Department of Public Works – Roads Division
The Garrett County Public Works Department – Roads Division announces that Excavating Associates, Incorporated will be starting the Glendale Road Realignment project on the date of Monday, April 24, 2023. Traffic flow will be impacted during the project phase, and the public should expect travel delays.
The public can address any questions to Excavating Associates at 301-777-0444.
The Board of Garrett County Commissioners held its recent public meeting on Monday April 3, 2023.
PUBLIC MEETING OPENED
In the public meeting session, Paul Edwards served as Chairman. The following items were discussed:
Proclamation: April 2023 is Child Abuse Prevention Month
Proclamation: April 5, 2023 is Arbor Day in Garrett County
The winners of the 5th Grade Arbor Day Poster Contest were announced:
1st Place County Winner, 3rd Place State Winner: Emma Secrist
2nd Place County Winner: Codyn Alvarado
3rd Place County Winner: Elodie Morel
Resolution Approval of the 2023 Garrett County Online Tax Sale Dates & Times
Registration opens May 1, 2023 and closes May 19, 2023
Bidding begins on May 22, 2023 and ends on May 26, 2023
Payments must be completed by May 26 at 4:00 PM
Bid # 23–0316 for precast concrete box culvert for a culvert replacement on Bethlehem Road was awarded to Concrete Pipe and Precast in the amount of $63,684. This project is within budget.
Bid # 23–0302 for the purchase and installation of ceramic tile at the courthouse was awarded to Success Floor Covering in the amount of $74,920.98; selecting Option 1. This project is within budget.
Bid # 23–0309 for the Friendsville Wastewater Treatment Plant roof and gutter replacement was awarded to Rough Roofing and Sheetmetal in the amount of $39,030. The project is within budget.
The 2023 Garrett County Transportation Priority Letter was approved.
Public comments were accepted.
PUBLIC MEETING CLOSED
A complete recording of the meeting can be found here.
OUTSIDE ORGANIZATION BUDGET PRESENTATIONS:
Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens presented the budget (beginning at 40:40 in the recording) on behalf of the Garrett County Health Department (GCHD)
Mission: To promote, protect and improve the health of citizens and visitors of Garrett County.
Vision: Garrett County, a healthier place to live, work and play
Total GCHD operating budget is $16,707,797 and the request from the county government is $2,436,815
Due to fee-for-service programs, GCHD can return money to the county
Maryland Department of Health reconciled 2022 figures and GCHD will return $915,429 to the county
Sheriff Bryson Meyers presented the budget (beginning at 56:02 in the recording) on behalf of the Garrett County Sheriff’s Department
Public safety and law enforcement is an ever-challenging environment.
Overall, the increase to the budget is $15,335
There are mandates the office has to support financially but they have found grants thus far
Body cameras aren’t mandated until 2025 but were grant funded so they are implemented
Requesting department cell phones to utilize the full functionality of the body cameras
Medicated-Assisted Treatment is now mandated; hopefully can continue to be funded by grants
Alison Sweitzer, CPA, Director of Finance and Dr. Nicole Miller, Chief Academic Officer, presented the budget (beginning at 1:04:05 in the recording) on behalf of the Garrett County Public Schools.
Many changes are occurring because of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future legislation
“To transform Maryland’s education system from early childhood through secondary education to enable performance and ensure all students receive a world-class education”
Pillar 1: Early Childhood
Pillar 2: High Quality & Diverse Teachers and Leaders
Pillar 3: College and Career Readiness
Pillar 4: More Resources for Students to be Successful
Pillar 5: Governance and Accountability
MSDE (Maryland State Department of Education) is calculating some of these formulas for the first time so it is a bit of a moving target to develop the budget request.
FY 2024 local share (county budget requirement) is $28,584,423. The complete meeting can be viewed here.
Public issues or concerns that are to be presented to the Board of Garrett County Commissioners during any Public Meeting should be scheduled with Carol A. Riley-Alexander, Executive Assistant to the Board of County Commissioners/County Administrator, by 11:00 p.m. on Monday one week prior to the Public Meeting Day.
