The Deep Creek Blog

Northern High School JROTC Enjoy Hand-On Tour at Husky Power Dogsledding

The JROTC of Northern High School enjoyed a hands-on tour at Husky Power Dogsledding in Accident on Sunday.  Linda and Mike Herdering, owners and "mushers" of Husky Power, hosted the complementary tour for the group of  Cadets who learned to "run with the dogs."  Joining them was Senior Army Instructor, Lt.Col. Jack Riley, parent Kim Lowery, volunteer and owner of Garrett Petminders, Jay Clark and mushing intern Jessica Drain.  Plus, of course, the 20 northern-breed sleddogs who pulled hard to please the awe-struck group.  "No Snow--We Still GO" is Husky Power's motto... which is exactly what the dogs and students did.  

Everyone went mushing down the tree lined trails with twists and swerves, sharp turns, and rest stops while shouting mushing terms such as: "Gee" and "Haw" and "Ready.... Hike," (the dogsledding command to run and pull.)  Each wheeled sled hosted two Cadets, a Musher, and an 11-dog team working and pulling at least 700 pounds.  The well-trained team would exchange a few dogs as needed, while the human-team changed riders.  If the cadets had been on runnered sleds on snow that day, they would have used a much smaller team (about 7 dogs.)  The extra long 11-13 dog team on the tall wheeled-dogsled made it easier to see and appreciate the canine athletes.  Plus, the wheeled sled was stable enough for the passengers to occasionally stand up and see from a musher-eye-view. After  dogsled runs the Cadets enjoyed three hours of education about the many aspects surrounding the sport of mushing... history and racing talks; equipment briefings; presentations about commands, team positions, dangers in mushing and more.  Everyone learned what makes lead dogs have "leadership potential,"  what makes wheel dogs the strongest in the team, what the most important aspect and the most fun aspects of mushing are.  

The day's event was topped off with a visit to the working dog yard to meet each dog and learn about traits of the athletic northern "pulling breed." 

If you'd like to learn more about a tour, visit www.huskypowerdogsledding.com.  

Cadets of the JROTC (Northern High School) learn "mush" about dogsledding as Linda Herdering, owner of Husky Power Dogsledding, explains what makes the sleddogs behind her want to pull.

An 11-dog team pulls two JROTC  (Northern High School) Cadets up the hill while Musher Mike Herdering, owner of Husky Power Dogsledding, gives the command for the dogsled team to turn.  The JROTC enjoyed a tour and "runs" with Husky Power on Sunday.

Several JROTC Cadets watch as the long 11-dog team pulls their friends down the Husky Power Dogsledding trails in Accident.  Everyone yells the commands to the well-trained sleddog team

Northern High School JROTC Cadets "met and pet" the 20 sleddogs  after the same dogs pulled them on mushing tours down local trails.

MD to Survey Public on Elk Reintroduction

The Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Foundation (MLSF), the Maryland DNR  and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation announced plans to conduct an extensive public opinion survey to determine the viability of elk reintroduction to Western Maryland.
Elk once roamed Maryland, but have been absent since the 1700s.Social, cultural and economic questions will dominate the survey, which is scheduled to begin in February and conclude with a final report and analysis in April.

The survey will reach a sample of residents across Maryland with a focus on residents of Western Maryland. Consensus from DNR’s experts and impacted stakeholders will be necessary for the final decision.“We are pleased to announce this important step toward evaluating elk reintroduction in Western Maryland,” said MLSF Chairman David Sutherland.The MLSF signed a contract with Responsive Management, a professional survey firm that specializes in public opinion and attitude surveys on wildlife management issues. The RMEF will underwrite the survey through a MLSF grant. DNR will assist with the technical review of the survey instrument and the final report.“We recognize the need to ensure a scientific review of public opinion on this extraordinary and important question,” said David Allen, President and CEO of the RMEF. “Restoring elk requires a supportive community. We are pleased to be a key partner to that end.”

DNR to Host Savage River Brook Trout Open House

The Maryland DNR Fisheries Service will host an open house, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on February 4, to present the results from the brook trout population study in the Savage River watershed.Field research by scientists at DNR and the University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Studies (UMCES) Appalachian Lab has shown declining trends in Savage River brook trout populations.

