Delaware Forest Service

10/20/2026

Delaware Announces Temporary Diesel Fuel Relief for Agricultural and Forestry Haulers

Delaware Secretary of Transportation Shanté Hastings and Secretary of Agriculture Don Clifton have announced temporary relief measures for agricultural and forestry haulers impacted by the ongoing diesel fuel supply emergency and rising fuel costs.

To support agricultural and forestry operations traveling between Delaware and Maryland, Delaware enforcement agents will honor Maryland’s temporary waiver, allowing qualifying haulers to use dyed diesel fuel without fuel inspection penalties or associated fees.

This temporary measure is intended to remain in effect for the duration of Maryland’s waiver. Any changes to or termination of Maryland’s waiver will prompt Delaware to reevaluate its action.

What does this mean for agricultural and forestry haulers?

Dyed diesel fuel is typically exempt from highway excise taxes and is not permitted for use in vehicles operating on public roadways. This temporary enforcement relief provides qualifying agricultural and forestry haulers with additional flexibility during the current fuel supply disruption.

The measure is intended to help maintain essential agricultural and forestry operations and support the continued transportation of goods and services throughout the region.

10/20/2026

🌲🔥 FOREST PRODUCTS WEEK: WOOD YOU BELIEVE IT?

When you think of renewable energy, solar panels and wind turbines probably come to mind. But what about that trusty old woodstove keeping your house warm on a chilly fall morning? 🪵

That's right! Wood is one of the oldest renewable energy sources, and it's still helping heat homes today!

Unlike fossil fuels, wood is a renewable resource when forests are sustainably managed and harvested responsibly. From traditional firewood to modern wood pellets, forest products can provide a source of heat while supporting forest management and local economies.

🌳 Here's something worth knowing: Trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow. Burning wood releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, so wood heat isn't carbon-free. Sustainable forest management, efficient heating equipment, and responsible harvesting all play important roles in its environmental impact.

🔥 A few tips for burning smarter:
🪵 Burn only dry, seasoned firewood.
🔥 Keep your chimney and woodstove properly maintained.
🌲 Choose firewood from responsible, preferably local sources.
💨 Never burn trash, treated lumber, or painted wood.

At the Delaware Forest Service, we recognize that forests provide more than beautiful scenery. They also provide valuable renewable resources that we use every day!

💬 Now we're curious: Are you Team Woodstove, Team Fireplace, or Team Thermostat?

Conserve. Protect. Enhance.

10/19/2026

🌲 IT'S FOREST PRODUCTS WEEK! 🌲

Take a look around you. How many things can you spot that started with a tree? 👀

The obvious ones are easy: lumber, furniture, paper, and cardboard. But what about toothpaste, cosmetics, medicines, and even some of the foods in your kitchen?

Trees do a whole lot more than provide shade!

This week, the Delaware Forest Service is celebrating Forest Products Week by highlighting the incredible ways forests contribute to our everyday lives, support local economies, and provide renewable resources we often take for granted.

And because we like to keep things interesting, we'll also be sharing a few forest products that might make you stop and say, "Wait… THAT comes from a tree?!" 🤯

From Delaware's working forests to products found on store shelves, sustainable forest management helps ensure these valuable resources remain available for generations to come.

🌲 Conserve. Protect. Enhance. It's more than our mission. It's how we help keep Delaware's forests working for everyone.

💬 Let's kick things off with a challenge: Name something made from trees that most people wouldn't expect. Bonus points if you can stump our foresters!

10/18/2026

🔥🌲 What Actually Causes Delaware Wildfires?

When you hear “wildfire,” you might think of lightning.

But many wildfires start because of something people do.

🔥 Outdoor or debris burning
🏕️ Campfires left unattended
🚜 Sparks or heat from equipment
🚬 Smoking materials
🎆 Fireworks
♨️ Hot ashes that are not fully out

Starting the fire is only part of the problem.

Dry leaves, grass, pine needles and brush can act as fuel. Add low humidity and wind, and a small fire can spread quickly.

That’s why wildfire prevention matters — even when the weather feels cool.

This Fire Prevention Month, remember: One small spark can become a big problem.

🔥 Be careful.
💧 Make sure fires are completely out.
🌲 Help protect Delaware’s forests.

10/17/2026

🌲🎥 Blackbird State Forest is hitting the small screen!

We recently had the pleasure of welcoming Jason Lee from Delmarva Outdoors to Blackbird State Forest for a behind-the-scenes look at the Delaware Forest Service and the work we do to conserve, protect, and enhance Delaware’s forests!

