Bear lottery perfect - Garrett County bear hunting
Michael A. Sawyers
Cumberland Times-News The Cumberland Times-News Sun Sep 26, 2010, 08:00 AM EDT
— Well it sure didn’t take long for me to see a bear.
About 9 a.m. on the opening day of the Maryland deer bowhunting season I looked to my left and here toddling down a game trail came a bear. I wasn’t baiting.
The big ears on the bear quickly identified it as a youngun. At about 30 yards, the bear sniffed me and stood on his hind legs. He or she remained in that position for about 20 seconds or so huffing and a puffing and a sniffing the air. Probably a Smokey impersonator.
Apprently it didn’t like the aroma. The bruin took a 90-degree up the hill, showing me a side view and confirming that is was a youngster. I’m guessing 90 or 100 pounds.
That evening I got an emailed photo from a hunting friend and he too had seen a bear while sitting in a treestand about a mile or so from my location.
I think a couple things. I think there are a lot of bears out there. However, I also think that we may end up seeing and killing fewer of them during the October hunt because of the massive amounts of acorns in the woods.
That much food in the hinterlands will not necessitate much movement by bears in order to fill their stomachs. Less movement means fewer sightings. It may also mean that corn crops don’t get hit as hard.
If you are a hunter who has applied every year, but never received a bear hunting permit, you won’t be happy with my next statement.
The bonus-point system used in the bear hunting lottery is working perfectly.
This year, there were hunters with as many as four chances to draw out and hunters with only one chance to get permit.
Numbers supplied by Harry Spiker of the Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Service show that 48 percent (125) of the 260 permits went to applicants with four chances; 20 percent (53) to those with three chances; 17 percent (44) to those with two chances; and 15 percent (38) to those with only one chance.
The agency offers hunters the opportunity to simply buy a bonus point, without applying for a hunting permit during the current year. I’m not sure how many did that this year, but in 2009 there were 149 who went that route.
Anyway, when I say the bonus-point system is working perfectly, I mean that the people with the most chances got the most permits and those with the fewest chances got the fewest permits. It was a perfect descending order.
That doesn’t give you much solace if you have never been on the receiving end of a permit. I know a half-dozen people or so who had four chances to draw but didn’t.
Spiker has said that sometime after a new bear population study takes place in 2011 that the agency may consider new options for bear hunting.
And now for the question that everybody has been asking me. How many of the permits went to residents of Allegany and Garrett counties?
And now for the answer.
Garrett County residents drew 26 percent of the permits (68); Allegany County, 14 percent (36); other Maryland residents, 60 percent (156); nonresidents, 7 percent (19).
Spiker said 10 percent of the hunting licenses sold are to nonresidents, so they are awarded no more than 10 percent of the bear permits.
Although 40 percent of the permits went to Garrett and Allegany county hunters, Spiker said that percentage was 60 during the first few years of the hunt.
Contact Outdoor Editor Mike Sawyers at msawyers@times-news.com
United Way Honors Charity Golf Committee, Sincell Publishing Inc.
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Sep. 23, 2010
Steve Lantz, Janet Marsh, and Cindy Hall of the Charity Golf Tournament Leadership Team and Sincell Publishing Company Inc. were recently named the recipients of the United Way of Garrett County’s individual and business Community Caring Awards for 2010, which were presented at the annual campaign kickoff and awards banquet at Allegany College in Cumberland.
In order for an individual to be nominated for this award, Garrett County criteria states that he or she must reside in the county and demonstrate a long-time commitment to volunteering and donating to the community (United Way and/or other community organizations) without compensation. The business selected must meet the same criteria, in addition to encouraging workers to support the United Way or other non-profits by suggesting volunteer opportunities and/or conducting an employee campaign for contributions through payroll deduction.
According to Mary Beth Pirolozzi, executive director of County United Way, the Charity Golf Tournament Team and Sincell Publishing have each demonstrated “extraordinary commitment to community.”
The Charity Golf Tournament, sponsored for the past 12 years by First United Bank and Trust and chaired by Lantz, Marsh, and Hall, has raised over $353,180. These funds have supported a number of community projects and raised community awareness.
In his acceptance remarks, Lantz said that the mission and vision of the tournament is that monies raised “will assist Garrett County residents who need it the most.” A number of different programs and charities have been the beneficiaries of the tournament proceeds throughout the years.
In presenting the award, Robin Murray, who was last year’s recipient of the individual award, acknowledged and credited “the hard work and dedication of this leadership team for their years of commitment to this project and to the community, even during difficult economic times.”