Dr. Robert Hilderbrand of UMCES and DNR Fisheries biologists will be on-hand to share the results and discuss the current status of Savage River trout populations. Visitors will be able to ask questions and offer their thoughts.The open house will take place at Allegany Community College’s Continuing Education Building, located at 12401 Willowbrook Road in Cumberland. Visitors are encouraged to stop by at their convenience─ it should not take more than a half hour to observe and process the information. Interested citizens may also view the information and offer comments online at dnr.Maryland.gov/fisheries.

Winterfest Chili Cook-Off to be Held at New Germany State Park

New Germany State Park will be hosting a Winterfest Chili Cook-off on Saturday, January 14th, 2012.  In addition to the chili cook-off, the festival will feature a snowshoe race, a cross-country ski race, and family-friendly craft activities.  

A schedule of events is as follows: 
Snowshoe 50-Yard Dash:  Registration – 11:00 AM, Race – 11:30 AM
Cross-Country Ski Race:  Registration – 12:00 PM, Race – 1:00 PM
Chili Cook-Off:  Public Tasting & Judging – 2:00 PM (Pre-registration required).Awards Ceremony:  3:30 PM
Craft Activities:  11:00 AM – 4:00 PM 
Registration for all events will be free of charge and will take place at the New Germany Lake House.

Pre-registration for the Chili Cook-off is required no later than January 13th.  Electricity will be provided.  Cross-country skis and snowshoes will be available for rent at the New Germany Lake House.  A service charge of $3/ person for Maryland residents, and $4/ person for out-of-state residents will be collected at the park entrance.   For more details or to pre-register for the Chili Cook-off, please call 301-895-5453 or email park-new-germany@dnr.state.md.us.

First Hikes in MD State Parks

Don't forget the State Park system is sponsoring a day of "First Hikes" on New Years Day. 

Deep Creek Discovery Center Holiday Schedule

Friday, December 23                            Closed State Furlough Day 

Saturday, December 24                      
11:00 a.m. Scavenger Hunt.  Meet at the front desk of the Discovery Center.                         1:30 p.m. Story n’ Craft.  Join the Park Naturalist for a seasonal story & craft. The program is $2.00 per child.

Sunday, December 25              Closed          

Monday, December 26                        
11:00a.m. Slithering Snakes.  Kids of all ages! Slither your way over to the Discovery Center for an afternoon of Snakes! Hear stories, learn interesting facts, participate in a craft, and even get the chance to see and touch these resident reptiles.                                                               
1:30p.m. Turtle Talk Come learn about the different species of turtles found in Garrett County. Explore the shell from the inside out and get the chance to touch these resident reptiles!  

Tuesday, December 27                      
11:00 a.m. Resident Raptor.  Come to the Discovery Room and meet one of the hawks or owls that live at the Center! Learn some interesting facts, take pictures, and hear their stories.
1:30 p.m. Wildlife Investigation This self guided program allows you to become a detective for the natural world. Open your eyes and see the clues left behind by nature. Can you tell the difference between the details and solve the puzzle? Fill out the worksheet and win a prize! 

Wednesday December 28                
11:00 a.m. Winter Birding.  Come sit inside and learn about the birds that visit the feeder. Also, create your own bird seed treat! Experienced and Beginner birders of all ages are welcomed!                           

1:30 p.m. Story n’ Craft.  Join a Park Naturalist for a seasonal story & craft. The program is $2.00 per child 

Thursday, December 29                      
11:00 a.m. Scavenger Hunt                                                               

1:30 p.m. The Bear Essentials. Discover the life of the American Black Bear and see how it revolves around their sense of smell. Dive in, nose first and learn some interesting facts. Appropriate for all ages. 

Friday, December 30                            Closed State Furlough Day 

Saturday December 31                        
11:00 a.m. Resident Raptor.  Come to the Discovery Room and meet one of the hawks or owls that live here at the Center! Learn some  interesting facts, take pictures, and hear their stories.                  
1:30 p.m. Bullfrog, Baby! Come over to the Discovery Center for a hoppin’ good time & learn about the Bullfrog!   

