DELAWARE CITY — The Delaware State Sportsmen’s Association is requesting information and possible alternatives to the draining of “the dikes,” a pond on the north side of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal.

The location is part of property owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which has plans to drain the dikes this fall to use the area for disposal of dredge materials from the Delaware River and the canal.

But the pond is one of the only publicly accessible freshwater bodies in east New Castle County and has been a popular fishing and hunting spot for bass, pickerel, waterfowl, deer and small game.

“We are still learning about the plans for draining the pond and using it for dredge spoils, and we’re asking for the Army Corps of Engineers and (the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control) to hold public meetings and release additional details,” said the association’s president, Jeff Hague.

“We’ve already contacted elected officials in and around Delaware City, and as advocates for sportsmen and sportswomen throughout Delaware, we’re hoping our common concern for the fishing and hunting public will provide clarity and possibly offer alternatives.”

Visitors to the dikes were made aware of the pond’s impending draining in June, by a handwritten sign stating: “Attention: area will be in the process of being dewatered/drained within the next few weeks. Please be cautioned — USACE.”