The Deep Creek Blog

Tests Show No Evidence That Whirling Disease is Spreading in Maryland

DNR officials are continuing to monitor sites throughout the state for evidence of whirling disease.  Results from recent tests found no evidence the disease is spreading.

Anglers are urged to continue precautions to prevent spread of the disease such as cleaning boats and equipment thoroughly after fishing and not transporting live fish, insects, bait, or plant from one body of water to another.

“The North Branch Potomac River Catch and Return Trout Fishing Area and the outflow channel at Bear Creek remain the only affected waters according to results from this spring’s sampling,” said Don Cosden, Assistant Director of DNR’s Fisheries Service. Testing was performed to determine the presence of the parasite that causes whirling disease using both rainbow trout fry sentinels and wild fish.

Sentinel fry testing showed that Antietam Creek, Big Hunting Creek, Gunpowder River, Hoyes Run, Deep Creek Lake Tailrace, and the Savage River were all negative for the presence of the parasite, according to the US Fish and Wildlife Service Fish Health Center in Lamar, Pa.

Sentinel fry in the Bear Creek Trout Rearing Facility near Accident, Md. was conducted within the raceways as well as in the water supply intake from Bear Creek. All these trout fry tested negative for the disease. However, testing within the discharge channel below the hatchery reaffirmed the presence of the parasite. Steps are taking place to isolate this area from the Bear Creek mainstem to reduce possible contamination of the stream. Wild brook trout and free ranging rainbow trout collected from Bear Creek above and below the hatchery earlier this spring all tested negative for whirling disease.

The North Branch Potomac River downstream of Jennings Randolph Lake continued to test positive for whirling disease. Whirling disease was first documented in Maryland in the North Branch in 1996.

Additional testing results from the Casselman River, Youghiogheny River, Jennings Randolph Lake and Sand Run will be available soon. DNR asks fishermen to visit their Web site at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/recreational/indexinland.html#2 for more information to help prevent the spread of whirling disease

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Maryland Deer Test Negative for Chronic Wasting Disease

Samples collected from more than 900 deer during the 2007-2008 Maryland deer hunting season showed no signs of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Recent laboratory test results confirmed no evidence of the disease in brain and lymph nodes collected from 983 deer. Additional samples from sick or injured deer also showed no signs of the disease. During the past six years, over 4600 Maryland deer have been tested and were CWD-free.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) biologists collected brain and lymph gland samples during the state’s 2007-08 muzzleloader and firearm deer hunting seasons across every Maryland county.

“This is great news for Maryland hunters, landowners, farmers and anyone who has an appreciation for a healthy, sustainable deer population,” Assistant Deer Project Leader George Timko said. “Critical to the success of this project was the cooperation of our many partners in federal, state and county government, as well as private landowners and farm managers. All of these individuals played an integral role in gathering the data that contributes to our informed response on this issue.”

CWD is a neurological disease that is fatal to cervids. The disease attacks the brain and spinal cord of the animals and is believed to be caused by prions, or rogue proteins. CWD is classified as a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy similar to “Mad Cow Disease” in cattle and Scrapie in sheep. CWD is also similar to Creutzfeld-Jacobs disease in people, though it is not known to be transmissible to humans.

In 2005, CWD was detected in white-tailed deer in central New York and approximately 10 miles from the Maryland border in West Virginia. Since it’s detection in West Virginia, Maryland DNR biologists and partners increased ongoing surveillance in Allegany County near the West Virginia location. A total of 105 samples were collected in Allegany County in 2007-08. All samples tested negative for CWD.

CWD. Surveillance will continue in all 23 Maryland counties during the 2008-09 deer hunting seasons. Citizens are encouraged to report any deer that appears sick to the local DNR office. These animals, if exhibiting CWD-like symptoms and collected in a timely manner, will be examined by wildlife veterinarians and tested for CWD.

Additional CWD information is available on the DNR website at www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/cwdinformation.html or on The Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance web site (www.cwd-info.org).

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Special Saturation Patrols on Deep Creek Lake

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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Savage River Release on July 6

Precision Rafting emailed last week with information that the Savage River will release on Sunday July 6th. 

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Internet Based Hunter Education Course Now Available

First time hunters now have another option for completing the Maryland Hunter Education requirements.  Effective July 1, Maryland will offer an internet-based course for students 14 or over.  Other classes will continue to be available throughout the year for all students, regardless of age. The internet-based portion of the course is completed when the student passes a test and is provided with a voucher to attend a Maryland Hunter Education Field Day.  There are presently 20 Field Days scheduled throughout the State this fall.  Satisfactory completion of the field day will give the student the certification necessary to purchase a hunting license in Maryland or any other state in the country. Click here for additional information.

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Bear Spottings

The Times-News Bear Watch reports sightings of sows with cubs at Deep Creek Lake State Park have been common in recent days.  The DNR publishes Living With Black Bears, if you're not familiar with these inhabitants. 

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Fire Tower Tours at Deep Creek Lake State Park

The Fire Tower at Deep Creek Lake State Park is now open for tours on Sundays from 10am until noon.  Join park staff and volunteers as they guide you through the newly renovated tower.  Learn about Maryland's fire history and enjoy great views of the lake.  The tour is $2.00 per person which is used to keep the tower open and maintained.  Tours meet at the fire tower and are open for two hours.   Tour participants must be four feet or taller to climb the steps to the top. 

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Celebrate Summer! Guided Hike at New Germany State Park

Join the New Germany State Park staff for an interpretive hike along New Germany's trails tomorrow from 9 to 11 am.  Pass through charming stream valleys and enchanting hemlock forest.  Hikers will learn about the parks heritage and diversity of the forest.  They day use service charge applies ($2 in state/$3 out of state).  Call 301-895-5453 for further information.

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Herrington Manor Bio Blitz

Take part in Bio Blitz at Herrington Manor State Park from 6am Saturday to 12am Sunday.  The Bio Blitz is a search for the various species of plants and animals that live within the park.  There will be volunteers leading hikes to locate and identify diverse species.  Plant, amphibian, bird and reptile hikes mist-netting bats and electro-shocking fish are some of the wild activities taking place throughout the day.  Learn what is living in your own backyard.  Families are encouraged to attend this event.

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Battling Botanical Bullies

Adult volunteers are needed to continue control efforts of Japanese spiraea in the Bear Pen Run area of Savage River State Forest on June 20 from 9am until noon.  Bear Pen is designated as a Type 1 Wildland and like other natural areas around the State is threatened by a variety of exotic invasive species.  Kerrie Kyde, Invasive Plant Specialist with the Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Service, is providing technical support.  Larry Maxim, Savage River State Forest manager, is providing work tools.  Mike Gregory, Big Run & New Germany State Park manager, is providing free camping the night before for any out-of-town volunteers.  Elk Ridge NatureWorks is coordinating the project and providing snacks and drinks for volunteers with assistance from the Savage River Watershed Association.  For more details or to register, contact Ron Boyer at 301-895-3686 or info@elkridgenatureworks.com

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