Sunday, January 1                              

11:00a.m. Slithering Snakes Kids of all ages! Slither your way over to the Discovery Center for an afternoon of Snakes! Hear stories, learn interesting facts, participate in a craft, and even get the chance to see and touch these resident reptiles.                                               

10:00 am First Day Hike on the Yough River Corridor.  Meet at the Friendsville access point bulletin board. If weather is inclement call the Discovery Center for hike information.

2:00p.m. First Day Hike at Deep Creek Lake State Park.  Join a Ranger for an hour walk along the shoreline of Deep Creek Lake. Walkers will learn about lake surface ice, what happens in the water under the ice during the winter and other winter lake facts. 

Wisp Resort Slated to Open This Weekend

 Wisp Resort is slated to open this weekend.  The Wisp Resort Lift Status and Grooming Page will keep you in the know on conditions at the resort. 

Firearm Deer Season Opens November 26

Maryland’s two-week deer firearm season opens Saturday, November 26, 2011. Hunters usually take nearly half of the annual deer harvest during this popular Maryland tradition.

“The two-week firearm season has long been our most popular deer hunting opportunity, with over 50,000 hunters participating each year,” said DNR’s Deer Project Leader Brian Eyler. “Many deer hunters look forward to celebrating our hunting heritage and sharing time outdoors with friends and family, while also providing food for the table. The sustainable deer harvest over this two week period is a critical part of DNR’s deer management program and will help reduce deer-related habitat damage and conflicts with humans.”

New this year, DNR has established a Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management Area (land code 233) in a portion of Allegany County with regulations designed to prevent the unintentional spread of the disease to other locations. For more information on CWD and the regulations pertaining to the Disease Management Area, visit dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Hunt_Trap/deer/disease/cwdinformation.asp or consult the 2011-2012 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.

DNR urges hunters to carefully inspect all tree stands before using them. Hunters should use a full-body safety harness while climbing into or out of a tree stand and while in the stand. DNR strongly recommends using a sliding knot, commonly known as a prussic knot, attached to a line that is secured above the stand. This allows the hunter to be safely tethered to the tree as soon as they leave the ground. For more safety tips and a video on tree stand safety go to dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide/ts.asp.

Complete bag limits, season dates and other deer hunting information can be found at dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide. The 2011-2012 Maryland Guide to Hunting & Trapping issued with each hunting license contains detailed information about all of Maryland’s hunting seasons.

Wisp Resort White Sale

Wisp Resort is holding a "White Sale" with special offers for skiing and other winter activities on Saturday November 19th only.  Visit their web site for all of the details on how to take advantage of the deals in person, online or by phone. 

Savage River Watershed Association Meeting Scheduled for November 17th

The Savage River Watershed Association (SRWA) will hold their regular meeting at Route 40 Elementary School on Thursday, November 17th at 7:00 p.m. The guest speaker will be Dave Kazyak, Graduate Student, Appalachian Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. Mr. Kazyak will share information from his ongoing research on brook trout in the Savage River watershed in his program titled “The Savage River PIT Tagging Project”. The public is welcome to attend.

Kazyak is currently working on a large-scale collaborative project using PIT (Passive Integrated Transponder) tags to understand the life history and population ecology of native brook trout in our area. According to Kazyak, “PIT tags are basically little microchips that give off unique radio signals when near an energized antenna, the same technology used to identify dogs and cats”.  Kazyak’s research is addressing key knowledge gaps identified by fishery managers, such as growth rates and longevity of brook trout in our area.

Dave Kazyak grew up in central Maryland and attended Frostburg State University where he earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Wildlife and Fisheries. Afterwards, he attended the University of Maine where he spent time researching the ecology of coastal populations of brook trout. He has also spent time conducting amphibian research in the backcountry of Yellowstone National Park.