The Board of Garrett County Commissioners next scheduled Public Meeting will be Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at the Garrett County Courthouse beginning at 4:00 p.m.
When people think of outdoor recreation and Garrett County, Maryland, they most likely think of Deep Creek Lake. After all, it is Maryland’s largest freshwater lake, covering 3,900 acres and 65 miles of shoreline.
Nearing its 100th anniversary, the manmade lake got its start in 1925 as a hydroelectric project, and while it remains active, the lake has grown to mean much more to the region and state, generating millions of dollars in revenue from the more than 1.4 million visitors annually.
Deep Creek Lake is a near year-round vacation spot, attracting water sports fans in spring and summer, leaf-peepers in the fall and skiers in the winter months to enjoy Wisp Ski Resort and Lodge.
In the summer months, thousands flock to enjoy the rental homes and cabins, lounging lakeside or hopping on a boat or jet ski for a trip around the lake.
Deep Creek Lake is also home to numerous special events, concerts and great private businesses and public facilities to enjoy year-round.
But Garrett County’s outdoors recreation is more than Deep Creek Lake, as there are nine other state parks in the county that provide a variety of recreational opportunities and events.
Most offer picnic and fishing areas, while all but Casselman River State Park have hiking paths, according to state park officials.
Mountain biking is big in the area, with the state parks providing trails and paths. Swimming areas and boat launches and rentals are available at Deep Creek, Herrington Manor and New Germany state parks. Rental cabins are available at Herrington Manor and New Germany.
Here are a few tips and highlights of each of the other state parks:
Big Run State Park (Swanton): This is a primitive camping location, “situated at the mouth of the Savage River Reservoir, Big Run State Park is the perfect base camp from which to enjoy the surrounding Savage River State Forest. Campers at Big Run have easy access to fishing, boating, hiking or hunting opportunities.”
Casselman River Bridge State Park (Grantsville): Casselman River Bridge State Park is a 4-acre parcel, popular for picnicking, fly fishing and photography, according to the state parks website. The 80-foot bridge was once an important link on the National Road and is popular for photographers.
Herrington Manor State Park (Oakland): This 365-acre park is located within Garrett State Forest, It offers swimming, canoeing, kayaking, biking, picnicking, hiking, tennis, basketball, volleyball and 20 furnished log cabins for rental use year round.
New Germany State Park (Grantsville): Some of this park’s visitors call it a “best-kept secret,” as it is beautiful and rural, nestled between the 2,900-foot Big Savage Mountain to the east and the eastern Continental Divide along Meadow Mountain to the west. The park features trails and a small lake for fishing, swimming and paddling. The park has no cell service.
Sang Run State Park (McHenry): Once a homestead dating back to the early 1800s, this is one of the state’s newest state parks, having been deeded to the state for that use in 2008 and officially enacted in 2017.
The original home site, farm and store feature the perfect place to hike, fish, picnic or just sit and relax along the beautiful Youghiogheny River. A mile-long trail traverses the farm fields highlighting large old trees, wildflower meadows and passes by a private family cemetery. During the summer months nature programs such as hay rides, guided bird hikes, and Dutch oven demonstrations are held, according to the state website.
Swallow Falls State Park (Oakland): As one can imagine, this state park is known for its scenic 53-foot waterfall, rippling rapids and some of the state’s most breathtaking scenery.
Wolf Den Run State Park (Kitzmiller): This 2,039-acre multi-use park provides opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, birdwatching, hunting and ORV riding. It features protected wetlands areas, as well as two cold-water trout streams.
Youghiogheny River State Park (Friendsville-Oakland): Home to some of the state’s most challenging and dangerous whitewater, this state park also offers trails, hunting and some less challenging water opportunities.
More than state parks
Garrett County is also home to about 40 recreational trails, from those easy to traverse to those more challenging, according to Evan Byrne of Garrett Trails.
Garrett Trails is a “nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to developing and maintaining a network of sustainable trails providing access to the county’s historic, municipal and environmental treasures with minimal impact to the environment,” according to Byrne.
He wrote that “there’s a trail in Garrett County for everyone wanting to step off the beaten path and into the kind of adventure that only a meandering trail can bring. Explorers of these trails will take away more than a sense of adventure, as time in the outdoors can bring increased peace and relaxation, new personal achievements and countless family memories.”
