WATERSHED PLAN HEARING --- 

Can't make the hearing?

You can join by phone.


The Garrett County Commissioners have set up a special public hearing to discuss and review the Deep Creek Watershed Plan. Many individuals in the lake watershed area have followed this plan and helped to develop it over several years. You may be surprised to learn which properties fall within the watershed area. It's not just those homes bordering the lake.

If you own property withing the watershed, this issue should be of particular interest to you. Please inform your neighbors and encourage them to attend. The public is invited to submit questions or comments prior to and during the allotted time at the hearing. In order to allow all guests to have a chance to make comments, the commissioners will reserve their responses for a followup meeting, not yet scheduled. This will allow them time to consider each comment or question prior to voicing public responses.

It's important to note that the plan has not yet been adopted. This hearing has been requested so public input will be considered prior to any official plan being put into place. NOW is the time to participate and provide valuable input as a citizen of Garrett County.

Thursday, January 28 at 6:00PM
Garrett College
Continuing Education Building, Room 224
687 Mosser Rd
McHenry, MD 21541

The location is located in the college auxiliary building between Bumble Bee and Mosser Roads. Dedicated parking is available adjacent to the building and is wheelchair accessible. 
 

How to join by phone.

Call 1 888 240-2560
When prompted, enter the meeting ID# 103784053
Phone guests will not be able to comment.
 
Read Full Plan

Goals

 
The Deep Creek Watershed Plan Steering Committee developed 13 goals. After consultation with members of the sub-committee and stake holders, Goal 12 has been slightly modified. Below is the list of all 13 goals and includes the original language as well as the new language of Goal 12.
  • Goal 1: Improve management, funding, coordination and accountability for the Deep Creek watershed.
  • Goal 2: Nurture and informed and engaged citizenry regarding the Deep Creek watershed.
  • Goal 3: Collect the information needed to make informed management decisions that achieve the desired condition of the Deep Creek Lake and watershed.
  • Goal 4: Managing the existing land uses to achieve the desired condition of the Deep Creek Lake and watershed.
  • Goal 5: Manage SVA in Deep Creek Lake to maintain and improve the ecological stability of the lake, while working with waterfront landowners to minimize the interference of SAV with recreational uses of the lake around docks.
  • Goal 6: Prevent erosion and sedimentation to the greatest extent possible to protect water resources from increased sediment loading and associated water quality problems.
  • Goal 7: Promote policies that balance environmental sustainability and economic viability.
  • Goal 8: Manage stormwater infrastructure to decrease pollution from both existing and proposed development to ensure healthy watershed conditions.
  • Goal 9: Protect the watershed from the adverse effects of impaired septic systems and ensure adequate capacity and management of public sewerage system.
  • Goal 10: Preserve and enhance the quality of recreational opportunities while ensuring that those opportunities are in harmony with environmental stewardship.
  • Goal 11: Maximize the retention of forest cover to protect high-value aquatic and terrestrial natural resources.
  • Goal 12: REPLACED- Assure that the water appropriation analysis and allocation methodology for Deep Creek Lake provides a fair distribution of water for all users, especially during the months of May through September.
  • WITH-To study all Deep Creek Lake water releases and water inputs to determine if there is a different scientific method to maintain lake levels for lake recreation, whitewater boating and temperature enhancement that does not adversely affect any of these stakeholders.
  • Goal 13: Improve access to navigable waters for property owners who typically have shallow water during the summer months.

Source: http://us10.campaign-archive2.com/?u=4336fa993b16d1176eb1d0e7f&id=4a63465989&e=32eafe99cd


Duane Nichols