Sincell Publishing Company, which publishes The Republican newspaper and operates a commercial printing division, and has actively participated in numerous community efforts, not only with United Way, but with many others, according to Pirolozzi.
"But For The Grace Of God Go I": Garrett County's Hidden Homeless
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by Glenn Tolbert
In Garrett County they’re known as “the hidden homeless.”
You don’t see them pushing shopping carts filled with possessions, or holding out signs requesting money or a place to sleep. But the homeless are very much here.
They’re temporarily staying with friends or relatives who want them out of the house. Or they’re the victims of domestic abuse who may literally be fleeing for their lives.
Ask Carrie Getson about the homeless in Garrett County. As senior case manager for Garrett County Community Action’s (GCCAC), she has aided 515 persons this year living in 149 households. The assistance can be anything and everything from the first month’s rent to security deposits, eviction prevention, and utility shutoffs.
How do people in this area, where the long, brutal winters make it impossible to live on the streets, get to be homeless?
“Many have burned their bridges with family members,” Getson says. “They may have also had rocky relationships with previous employers and landlords. This makes it very difficult for them to get into housing that they can afford.”
Getson points out that while there is money available to the homeless population to help initially get them into housing, ongoing assistance has a waiting list of several years.
“Currently, we have funding to provide one night’s shelter in three motels in the county,” she says. “This really doesn’t help the situation too much.”
Three FireFly Farms' Cheeses Earn Top Honors
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Sep. 23, 2010
FireFly Farms, producer of artisanal goat cheeses from Maryland’s Allegheny Plateau, recently announced that three of its aged goat cheeses received top honors at the American Cheese Society’s (ACS) annual conference and judging held in Seattle, Wash.
The 2010 Judging & Competition saw a record number of entries: 1,462 cheeses and cultured milk products from 225 different producers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. A total of 350 ribbons were awarded in 107 different distinct categories.
“The increase in this year’s entries mirrors the fantastic growth we’re seeing in the industry. As more people strive to make excellent cheese, they are turning to ACS for feedback about their products,” said ACS president Christine Hyatt. “The vision of our founders was not only to recognize the best cheeses in our industry, but also to offer feedback and guidance that will improve the quality of all cheeses produced in the Americas. This philosophy is still at the heart of our judging process today.”
FireFly Farms’ aged goat cheese, Black & Blue™, received the first place ribbon competing in a class against other blue-veined cheeses made from goat’s milk. This ribbon is the fourth individual honor received by FireFly Farm’s Black & Blue. These honors now include consecutive first place finishes in the ACS judging for 2008, 2009 and 2010.
ARC Awards Grant To Study Tourism At Deep Creek Lake
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Sep. 23, 2010
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded a $20,000 grant to Garrett County to conduct a study of tourism at Deep Creek Lake, allowing local residents, businesses, and government to better plan for future development in the area, according to U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Benjamin L. Cardin. In addition to ARC funds, local sources will provide $20,000.
“This federal funding will help Garrett County boost its tourism and its economy,” Mikulski said. “This funding is a federal investment in jobs today and jobs tomorrow in western Maryland. I’m so proud that Garrett County will be able to use these funds to continue to develop and grow.”
The ARC funds will be used to study lake visitors by demographic and season, analyze second home/rental property revenues, and define spending by category and season at lake-area businesses. It is anticipated that the information will provide a better understanding of the lake’s economic importance and provide a framework for future allocations to protect and preserve this environmental asset.
Finished! What a Feeling!
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Sep. 23, 2010
Local athlete Elizabeth Green is pictured as she reaches the ultimate goal in the SavageMan Triathlon — crossing the finish line. Hundreds of runners, swimmers, bikers, and those who do all three came across the line, completing what Triathlete magazine has crowned the hardest triathlon in the world. The SavageMan Festival took place over the weekend, with the 30.0 race held on Saturday and the grueling 70.0 on Sunday. The competition began and concluded in Deep Creek Lake State Park. The results and multiple photographs can be viewed online at savagemantri.org. Greg Safko, director of the race and president of the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation, the recipient of the race proceeds, said this year’s event was “an incredible race in a multitude of perspectives — from registration of 1,100+ athletes, many drawn to western Maryland for the first time to experience the beauty and savage challenge — to the hundreds of highly valued and praised volunteers from within the communities hosting athlete guests from throughout the country and the globe.” He said the fundraising for the melanoma foundation “far exceeded prior years.” See additional pictures in today’s issue, and at the festival site located at www.savagemantri.org Photo by C. Kellyann Green.