Some of the trails are paved while others are just grassy paths. Still others are rocky and challenging to bikers and hikers alike.
Byrne wrote that, “Most trails are mixed-use and accommodate activities including walking, hiking, trail running, mountain biking, geocaching and orienteering. Some trails are also designated for all-terrain vehicles.”
“Garrett County’s trails are all easily accessible and will leave users with lasting memories, along with increased health and well-being,” Byrne wrote in an article in the Garrett County Republican. “Everyone will find a favorite among the scores of trails in Garrett County. Whether you’re seeking a quiet hike in a familiar area or a fast transit on a mountain bike through new terrain, when on a Garrett County trail, be advised that either its beauty or its terrain may take your breath away.”
Events
The Oakland (MD) acoustic old-time music jam is back after a winter hiatus. Those interested can join at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 13, at Our Town Theatre, 121 E. Center Street, Oakland. Musicians of all skill levels are invited to bring their fiddles, guitars, banjos, mandolins, ukes, bongos, or whatever and play old-time Appalachian tunes, classic country, or whatever anyone brings to the table. Come to play or just to listen; the event is free and open to the public. The jam is normally held monthly on the second Thursday of the month. Let us know you’re coming by shooting an email to snaggymtslackards@gmail.com. (RSVP appreciated but not required.) For more information, email us or call 240-321-7488.
— Volunteers needed for the Oakland Cemetery Monuments Restoration. Volunteers will meet on the third Thursday of every month. The next meeting starts at 5 p.m. on April 20 on the second floor of the Garrett County Museum of Transportation. For questions, please call 304-919-3235.
Dinners
— Free community suppers in the St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church social hall in Oakland are held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. every second Monday of the month.
— Divine Hope Church’s soup kitchen is held from 4-6:30 p.m. every third Tuesday of the month. Eat in or carry out. 110 Weber Road, Oakland.
Greg Larry, Cumberland Times-News, Md.
Apr. 4—FROSTBURG — Frostburg State University has been awarded a $250,000 grant for educational programs designed to support a regional approach to growing Western Maryland’s outdoor recreation economy.
The grant, from the Maryland Department of Commerce Office of Tourism in conjunction with the federal Economic Development Administration, will fund initiatives in workforce development, training and certification in Allegany and Garrett counties, and will be administered by FSU’s Division of Regional Development and Engagement.
“DRDE is very excited to be leading this regional initiative to collaboratively address the immediate outdoor recreation workforce needs in Mountain Maryland and create a pipeline of students interested in enjoying the outdoors and with the skill sets necessary to adequately support our local businesses,” said Al Delia, FSU’s vice president for regional development.
The projects will be a collaborative effort between FSU, Allegany College of Maryland, Garrett College and local outdoor recreation businesses. Supporting partners include the Maryland Office of Outdoor Recreation and county government offices in Allegany and Garrett counties.
“DRDE is uniquely situated to lead this initiative and we look forward to growing our partnerships with our community colleges and local small businesses in the outdoor recreation economy,” said Jennifer Walsh, regional initiatives coordinator for the Division of Regional Development and Engagement, and executive director of The Greater Cumberland Committee.
Funds will be used to support a bicycle mechanic program at ACM and a marine mechanic program at Garrett College, while FSU will purchase outdoor recreation equipment to support its Center for Advancement of Natural and Outdoor Experiences, led by Natalia Buta. A paid internship program will also be created to place students with local outdoor recreation-related businesses.
“The bicycle repair training through ACM will immerse students into a 4-day experience in bicycle mechanics, covering all the essential maintenance material in greater detail with hands-on training,” Cynthia Bambara, president of Allegany College of Maryland, said. “Students who complete the program will earn an Apprenticeship Bench Tool Kit and will be prepared to further their studies and participate in a paid internship with a local bike shop.”
Garrett College will partner with Deep Creek Lake-area marinas and boat companies to provide an introductory marine mechanic program.
“Upon completion of the proposed 100-hour training, a student will receive a non-credit certificate of completion from Garrett College,” Julie Yoder, the school’s dean of continuing education and workforce development, said.