The SRWA is a group of local landowners and other citizens dedicated to preserving and
enhancing the rural nature and natural resources of the Savage River watershed. Members assist interested landowners and public land managers with environmental stewardship efforts and educational outreach. Anyone who is concerned about the Savage River watershed is invited to join. SRWA meetings are generally held at Route 40 Elementary School on the third Thursday of odd numbered months, beginning at 7 p.m. The school is located at 17764 National Pike, a few miles west of Frostburg. For more information, persons may contact SRWA through email at SRWAdirector@gmail.com or by telephone at 301-689-7156. The SRWA is a non profitcharitable organization. Donations may be sent to:
Savage River Watershed Association, PO Box
355, Frostburg, MD 21532

DNR Announces Junior Deer Hunt Day

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites young hunters across the State to participate in the 17th Annual Maryland Junior Deer Hunt Day on Saturday, November 12. New this year, DNR is expanding the hunt day to November 13 in counties that permit Sunday deer hunting on private lands.

“The Junior Deer Hunt is a day dedicated to encouraging interest in the tradition of hunting while demonstrating safe and ethical outdoor skills,” Paul Peditto, Director of DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service. “The hunt also provides an opportunity to engage the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts in an appreciation of our natural resources.”

White-tailed deer and sika deer firearms hunting will be open exclusively to hunters 16 years of age and younger when accompanied by an unarmed, licensed (or exempt from the license requirement) adult at least 21 years of age.

All hunters participating in the Junior Deer Hunt must pass a Maryland Hunter Education Course, which includes demonstrating proficiency during a practical test and a live firing exercise. The course also includes instruction in hunter responsibility and ethics, safe firearms handling, wildlife management principles and a host of other outdoor fundamentals.

Also new this year, a Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management Area (land code 233) has been established in a portion of Allegany County with regulations designed to prevent the unintentional spread of CWD to other locations. Hunters wanting more information should visit  dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Hunt_Trap/deer/disease/cwdinformation.asp or consult the 2011-2012 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.

Successful junior deer hunters are encouraged to visit one of Maryland’s junior hunter certificate agents and receive a special certificate for any deer they harvest. This certificate is available to junior hunters during any of Maryland’s deer hunting seasons. Participating certificate agents as well as complete bag limits, season dates, counties open to Sunday hunting, deer registration procedures and other deer hunting information can be found in the 2011-2012 Maryland Guide to Hunting & Trapping issued with each hunting license or dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide.

Hunters are urged to carefully inspect all treestands before using them. A full-body safety harness should be used while climbing into or out of a treestand and while in the stand. DNR strongly recommends using a sliding knot, commonly known as a prussic knot, attached to a line that is secured above the stand that allows the hunter to be safely tethered to the tree as soon as they leave the ground. For more information and a video on treestand safety, visit dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide/ts.asp.

Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center - November Events

Saturday, November 5                 

11:00am Tank Tours don’t miss this opportunity to know more about the residents of the Discovery Center. Hear stories, learn facts, and get a chance to touch different critters. Appropriate for all ages

1:00 p.m. Novelty Nose Attention, kids of all ages! Come to the Discovery Center and explore the life of a black bear. Activities and interesting facts will be presented by our park naturalist. Get the chance to touch real bear fur and see an actual skull! 

Sunday, November 6

11:00 p.m. Reading naturalist Join our Park Naturalist for a seasonal story and craft. The program is $2.00 per child.

2:00 p.m. Owls and Hawks Discover the similarities and difference between our birds of prey as they are perched outside their Mew’s for clear viewing and photography.  The park Naturalist will answer your questions and relay how the birds came to be at the Discovery Center.  1 hour.

Saturday, November 12

11:00 a.m. Feeder watch.  Join the naturalist for bird watching and identification at our feeders.  learn how to use a field guide and to identify basic field marks of our most common winter birds.  then join us as we make pinecone bird feeders for our featherd friends.  make one for the center and one to take home. 1 hour.

1:00 p.m. Happy Herps! Kids of all ages! Slither your way over to the discovery center for an afternoon of reptiles and amphibians! Learn about the similarities and differences between the two. Also, get the chance to be up close and personal by helping the Naturalist feed!

Sunday, November 13

11:00 a.m. Winter Woods. Open your eyes to the changing seasons by enjoying a relaxing hike. What do plants and animals do to survive in cold weather? Learn about how nature prepares for winter! Remember to dress appropriate! 1.5 miles. on the snakeroot trail.

