The Deep Creek Blog

Garrett County Releases Statement on Possible Land Use Policy

The Garrett County Commissioners released a statement last week regarding a possible land use policy.

 

Deep Creek Lake Water Level Issues

The issue of Deep Creek Lake water levels continues to make the news.  The head of the DNR will be in attendance at a public meeting  on Tuesday at 4:00 pm in St. Peter's Catholic Hall  in Oakland.    

 

 

Garrett County CARC Grand Opening This Weekend

The long awaited Garrett County Community Aquatic and Recreation Center is holding a Grand Opening Celebration this weekend on Saturday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. 

DNR Reminds Citizens Black Bear Activity Increase in the Fall

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds Marylanders that as temperatures cool, black bear feeding increases to prepare for hibernation. During this time, bears may be attracted to human food sources such as trash, pet food and birdfeeders. Bears exploiting human food may lose their natural fear of people which can lead to dangerous encounters and conflicts.

“Keeping trash and pet food in a place where bears can’t get to it is the best way to avoid problems,” said Harry Spiker, DNR’s Game Mammal Section Leader. “A little prevention can go a long way.”

Bears may travel many miles searching for food in the fall. Motorists traveling in Maryland’s western counties are reminded to watch for bears crossing roads, especially during October and November. Bears in Maryland will begin entering dens in mid-November and most are denned by mid-December. Citizens should delay feeding songbirds until the winter months to avoid attracting bears.

To learn more about Maryland’s black bears, visit dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Hunt_Trap/blackbear/index.asp or contact a staff person in the Western Region at 301-777-2136 or statewide at 410-260-8540.

Road Closures for Weekend Savageman Event

The Times-News has details on road closings for this weekend's Savageman. 

McHenry Water System Documents Now Online

The Board of County Commissioners will conduct a follow-up Public Hearing on the McHenry Water System on Saturday, October 1 at 9:00 AM in the Garrett College Auditorium. This Public Hearing is scheduled to review and receive public commentary to consider changes to the existing policy and to address questions on expansion of service to the water district. Also, the Board and Department of Public Utilities staff have compiled answers to a number of questions that were presented during the public hearing on August 27. These are now available on the Garrett County Government website at http://www.co.garrett.md.us/PublicUtilities/McHenry.aspx

Interested persons who have questions on this matter are encouraged to attend the Public Hearing at October 1 and prior to that date my contact the Department of Public Utilities at 301.334.6983 or County Administrator or the Board of County Commissioners at 301.334.8970.

 

Northern Garrett Rescue Squad

Recently I stumbled across the website for the Northern Garrett Rescue Squad.  The site provides an impressive amount of information with a history of the squad, details about the squad and a detailed call log. 

Day Trip Review of Deep Creek Lake

Lindsey Fleming recounts a day trip to Deep Creek Lake in the Charleston Daily Mail with Lakeside Adventures. 

Deep Creek Lake Policy and Review Board Meeting - August 18th

The Friends of Deep Creek Lake  sends information that the Policy and Review Board has announced a special meeting on Thursday August 18 at 6 pm at the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center. 

The topic: What can be done about lake water levels?  As we stated in our newsletter, water levels are down again this year, even after extensive efforts to get MDE to make  changes in the dam permit. Many property owners are beginning to experience reduced or no recreational uses now.

We hope you will be able to attend and contribute to this critically importance discussion. 

Garrett County to Crack Down on Illegal School Buss Passers

It's never a good idea to pass a school bus illegally! 

Workshop on Lake Water Level Issues

The Friends of Deep Creek Lake  and SaveDeepCreek  are holding a workshop updating community water level issues on Saturday July 23 at 9am at Garrett College in room 205.  Topics will include:

What's the latest on efforts to keep water levels up?
What happening with the DNR Sediment Study?
Did you successfully appeal your property taxes?

For more information, - contact@friendsofdcl.org.  

Farmers Markets Thriving

The Times-News has an article on the evolution of the farmers market, with a stop in Oakland. 

The Deep Creek Lake Farmers Market now has a blog, which you can follow via the link in the Blogroll. 

MD Alcohol Sales Tax Increase Effective July 1st

The Maryland sales tax increase on alcohol goes into effect tomorrow. 

Maple Sugaring Season

MSNBC reports on the upcoming maple sugar season, and features Steyer Brothers Maple Syrup of Garrett County.  

Studying Hibernating Bears a Challenge

The Times-News reports on the efforts of the Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Service to study bears this winter.