According to Yoder, once a student has completed two years of experience, they will be eligible to take a certification exam through American Boat and Yacht Council to become a certified technician. Paid internships with local companies will also be available.
Ashli Workman, director of tourism for Allegany County, said Western Maryland has much to offer the sector.
“Allegany and Garrett counties are gateway communities, home to 31% of the state’s public land,” she said. “With over 600 miles of developed trail systems, one national park, three state forests and 12 state parks, our region’s outdoor recreation economy and access to natural resources offers the opportunity for sustainable economic and community development.”
Greg Larry is a reporter at the Cumberland Times-News. To reach him, call 304-639-4951, email glarry@times-news.com and follow him on Twitter @GregLarryCTN.
The Maryland Park Service recently graduated 20 new State Park Rangers after they completed four weeks of training. The graduation ceremony took place on February 24, 2023, at Elk Neck State Park and NorthBay Adventure Camp. This is the 13th class of new State Park Rangers since the modern ranger school program was established in 2009.
Ranger school focuses on the primary jobs of the Maryland Park Ranger, which include operations, maintenance, interpretation, and customer service. During the four-week training, students participated in intensive practical exercises and written exams. The training was designed to simulate real-world scenarios, allowing rangers-in-training to execute emergency response, park operations, search and rescue missions, resource management, and more.
To become fully certified, rangers must also complete one year of operational experience. The new rangers will work in different regions, and they are as follows:
Central:
Nicole Staab, Rocks/Susquehanna State Park
Margaret White, Rocks/Susquehanna State Park
Eastern:
Brian Bokulic, Janes Island State Park
Ashley Brown, Pocomoke River State Park
Kirby Brown, Assateague State Park
Michael Fray, Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park
Erin Swale, Assateague State Park
Southern:
Samuel Behrens, Point Lookout State Park
Matthew Gregory, Southern Maryland Recreational Complex
Aubree Moore, Southern Maryland Recreational Complex
Calvin Ogburn, Southern Maryland Recreational Complex
Riley Schwertz, Point Lookout State Park
Western:
Travis Anthony, Cunningham Falls State Park
Emily Hendershot, Rocky Gap State Park
Ryan Keller, Herrington Manor State Park
Noah Manges, New Germany State Park
Cecilia Melton, South Mountain Recreation Area
Scott Offutt, Cunningham Falls State Park
Andrew Ogle, Deep Creek Lake State Park
Christine Smith, Deep Creek Lake State Park
“Maryland Park Rangers represent the vanguard of the Park Service mission – ‘to manage the state’s natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources, to provide for wise stewardship and enjoyment by people,’” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “I thank each of them for their commitment to their duties, sharing and preserving our most treasured lands and waters now and for future generations.”
The Maryland Park Service takes pride in their ranger school program, which ensures that their rangers are highly skilled and competent in their duties. With the graduation of the 13th class of new State Park Rangers, the Maryland Park Service continues to maintain the quality of service they provide to the public.
What’s better than swimming to get great exercise while having fun and staying cool with your family and friends during the summer? Swimming is not only a fun activity, but it is a great way to exercise the entire body and improve your fitness. Swimming is also an activity all ages can find ways to enjoy, especially if you visit the best Maryland lakes for swimming!
There are over 100 lakes within the state of Maryland today. Each one of those lakes is, however, a man-made reservoir (either for recreation, utility, or both). Deep Creek Lake, for example — with its nearly 4,000 acres of lake water — powers a hydroelectric dam that has operated since 1925, but also offers recreational activities for residents and vacationers.
So, let’s take a look at five of Maryland’s lakes that are the best lakes for swimming!
Greenbrier Lake
Deep Creek Lake
Lake Habeeb
Cunningham Falls
Kilgore Falls
Deep Creek Lake (Deep Creek Lake State Park)
Most Maryland lakes are much smaller than Deep Creek Lake, with many covering less than 50 acres. Deep Creek Lake, on the other hand, is known for being the largest lake in Maryland. It covers nearly 4,000 acres! The park gets its name from the lake. The Youghiogheny Hydroelectric Company created a 1,300-foot-long dam in the 1920s for a hydroelectric project.
