On April 20, 2010, the largest oil spill in U.S. history occurred in the Gulf of Mexico. The exact amount of oil spilled remains unknown, and every day, it reveals more about the lasting impact of this disaster on the Gulf’s diverse and vital coastal ecosystems. These habitats, including areas for animals, waterfowl, shorebirds, and marine life, depend on a healthy environment to thrive. The ramifications of this environmental and economic catastrophe may endure for a lifetime. Fragile ecosystems can only bear so much disruption, and an assault of this magnitude could alter the Gulf region forever.
This disaster draws parallels to Delaware’s own environmental challenges and triumphs. In 1961, the Shell Oil Company began purchasing land to construct an oil refinery along the northern shores of The Delaware Bay. The proposed project threatened Delaware’s coastal communities, fragile salt marshes, and diverse ecosystems. In response, Delaware Wild Lands (DWL) galvanized opposition, strategically acquiring parcels of land around Taylor’s Bridge to prevent Shell Oil from amassing the acreage needed for refinery construction.
Recognizing the need for regulatory protection alongside land acquisition, DWL partnered with Governor Russell Peterson to champion the passage of the Coastal Zone Act in 1971. This landmark legislation prohibited heavy industry in Delaware’s coastal zone, protecting its natural heritage. Despite fierce opposition, including claims that the act would hinder economic progress, it became a cornerstone of Delaware’s environmental movement. Governor Peterson further bolstered these efforts by signing the Wetlands Act in 1973, safeguarding tidal wetlands and freshwater areas. Shell Oil’s subsequent legal challenges to the Coastal Zone Act failed, and by 1984, the company abandoned its plans to build a refinery in Delaware. In a victory for conservation, DWL and the state acquired 2,700 acres from Shell Oil, permanently protecting the area.
Among DWL’s most significant holdings is the Great Cypress Swamp in Sussex County, Delaware’s largest freshwater wetland. Spanning nearly 11,000 acres, the swamp is an ecological treasure, hosting unique plant and animal communities and offering opportunities for advanced scientific research, education, and habitat restoration. Despite its diminished size from historical estimates of over 60,000 acres, the swamp remains a vital and captivating natural resource, blending natural and cultural history.
Since its founding in 1961, DWL’s mission has remained steadfast: to acquire, preserve, and manage unspoiled tracts of land in Delaware for future generations. Education has always been a core part of this mission, ensuring that the importance of these efforts is understood and continued. As DWL celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011, it honored the vision of its founders, including Ted Harvey, and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Delaware’s precious natural places. The challenges may evolve, but the mission remains unchanged: to preserve Delaware’s natural heritage for the next 50 years and beyond.
