With reference to the article published in the Gazette by reporter Chris Flood Feb. 7, regarding the dumping of construction fill at a location along the banks running into Silver Lake, additional pertinent information has now come to light.
The environmental degradation of the Silver Lake habitat can be attributed to a series of blame-shifting by various agencies and municipalities, as shown in a sequence of emails exchanged among numerous agencies, including DelDOT, DNREC, Sussex County and the Town of Dewey Beach.
The blame-shifting is unacceptable to residents and those who value nature. More than 260 people in just 10 days signed a petition by SOLA3 to bring accountability to the situation of wildlife habitat destruction as displayed in a March 8 video published by Coastal Stewards.
At this point, the clear-cutting and fill in Silver Lake can be reversed with leadership by the agencies and towns. We encourage residents and those who value nature to be involved and informed in this issue, including asking for accountability of our elected officials. It is imperative to request local government and pertinent agencies to take immediate and decisive action to preserve and safeguard the Silver Lake bird refuge with the same level of commitment and dedication demonstrated a decade ago when a plaque was erected designating the lake as a natural treasure, situated a mere 400 feet from the recent site of environmental vandalism. Let’s let them know the lake needs to be restored.
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