time.

This is the great paradox of Lewes and our coastal communities. The undeniable allure of pristine natural resources – from the beaches and bays to the trails, waterways and wildlife – creates pressure as intense as anywhere in the nation, yet sustaining the charm and unique character of our communities hinges upon our ability to protect and enhance the unrivaled natural resources and outdoor amenities that underpin our quality of life. Future generations of Delawareans will either celebrate or lament the choices that we make today – and I’ve never heard anyone, anywhere in the nation, say they wished they lived in a place with fewer parks and less open space!

I urge everyone reading this letter to strongly support the efforts of the Open Space Alliance to acquire and protect both the Fourth Street Preserve and the Ard na Gréine Preserve. As someone deeply committed to environmental stewardship and the conservation of our natural heritage, I believe that safeguarding our open space is not just a nicety, but a necessity for the well-being of our communities and the future of the natural world. Conserving these 120 acres is not just about preserving scenic beauty; it's also about ensuring the resilience of our communities in the face of a changing climate, with more frequent and severe weather events and rising sea levels that are threatening our communities. By conserving land in strategic areas, we can create natural buffers that help absorb and slow floodwaters, protect physical infrastructure and safeguard the livelihoods of local residents.

Furthermore, land conservation plays a crucial role in supporting our imperiled wildlife and native plants by giving species room to roam and grow in our rapidly changing world. Eastern Sussex County is home to diverse and ecologically significant habitats that host a range of both animal and plant species, several of which are threatened or endangered. Preserving these habitats not only safeguards biodiversity, but also promotes the health of our ecosystems. In turn, this benefits our communities by ensuring clean air and water, fertile soil and the pollinators necessary for agriculture.

Open space is also essential to providing unique outdoor recreational opportunities. When I was secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, I was proud to work with so many of you to ensure that the vision of the Gordons Pond Trail, the expansion of the Junction & Breakwater Trail and the Lewes‐to‐Georgetown Trail (including the connection with the library) all became realities. These types of visionary projects are often only possible when land is conserved and provides opportunities to think big!

By taking swift action today, we can ensure that future generations of Lewes residents inherit a region that is resilient, ecologically vibrant and culturally rich. I’m all in to help make this vision a reality, and urge everyone who loves Lewes to step up and help the Open Space Alliance ensure the successful acquisition of the Fourth Street Preserve and the Ard na Gréine Preserve. Together, we will create a more sustainable Lewes that preserves our quality of life, bolsters our resilience to climate change, and protects the remarkable wildlife that calls our region home.