So why go swimming at Deep Creek Lake? Is it more than just a hydroelectric dam project? Yes!
With its mile-long shoreline and two swimming beaches, along with 20 miles of trails for hiking and biking, campgrounds, and an enormous Discovery Center, Deep Creek Lake State Park offers year-round activities for everyone.
The natural beauty of Deep Creek Lake is only matched by its diverse wildlife and stunning scenery. With deer, bald eagles, ospreys, black bears, and more, visitors can expect to see a wide range of nature’s creatures while they swim and explore.
It’s a Maryland State Park, so the lake’s water is well-kept, and convenience factors are much more amenable. There are public restrooms, places to stay overnight that are close by, and convenience stores.
As is the case all over the world, the lakes of Maryland are a popular destination for locals and tourists looking to relax. They are a focal point for outdoor recreation, fishing, and enjoyment of the natural world. Unlike many places, though, not a single one of the lakes in Maryland was formed naturally. Most natural lakes are formed by glaciers, but during the last Ice Age, glaciers didn’t reach the area that is now Maryland. Other lakes are caused by faulting, volcanic activity, or landslides, which again didn’t happen in that area.
There are now over 100 artificial lakes in Maryland, and though they were the result of human development, especially due to the need for hydroelectric energy, nature has made good use of them. Some of the most beautiful of these lakes have become an important part of the area’s ecosystem and are now part of larger parks. The land, plants, and animals have adapted to the lake’s presence, so these parks have become important habitats for fish, birds, and animals large and small.
Deep Creek Lake
As the largest lake in the state, Deep Creek Lake is also perhaps the most well-known of Maryland’s lakes. It can be found near Oakland, in Deep Creek Lake State Park, which sits high on a plateau in the Allegheny Highlands. Created as the result of a hydroelectric dam, it has been an important source of energy for the area since 1925.
The lake itself covers approximately 3,900 acres and is surrounded by 69 miles of shoreline, some of which is sandy beach. The lake is a popular spot for fishing and boating of all types. Nearby, the state park offers cabins, camping spots, and over 100 miles of trails from which to try to spot elk or mule deer. But the park is also home to bobcats and black bears, so caution to all hikers is recommended. Also in the park is a 6,000 s6,000-square-foot Discovery Center with an aviary that features rescued eagles and ospreys.
The Southern Maryland Chronicle
As the signs of spring begin to appear across Maryland, anglers are preparing for a variety of fishing opportunities throughout the state. From trout season openings to striped bass pre-spawn runs and white perch spawning runs, Maryland offers something for every angler.
Trout Season Opens in Maryland
One of the most anticipated events for Maryland anglers is the opening day of trout season, which falls on Saturday, March 25 this year. The state’s Department of Natural Resources hatcheries have been working hard to ensure generous stockings of healthy trout in put-and-take management waters across the state.
According to the Department of Natural Resources, Maryland has over 100 stocked trout streams, with many of them located within an hour’s drive of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. These waters are stocked with rainbow, brown, and brook trout, and anglers are allowed to keep up to five fish per day.
Maryland’s trout season typically runs from March through May, with some waters open for catch-and-release fishing throughout the year. To ensure a successful fishing trip, anglers should check the DNR’s trout stocking website for the latest information on stocking schedules, maps, and other trout fishing information.
Pre-Spawn Striped Bass in Susquehanna Flats
As spring arrives in Maryland, the state’s water temperatures are warming, making it a prime time for gamefish like striped bass to spawn. Anglers are expected to be out in full force, casting large crankbaits and soft plastics for pre-spawn striped bass in the Susquehanna Flats catch-and-release area.
According to the Department of Natural Resources, the Susquehanna Flats area offers some of the best striped bass fishing in the state. The area is a shallow-water spawning ground for striped bass, and anglers are required to use artificial lures only and practice catch-and-release fishing to protect the fish population.
Anglers should also be aware of the regulations for striped bass fishing in Maryland. The minimum size for striped bass is 19 inches, and anglers are limited to keeping two fish per day. In addition, the main part of the Chesapeake Bay is closed to striped bass fishing from April 1 to May 1 to protect the striped bass population during their spawning season.
