The Board of Directors of the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce the formation of the Foundation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as a non-profit Maryland corporation.The Foundation is formed to accept tax-deductible donations to foster a private/public partnership that will support, promote and advance scientific study, environmental protection and educational programs relating to the Deep Creek Watershed.
The Deep Lake Watershed contains 41,000 acres and is located in the mountains of Garrett County, Maryland.Deep Creek Lake (DCL) is within the Deep Creek Watershed and is the State’s largest freshwater lake containing approximately 4,000 acres.Deep Creek Lake has evolved as a primary recreational destination for the Mid-Atlantic States and is the economic engine for the County.In 2000, the State of Maryland purchased the Lake and its buffer zone under legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly.The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is assigned responsibility for managing the Lake and its buffer zone. Likewise, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is responsible for, among other things, sediment and erosion control of DCL, as well as for the issuance of a Water Allocation Permit which provides authorization for various entities to use specified quantities of water from the lake. The 2000 legislation included stewardship requirements and authorizations, but it did not address the potential impacts from the watershed to water quality in the Lake.
Over the past 15 years, the Deep Creek community, the County, DNR and MDE have demonstrated a growing interest in ensuring that the quality and recreational value of the Lake is maintained.Concerns have arisen relating to sediment in coves, submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), water quality, lake level fluctuations, and other issues.Many of these concerns extend beyond the authority of the state-owned property in the buffer zone.Consequently, a more extensive assessment of the entire watershed was needed.
Pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between DNR and the Garrett County Commissioners, the State and the County agreed to work together to develop a Watershed Management Plan.Volunteers representing various interest groups and watershed residents, along with County and State officials, were appointed to a steering committee by DNR and the County and formed subcommittees to address the variety of issues affecting the watershed.Through this effort the Deep Creek Watershed Management Plan (Plan) was developed and completed in 2014 and then subsequently approved by the DNR and the Board of Garrett County Commissioners
Additionally, a second MOU has been agreed to and will be signed by the Board Garrett County Commissioners and the Secretaries of DNR and MDE, creating the Administrative Council which will oversee the implementation of the Plan; establish the staff position of Watershed Coordinator; and address the development of financial strategies. The Foundation will work closely with this Administrative Council to identify projects that will require funding.
The Foundation is formed to support the Plan’s goal of “improving the environmental stability and economic viability of the Deep Creek Watershed while retaining its rural landscapes and natural beauty, so that, for generations to come, local citizens and visitors have a special place to live, work, and play.” The Foundation will accomplish this goal by engaging in fundraising activities to sponsor educational programs supporting initiatives relating to the watershed, soliciting and providing funding to support scientific, environmental, and educational programs relating to the watershed, and applying for grants relating to activities in furtherance of the protection of the watershed.
2016 has been a record year for tourism in the Deep Creek Lake area and Garrett County, Maryland with a 6.3% increase in county accommodations sales, a 19.3% increase in heads on beds, a 2.3% increase in sales tax collections and a 23% increase in visitors to the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce’s website, visitdeepcreek.com.
The increases follow a banner 2015 in Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County, which saw a 3.1% increase in county accommodations sales, a 2.5% increase in sales tax collections and a 46% increase in visitors to the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce’s website, visitdeepcreek.com.
The Chamber attributes much of the increase to the Chamber’s aggressive marketing plan with concentrated efforts and new ad strategies.
And, according to the Maryland Office of Tourism, Garrett County’s increases have even outpaced Maryland’s tourism growth. In Fiscal Year 2016 (July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016), Maryland grew tourism sales tax revenues 6.4%, while Garrett County grew tourism sales tax revenues 7.0% during the same time period.Maryland grew lodging sales tax code collections 6.3% in FY16 while Garrett County grew lodging sales tax collections 9%.
“Tourism is an economic engine for Garrett County and we are pleased to see that this engine continues to churn out additional revenues and business for our community,” said Nicole Christian, president & CEO of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “Even with Mother Nature being less than cooperative last winter and an abbreviated ski season, Garrett County’s overall tourism sales tax revenues still outpaced the state’s growth. We attribute this continued growth to our aggressive marketing efforts.”
This custom 5 bedroom masterpiece features some of the best views at Deep Creek Lake!
Grandview Drive
Filled with modern craftsmanship, towering stonework and elegant designs, the home boasts three fireplaces, sauna, bar, screened in porch, attached garage, extensive decking and much more.
Dock slip availability through HOA as Class A lot. Truly a must see! Established vacation rental, $51k YTD 2016.
This home is a Taylor-Made rental home. For a 3-D tour and more, click here.
A benefit for the HART Animal Center Adoption Wing
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2016 ~ 6:30 PM
THE LODGE AT WISP RESORT
It’s time to dress up and partake in a fabulous evening while supporting our mission to help save the lives of homeless animals in Western Maryland!
Please join our Honorary Chairs, Dr. William “Brit” Kirwan and Mrs. Patricia Kirwan at this very special gala to help raise funds for our adoptable animals.
The Kirwans support of Garrett County and love for animals is recognized on the HART building: “the Patricia H. Kirwan Center.” The special bond with animals led Patty to become an active supporter of the HART Animal Center.
Hors doeuvres, sit-down dinner with a choice of entrees, dancing, and auction!
Tickets are $100 per person (cash bar). Tables of eight are available.
