Mike Kennedy at the Railey Realty Blog posts on information received from Carolyn Mathews, Deep Creek Lake Manager, on possible changes to policies regarding PWC docking and storage on the lake.
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The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) conducted special saturation patrols this past Saturday and Sunday, June 28th and 29th, on the lake in an effort to save lives and reduce the number of personal injuries due to boating accidents.
Utilizing NRP aircraft and vessels strategically placed on the lake, the patrols lasted approximately two hours each day. An NRP helicopter flew over the lake locating boaters operating in an unsafe manner and directed the NRP vessels to the violations. Nineteen citations and 31 warning, mostly for distance violations, were issued during the patrols. One individual was arrested for operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol. These types of patrols along with unmarked vessels will be utilized state wide throughout the summer and will continue through the Labor Day Holiday.
NRP reminds boaters that when towing an individual or individuals on water skis, aquaplanes, tubes or other similar devices you must keep at least 100 feet from the shore, wharfs, piers, pilings, jetties, bridge structures or abutments, individual or individuals in the water and other vessels at all times.
Persons operating personal watercraft within 100 feet of the shore, bridge structures or abutments, individual or individuals in the water and other vessels may not exceed a speed of 6 knots at anytime.
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Please note that only those camping at Deep Creek Lake State Park are allowed to leave their boat trailers overnight in the boat trailer parking lot at the Park. These trailers will be register upon camper check in at the campground office.
The Rangers at the Park have noted that the overnight lots are very full and many people are leaving trailers in the lot without permission. The park recommends that people contact D&W Storage at Double G Ranch on Mosser Road at 301-387-5481 as they offer space by the week or month. If you offer or know of another location for temporary boat trailer storage, please email info@deepcreekblog.com and the information will be added to this post.
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Patty Mash sent a clarification regarding personal watercraft (PWC) usage on Deep Creek Lake. Apparently there was some confusion regarding usage this past weekend. An individual may not do the following:
Operate a vessel which is towing another individual who is attached to a parachute or other device which causes that individual to become airborne.
Be towed by a vessel while attached to a parachute or other device which causes that individual to become airborne.
Regarding personal watercraft and air-cushioned vessels, except for those owned and operated by the State or local government, an individual may not operate a personal watercraft or air-cushioned vessel on the lake from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm on the following dates:
The Saturday, Sunday and holiday of Memorial Day weekend
The Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from July 1 through Labor Day.
For complete information regarding Deep Creek Lake Regulations and permits, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/dcregs.html.
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The boat docks at the Deep Creek Lake State Park and Discovery Center are now in the water. Below is information regarding Maryland State Park Passes for 2008:
PASSPORT
For purchasers use only - not transferable
Valid at any MD State Park and includes free boat launching. Also, offers free day-use entry for everyone in cardholder’s vehicle (up to 9 people). Cost is $ 75 for MD residents and $100 for out-of-state residents. Ten percent discount on purchases at the Discovery Center and other State operated concessions and boat rentals where applicable, Available on-line www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/annualpass.html or at Discovery Center or other State Park offices
Garrett County - Weekly Pass
Covers admission / Service charge for everyone in vehicle into: Deep Creek Lake & boat
launch, Herrington Manor, New Germany and Swallow Falls State Parks. Valid 7 consecutive days of purchase/ Dates must be written on Pass. Cost is $30 for MD residents and $31 for out-of-state visitors
Purchase at entrance gates or offices.
Golden Age Pass – available to anyone 62 years of age and over. Entitles FREE entry for Cardholder Only into all MD State Parks, and offers half-price camping Sunday thru Thursday (excluding holidays). Application available at office and must show proof of age or go on-line to www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/goldenage.html
Youth Group Pass – available to non-profit youth groups only. Entitles youth groups FREE day-use admittance to MD State Parks and FREE camping in parks that offer designated “Youth Group” areas & subject to site availability. Pass is not valid for day-use entry on weekends and Holidays from Memorial Day thru. Labor Day. Application available on-line: www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/youthgroup.html or at a State Park office. Must send an application to Headquarters in Annapolis Applicant must provide proof of organization tax status Cost is $50 at time of application – Valid for 2 years. It takes 2-3 weeks to process, no exceptions.Youth Groups - $10 bus reservation charge, plus $1 per person
Access MD Pass – Doctor verified - for Disabled persons only. No application fee. Entitles free lifetime admission for individual with disabilities and one other person Into any MD State Park. Must have application completed by a doctor and mailed to Annapolis
Application available on-line: www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/accesspass.html, or
at a State Park office
Boat Ramp Use – Everyone launching a boat must also pay the required service charge.
Ramp fee- $10 MD residents; $11 non-residents, unless they have one of the following:
* Passport or * 2008 Buffer Strip Permit (Property Owner’s have this) shown to gate attendant –
Property Owner has valid use of launch facility to put boat in the Spring and take out end of season
Any questions – please call Patty at 301-387-7314 or pmanownmash@dnr.state.md.us
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The Maryland Basic Boating Course will be offered once again this year in Garrett County at Garrett College in the Center for Community and Continuing Education. This course is required by the State of Maryland for those born after June 30, 1972.
The class can be taken on one of the following Saturdays from 8:30 am until 5:00 pm: May 17, June 7, June 21, July 12, July 26 and August 23
The cost is $30.00 for Garrett County Residents, $31.50 for other Maryland Residents, $33.00 for out of state participants and free for Maryland senior citizens over the age of 60. The course is open to those twelve years of age and over. Payment is expected at the time of registration. Call 301-387-3069 for information or to register with your Mastercard/Visa/Discover credit card. The deadline for registration is 3:00pm Friday, one week before the class, except in-person registration may be made until the Monday before the class. No exceptions will be made Limited seating is available, and all registrations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Students must bring a text to class and practice test and quizzes in the text must be completed. No student will be admitted late.
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Before you visit Deep Creek Lake, it's important that you are familiar with the lake's boating regulations. Here is a link to information provided by the Natural Resources Police.
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