White Perch Spawning Runs
Spring is also a prime time for white perch spawning runs in Maryland’s rivers and streams. Anglers are picking away at post-spawn yellow perch as these fish move downriver from their spawning areas. Lip-hooked minnows will be the best bait to use. The second run of white perch is occurring in spawning rivers, and the top half of the flood tide usually offers the best fishing for them.
According to the Department of Natural Resources, white perch are one of the most popular gamefish in Maryland, with the largest populations found in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. White perch are known for their hard fighting and delicious taste, and can be caught using a variety of baits and lures.
Anglers should be aware of the regulations for white perch fishing in Maryland. The minimum size for white perch is 9 inches, and anglers are limited to keeping 25 fish per day.
Catfish, Crappie, and Pickerel Fishing
Maryland’s rivers and streams also offer plenty of opportunities for catfish, crappie, and pickerel fishing. A mix of blue and channel catfish are entertaining anglers in the upper Bay and tidal rivers, while crappie are very active this week and can be found near structure in moderately deep waters. Using small marabou jigs or small minnows under a slip bobber is an excellent way to fish for them.
Freshwater Fishing
Moving on to freshwater fishing, Saturday, March 25, marked a significant day for put-and-take trout anglers all across Maryland. The state’s Department of Natural Resources opened waters that were previously closed to trout fishing at 5:30 a.m. for those who wanted to try their hand at trout fishing. The stocking crews had been working overtime to place healthy trout in these waters, ensuring that anglers would have an enjoyable experience.
Warming water temperatures have caused many freshwater species to become more active this first week of spring. At Deep Creek Lake and the upper Potomac River, smallmouth bass and walleye are entertaining anglers. Largemouth bass are becoming more aggressive in their feeding habits as they enter their pre-spawn bulk-up of body stores. They can often be found holding near structure in moderately deep waters – sunken wood, fallen treetops, rocks, bridge piers, emerging grass, and drop-offs are all good places to find them. Working wacky rigged or dropshot rigged soft plastics and stick worms is a good choice to entice a pickup. Casting grubs, crankbaits and jigs near structure is also a good choice. On sunny afternoons, the shallower waters are good places to cast spinnerbaits, soft plastics, jerkbaits, and lipless crankbaits.
Crappie are very active this week and can be found near structure in moderately deep waters. Using small marabou jigs or small minnows under a slip bobber is an excellent way to fish for them. Fallen treetops, marina docks, bridge piers, and most any kind of submerged structure are good places to look for them.
Chain pickerel are still very much in play for anglers casting paddletails and other lures near shoreline structure. Sunken wood is a favorite ambush hangout for chain pickerel. Bluegill sunfish are active this week and can be caught on a variety of small lures or a simple worm and bobber combination.
Atlantic Ocean and Coastal Bays
Finally, in the Atlantic Ocean and Coastal Bays, there have been a few unconfirmed reports of the first flounder being caught in the back bay regions of Ocean City. Flounder are starting to show up at Wachapreague, so flounder should be showing up in the Ocean City area now or very soon.
Anglers are fishing for tautog at the inlet and Route 50 Bridge area this week. Most of the fish being caught are reported to be just shy of the 16-inch minimum, but there is plenty of action on sand fleas. Other anglers are casting soft plastic jigs around bridge and jetty structure and catching a few striped bass, but most are not making the 28-inch minimum.
The boats and anglers wishing to head out to the wreck and reef sites in search of tautog are finally seeing calmer seas. Many anglers have been catching large tautog, with some exceeding 20 pounds. These are true trophy fish, and most anglers respect how old they are and release them. White legger crabs tend to be the favored bait for these large fish, but other anglers are having good luck with jigs on smaller fish.
In summary, anglers all across Maryland have plenty of options to choose from this week. From trout fishing to chasing trophy tautog in the Atlantic Ocean, there is something for everyone. The warming temperatures and increasing daylight hours will only make for more active fish, so it’s a great time to get outside and enjoy all that Maryland has to offer for anglers.
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