Additional Funding Awarded To Cherry Glade Road Proj.
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Sep. 23, 2010
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded an additional $384,000 to Garrett County to complete the construction of the Cherry Glade Access Road in Oakland, Senators Barbara Mikulski and Benjamin Cardin announced Tuesday.
The new road will provide improved access to a new commercial site, ease congestion, and create new jobs, according to Mikulski.
“Transportation infrastructure is critical to future economic growth of a region,” said Cardin. “This grant will allow Garrett County to complete the Cherry Glade Access Road so that the new commercial development will be fully operational, providing jobs for area residents.”
The Maryland State Highway Administration will administer the project, and the Federal Highway Administration will serve as the basic federal agency. In addition to ARC funds, Garrett County will provide $96,000 toward the $480,000 project.
Savageman Triathlon Videos from Sunday
http://www.youtube.com/v/SkXyrYu-Bew?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00
http://www.youtube.com/v/B7iBUZSjstE?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00
DeepCreekHospitality.com webcam courtesy Railey Realty
I was checking on a few items early this morning on the web and I and hit the DeepCreekHospitality.com webcam for this amazing morning shot at the lake. The webcam is at the Creamery and is there courtesy of Railey Realty and Railey Mountain Lake Vacations.
Keep an eye out – the DeepCreekHospitality website is under new management and will be changing drastically over the coming weeks. It is one of the ‘Top 10’ websites at Deep Creek Lake and the web traffic is amazing. A great place to advertise your business!
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
Youghiogheny corridor is a treasure for all
To the Editor:
Cumberland Times-News Fri Sep 24, 2010, 08:00 AM EDT
— In regard to the recent article by Times-News reporter Megan Miller titled “Whitewater Woes in Friendsville,” I would like to point out some missed points in both the original article and the response by Matt Ackerman.
First of all, I am a resident of Winchester, Va., but have a vacation home in Garrett County primarily due its proximity to whitewater recreation. This area (Western Maryland, northern West Virginia and western Pennsylvania) is known not only nationwide, but also worldwide as one of the most desirable locations to visit and live for whitewater enthusiasts. With the variety of rivers from the mild Middle Youghigheney to the technical Blackwater to the challenging Upper Youghiogheney to the powerful Cheat to the great training grounds of ASCI (Adventure Sport Center International) this area has rivers and training facilities for every type paddler and should embrace the tourism or other areas such as central West Virginia or western North Carolina will claim those dollars.
I understand the frustration of the few bad apples who cause problems in town and have personally called out several on occasion. Undressing in a small town is simply unacceptable, especially when Wilderness Voyagers allows free use of their changing rooms at the take-out. In addition, trespassing and not respecting the locals’ property is just plain stupid. Again, these actions are taken by a very small minority.
When you look at the demographics of those kayaking the Upper Yough, it becomes very clear that this is an older, more experienced crowd than you will find on many other rivers. With older paddlers comes, in most instances, higher income and the ability to have a greater positive impact on the local economy. Many of these boaters also bring their families and rent, or buy, local cabins in the Deep Creek area so the kids can play while Mom and Dad do as well.
Focusing in on the economic impact of the rafting companies, Vernon Sines states that local businesses do not see an economic impact and that outfitters do not buy from local stores. This is simply not true. Does he think that the rafting companies (Roger at Precision Rafting for instance … himself a local resident) go out of their way to buy all of their supplies from far away locations? No, they buy groceries where he buys his groceries.
I do agree, however, that Garrett County should split the $20,000 amusement tax with Friendsville at the very least. The only negative impact the boating has on Garrett County would be an increase in road use from the put-in to the take-out.
The boater put-in is entirely funded and maintained by American Whitewater and is in no way affiliated with or funded by Garrett County. Friendsville, on the other hand, has to absorb all of the cars, traffic and hassle with the only impact being their smaller amount paid — it must be pointed out — on a voluntary basis from the outfitters (rafting companies).
Therefore, the real focus for Friendsville should be on obtaining a large portion, if not all, of the Garrett County amusement tax instead of looking the gift horse of whitewater recreation in the mouth. The Yough corridor is a treasure for fishermen, boaters, hikers (the train leading up the river from Friendsville would be an awesome rails to trails project!), and hunters.
Let’s all work together to make Friendsville not only a great place to live for the full-time residents, but also a world renowned place to visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
Mark Hoyle
Oakland and
Winchester, Va.