We’re excited to share a little piece of Blackbird with viewers across Delmarva!

📺 Tune in tomorrow night for a brand-new episode of Delmarva Outdoors, featuring a visit to Blackbird State Forest, along with some other great local stories!

A big thank-you to Jason and the Delmarva Outdoors crew for spending time with us and helping showcase Delaware’s forests! 🌳

10/14/2026

🌲 Why Do Foresters Thin a Forest?

Sometimes, a healthy forest needs a little more room to grow.

When too many trees are growing close together, they compete for sunlight, water and nutrients. Foresters may choose some trees to remove so the remaining trees have more space and resources.

🌳 Thinning can help:

☀️ Let more sunlight reach the forest floor
🌱 Give young trees room to grow
💧 Reduce competition for water and nutrients
🐦 Improve habitat for some wildlife
🌲 Keep the forest growing and healthy

Before a thinning begins, trained foresters look at the trees, the land and the goals for that area. Trees may then be selected and marked for removal.

And the work doesn’t stop when harvesting begins. Our foresters continue to visit the site to make sure the work follows forestry best management practices.

Thinning may look like trees are being taken away, but sometimes removing a few trees helps the whole forest grow stronger. 🌲

10/11/2026

🍂🌲 Sunday Reminder from the Delaware Forest Service!

Heading out to enjoy the fall weather? Delaware’s State Forests are a great place to hike, ride and explore.

🦌 Remember: Hunting is not allowed on Sundays in Delaware State Forests.

While you’re out enjoying the woods:

🥾 Stay on marked trails and roads.
🗑️ Take your trash with you.
🐾 Keep pets under control.
🌿 Leave plants and wildlife where you find them.
🚗 Park only in designated areas.
🤝 Be kind and share the forest with others.

Our State Forests are working forests shared by many people. A little care goes a long way in keeping them safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Enjoy your Sunday in the woods! 🍁🌲

10/10/2026

🌱🌳 Community Partnerships Growing Strong in Lewes!

The Delaware Forest Service was proud to support the Fourth Street Preserve’s community planting effort in Lewes this weekend!

More than 40 dedicated volunteers came together Saturday to plant and secure over 700 trees, shrubs, and plants, helping enhance and restore this valuable natural space.

👏 A huge thank you to the Friends of the Fourth Street Preserve, Fourth Street Preserve Task Force, City of Lewes, Master Naturalists, Scout Troop 1, and all the volunteers who dedicated their Saturday to making this planting a success!

Community forestry is a team effort, and we’re always happy to lend a hand to projects that help grow and protect Delaware’s tree canopy! 🌳

🌿 Conserve. Protect. Enhance.

We're so grateful to be part of this communi-tree! A group of 40 volunteers comprised of master naturalists, community volunteers, Scout Troop 1 & their leaders, Fourth Street Preserve Task Force members & Friends of the Fourth Street Preserve spend their Saturday helping us move, plant and secure over 700 plants, shrubs and trees in several different concentrated areas. Special thanks to the City of Lewes and Delaware Forest Service for their assistance making today's efforts such a success. 🌱🌳

Please note: Because of our amazing turnout and tomorrow's predicted weather, we were able to finish ALL the work today so tomorrow (October 11th) planting time has been cancelled.

10/09/2026

🌙🌲 FOREST AFTER DARK: Can You Spot It? 🐍

Something is hiding in this tree… 👀

Look closely. Can you find the snake before we give it away?

Snakes are an important part of Delaware’s forests. They help control mice and other small animals and are part of a healthy forest ecosystem.

And while a snake in a tree might look a little spooky this close to Halloween, remember; the forest is its home. 🎃🌲

If you spot a snake while exploring, give it space and enjoy the view from a safe distance.

🐍 Did you find it? Don’t give away its hiding spot!

10/08/2026

🌲 HELP US KEEP DELAWARE STATE FORESTS SAFE! 🌲

As hunting season continues, the Delaware Forest Service reminds everyone that our State Forests are shared public lands. Hunters, hikers, campers, and other visitors all have the right to enjoy these areas safely.

⚠️ We are asking ALL visitors to report any suspected illegal activity on State Forest lands.

📞 Call 302-698-4547 to report a concern. If you reach voicemail, please leave a detailed message with the location, time, and what you witnessed.

Our rules and regulations are in place for a reason, PUBLIC SAFETY. They apply to everyone, and following them is not optional.

Please respect other visitors, follow posted rules, and never confront someone you believe is breaking the law.

🚨 For emergencies or immediate danger, call 911.

🌳 These forests belong to all of us. Let's work together to keep them safe!