2:00 p.m. Owls and Hawks Discover the similarities and difference between our birds of prey as they are perched outside their Mew’s for clear viewing and photography.  The park Naturalist will answer your questions and relay how the birds came to be at the Discovery Center.  1 hour.

Saturday, November 19

11:00am Tank Tours don’t miss this opportunity to know more about the residents of the Discovery Center. Hear stories, learn facts, and get a chance to touch different critters. Appropriate for all ages

1:00 p.m. Reading naturalist Join our Park Naturalist for a seasonal story and craft. The program is $2.00 per child.

Sunday, November 20

11:00 p.m.  Hike to the Brant Mine This program is a guided hike with the Park Naturalist to the Historic Brant Mine.  You will see the remnants of a coal mine that was operated in the 1920’s. Plus, you never know what you will see on the way!

2:00 p.m. Owls and Hawks Discover the similarities and difference between our birds of prey as they are perched outside their Mew’s for clear viewing and photography.  The park Naturalist will answer your questions and relay how the birds came to be at the Discovery Center.  1 hour.

                Friday, November 25 11;00 a.m. Feeder watch.  join the naturalist for bird watching and identification at our feeders.  learn how to use a field guide and to identify basic field marks of our most common winter birds.  then join us as we make pinecone bird feeders for our featherd friends.  make one for the center and one to take home. 1 hour.

Critter Encounters 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00pm.  join us for the chance to meet a different critter each hour. Join our Naturalist to disover new facts and watch feedings! All ages are welcomed!

Saturday, November 26

11:00 am Black Bears and you!  begin in the discovery center by learning about  black bear habitat, habits and conservation.  then take a short walk in the  discovery woods investigating and searching for bear sign and habitat. 1.5 hours

1:00 p.m. A Turkey’s Tale Come to the Discovery Center for a gobbling good time! Learn about the life of the Wild Turkey. Kids of all ages can participate in the various activities!

Sunday, November 27  

11:00 a.m.. Walk off the Holiday Nature Hike Join the naturalist on a nature hike on  our snakeroot trail to enjoy the signs of early winter, and possibly see wildlife as they prepare for winter. Trails are rocky, so please wear proper hiking footwear.  Approx. 1-1/2hr.

2:00 p.m. Owls and Hawks Discover the similarities and difference

Maryland Black Bear Hunt Closed

Colton Lucas, 12, of Kitzmiller, Md. took a 376 pound male

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) closed the 2011 black bear hunting season at 9 p.m. today with hunters reporting 65 bears to mandatory check stations in Western Maryland. DNR opened the season Monday, October 24 in Garrett and Allegany counties.

“Maryland’s black bear hunters enjoyed another safe and successful hunting season,” said Harry Spiker, Game Mammal Section Leader for DNR’s Wildlife & Heritage Service. “The cool, mild weather during the first two days kept hunters in the woods and helped DNR meet its management goal in four days.”

The average live weight of the bears taken this year was 154 pounds. Colton Lucas, 12, of Kitzmiller, Md., took the largest bear of the season, a 376 pound male.

The hunt by the numbers:

    65 bears taken
    59 from Garrett County, 6 from Allegany County
    154 lbs. average weight
    69% of the bears were taken on private land
    533 hunters participated in the hunt and 3,915 hunters applied for a permit
    55% of the successful hunters were residents of Garrett and Allegany counties

For more information about Maryland’s black bears visit dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife.

Alfreid Geis Memorial Woodcock Habitat Demonstration Area Dedicated

The Frederick News Post reports on a recent  ceremony dedicating the Aelred Geis Memorial Woodcock Habitat Demonstration Area at Mount Nebo Wildlife Management Area. The event included a tour that showcased the habitat management techniques that support woodcock and other young forest wildlife.

Mt. Nebo is approximately 3 miles north of Oakland along the west side of MD 219. Access to the area is via parking areas located along Route 219 or Oakland/Sang-run Road. For additional information, contact the Mt. Nebo Wildlife Office at (301) 334-4255 or visit http://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/publiclands/western/mtnebo.asp.

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.