The Wild Yough: A River in Need of Citizen Oversight
A pivotal entity meant to safeguard this natural gem, the Youghiogheny Scenic and Wild River Advisory Board, finds itself sidelined and dismissed by local authorities. Recently, Garrett County Commissioner Larry Tichnell delivered a disheartening message to the advisory board, claiming it “has no functions to perform” for the county, effectively relegating its role to insignificance.
This dismissal raises pertinent questions about the fate of the Wild Yough and the decision-making processes governing it. Stakeholders, including members of the advisory board, express deep apprehension regarding decisions made by county and state leaders that appear to flout established laws, regulations, and management plans aimed at preserving the river’s pristine environment.
One glaring instance of this disregard was the advisory board’s recommendation regarding the alignment of a new bridge on Swallow Falls Road. Despite the board’s diligent evaluation and suggestion mirroring the current structure’s alignment, the county, backed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), opted for a divergent course of action. This decision, contrary to the board’s counsel, is now mired in legal contention, underscoring the widening chasm between stakeholders and authorities.
Moreover, the advisory board laments the lack of transparency in decision-making processes concerning the Wild Yough corridor. Requests for advance notice of plans from county and state officials fall on deaf ears, leaving stakeholders feeling marginalized and uninformed. The board’s plea for inclusivity and openness underscores the necessity of citizen engagement in shaping the river’s future.
The significance of the advisory board cannot be overstated. Envisioned as a conduit for public involvement, it represents a vital link between the community and governing bodies responsible for safeguarding the Wild Yough. Established protocols mandate the board’s role in advising both local authorities and the state’s Scenic and Wild Rivers Review Board, ensuring holistic decision-making aligned with conservation principles.
Former state senator and advocate for environmental protection, John Bambacus, underscores the pivotal role of the advisory board in preserving the Wild Yough. With private properties dotting significant stretches of the river’s corridor, Bambacus emphasizes the imperative of protecting landowners’ interests while upholding conservation efforts. The board serves as a beacon of citizen oversight, a vital counterbalance to bureaucratic decision-making processes.
Paul Durham, with years of experience overseeing the management of the Youghiogheny Wild River, echoes the sentiment of the importance of citizen oversight. Highlighting the invaluable expertise and dedication of board members, Durham stresses that without their presence, a critical facet of governance – citizen oversight – is lost.
In essence, the plight of the Wild Yough epitomizes a broader struggle for environmental stewardship and democratic governance. It underscores the indispensable role of citizen engagement in preserving natural wonders for future generations. As stakeholders rally for the reinstatement of meaningful citizen oversight, the Wild Yough stands as both a testament to nature’s splendor and a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect it.
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Jay Ferguson
Who I Am
My name is Jay Ferguson, and I am a lifelong resident of the Deep Creek Lake area. I am also co-owner of the real estate side of Taylor Made. I have been in the real estate business for 21+ years now and I LOVE what I do! I have to say, my career really took off when I co-founded the real estate side of Taylor Made in 2014. Its been an amazing experience, building a real estate company from the ground up and achieving so much so quickly! In August 2016, we purchased Long & Foster Real Estate Deep Creek, where I had started my career in 2000. In 2018, we on-boarded virtually every agent from Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty as they closed up shop and the real estate family grew even more! We now have over 40 sales agents and have expanded to West Virginia and Pennsylvania, as well. Taylor Made is the #1 vacation rental company at Deep Creek with over 475 vacation rental homes, and over one hundred thousand yearly visitors. Its amazing what we have accomplished using the principles of honesty, teamwork and customer service!
Personally, my wife Jessica and I enjoy traveling and especially spending time in the outdoors, hiking and exploring the many diverse areas that Garrett County is naturally blessed with. We have raised two wonderful children here, Kayleah (22) and Noah (13). In the summer, we love spending time on the water with friends & family and enjoying the lake life! We are both active in our church, our community & local school activities, and we fill our schedule with plenty of volunteer efforts. I currently serve on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity. I am proud to say that I was named Deep Creek Time’s Favorite ‘Community Champion’ in 2019. I was also named Garrett County Realtor of the Year in 2018-19, as well.
I really enjoy promoting my hometown. I am very proud of the resort area that has developed over my lifetime and look forward to growing the area even more! Deep Creek Lake has been described as ‘The Lake Tahoe of the east', and I think that speaks volumes about the potential to own property here! Deep Creek Lake isn't really a town or city by itself; it's comprised of three towns: Oakland, Swanton & McHenry, Maryland. I am very passionate about my hometown and am impressed with how many people know about it as we travel around the country. Deep Creek Lake is an amazing place to visit and even better place to live! During the pandemic in 2020, our market exploded and more and more people left their primary residence in the city to live here permanently. With distance learning in schools and tele-commuting becoming the ‘norm’, many more people were drawn to the area to ‘live where they love to play’.
Why You Want Me Working for You: In addition to being an owner, I am consistently one of the top-producing agents in the entire area and the Associate Broker of record for Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales. I have 21+ years of experience and I am a problem solver. There aren’t many situations that I have not encountered and I have a strategy for almost every scenario that you may encounter. I
have extensively trained in all areas of real estate & emerging technologies, and also have trained as an appraiser, as well as served as a full-time Broker. I have a strong knowledge of the industry, as well as many trusted local contacts & affiliations that allow me to perform at a very high level and deliver results. I have a great deal of respect for my peers in this industry and have strong working relationships that I would love to put to work for you.
Call me to discuss your situation - I know I can be of great service to you & others you care about!
Honesty. Integrity. Results.
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