The Garrett County Diversity and Inclusion Committee’s next meeting is Wednesday January 31, 2024 – from 3 PM until 4:30 PM at Garrett College in the Offutt STEM Building in Room 211
GC Diversity and Inclusion Committee Meeting Announced
Legal Battle Over Swallow Falls Bridge Replacement Plan Continues as Judge Denies DNR’s Motion
A recent ruling by Garrett County Circuit Court visiting Judge W. Timothy Finan has allowed opponents of the Swallow Falls bridge replacement plan to proceed with their case against the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). On Monday, Judge Finan denied DNR’s motion to dismiss a petition that challenges an exception granted by DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz related to the state-protected Youghiogheny River corridor.
The petition, filed in September by Steve Storck, who owns property in the Wild Yough scenic corridor, the Old Growth Forest Network, and Yough Farms LLC, seeks to remove the exception granted by DNR that would permit Garrett County to construct a new bridge on an offset alignment of the existing Swallow Falls span.
Attorney J. Dirk Schwenk of Baylaw, LLC, representing the petitioners, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision. He stated, “(Finan’s) order means that the court recognizes that these petitioners have standing to challenge the DNR’s decision, and that the court has the power to review it.”
Schwenk emphasized that these early decisions are crucial, as they provide an opportunity for the petitioners to present their case against the exception granted by DNR. The objections raised by the petitioners include concerns about the environmental impact of the offset alignment, which would involve significant clearing, grading, and the loss of trees and habitat along the Youghiogheny River.
The designated wild area between Millers Run and the southern corporate limits of Friendsville is subject to a management plan and regulations governing its use and development. The petition argues against activities such as damming, dredging, filling, channelization, or other alterations of the river or its banks, except those involving the repair of existing bridges.
In October, Garrett County joined DNR in seeking the dismissal of the petition, claiming it failed to state a claim under which relief could be granted. The motion argued that the Scenic and Wild Rivers Act does not provide for judicial review, DNR’s decision is not quasi-judicial, and the petitioners lack standing for administrative mandamus claims.
However, Judge Finan’s recent decision to deny DNR’s motion indicates that the court believes the petitioners have a valid case to challenge DNR’s decision. Storck, in response to the court decision, attributed it to the presentation of a strong case by Schwenk and criticized DNR for defending what he called “the indefensible.”
DNR Media Relations Manager Gregg Bortz responded to the ruling by stating that the department appreciates the court’s time and will evaluate its options but is prepared to present its case at the upcoming hearing. Judge Finan is scheduled to preside over the issue on April 2 and 3, marking the continuation of the legal battle over the Swallow Falls bridge replacement plan.
VAN HOLLEN, CARDIN, TRONE ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $100,000 FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ACROSS WESTERN MARYLAND
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $112,900 in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant funding for community development projects across Western Maryland. The federal funding, provided by the USDA Rural Development Community Facilities grant program, will be used to support a number of projects in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington Counties that will enhance quality of life for residents of communities in the region.
“From supporting our local firefighters to improving public services, it’s critical that we’re investing in our local communities. These federal dollars will strengthen essential local government services and help improve quality of life for residents across Western Maryland,” said the lawmakers.
The federal funding awards are as follows:
- $23,200 to the Orleans Volunteer Fire Company in Allegany County to purchase new equipment to replace outdated systems and keep up with upgrade for today’s safety standards. Specifically, the new equipment includes an automatic chest compression system, a positive-pressure ventilation fan used to push smoke from a structure, and three new hose nozzles.
- $31,100 to the Town of Emmitsburg in Frederick County to replace existing parking meters with new dual-payment meters that accept both coin and credit card payments for Main Street which would modernize the town’s street parking and fee collection capabilities.
- $50,000 to the Town of Grantsville in Garrett County to purchase a dump truck and plow equipment for hauling and snow removal efforts.
- $8,600 to the Interfaith Service Coalition of Hancock, Md. Inc. in Washington County to purchase equipment for Martha’s Emergency Shelter that will enhance the shelter’s ability to respond to emergencies in their service area.
Friends of Maryland State Parks Provides Funds for Projects Through ‘Small Grants, Big Impact!’
An innovative approach to litter prevention at Janes Island State Park is among the Maryland Park Service initiatives funded by ‘Small Grants, Big Impact!’ Photo by Anthony Burrows, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The Friends of Maryland State Parks recently awarded 24 grants totaling $41,798 to Maryland State Parks statewide through the advocacy organization’s program, “Small Grants, Big Impact!”
These funds will enable staff to collaborate with community partners to provide information on Maryland’s cultural history, replace unsafe bridges and puncheons, provide water safety resources, and promote recycling and stewardship on our public lands.
“Our park rangers and staff are getting more creative every year, submitting projects that provide an additional benefit for park visitors,” said Chuck Hecker, board president of Friends of Maryland State Parks. “We have funded seventy-three projects since the ‘Small Grants, Big Impact’ program started four years ago, for a total of $113,334.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION Friends of Maryland State Parks Provides Funds for Projects Through ‘Small Grants, Big Impact!’ – Southern Maryland News Net | Southern Maryland News Net (smnewsnet.com)
Date set for Deep Creek dredging project
Dredging is expected to begin in the entrance channel Feb. 15 and start making way to the harbor. The work is set to be completed by mid-June.
Norfolk District awarded the contract in the amount of $4.28 million to Hampton Roads Leasing, Inc., also known as W3 Marine, which is the local company that performed the dredging maintenance in this channel the last two times it occurred in 2003 and 1996.
“Receiving the necessary funding to restore navigation to the Deep Creek federal navigation channel is a direct result of a strong partnership and close collaboration with the City of Newport News,” said Keith Lockwood, Norfolk District’s Chief of Water Resources Division.
The Deep Creek channel is a federal shallow draft navigation project that supports commercial and recreational activity to and from the Deep Creek Harbor from the James River. The entrance of the Deep Creek Navigation Channel begins in the James River and continues upstream into the Deep Creek tributary in Newport News.
This project consists of an entrance channel authorized to 8 feet deep and 100 feet wide, extending from the James River for approximately 9,000 feet to the harbor; and a harbor 8 feet deep, 400-740 feet wide and 1,940 feet long, totaling about 20 acres in area.
Approximately 130,000 cubic yards of dredged material is expected to be removed and deposited to the Craney Island Dredged Material Management Area (CIDMMA) located in Portsmouth, VA.
Record-Breaking Turnout: Over 4,000 Nature Enthusiasts Embark on Maryland’s ‘First-Day Hikes
In a remarkable display of enthusiasm for the outdoors, more than 4,000 individuals kicked off the New Year by participating in Maryland’s ‘First-Day Hikes.’ The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported a total of 4,248 people, covering an impressive 10,691 miles across 40 different state parks during the New Year’s weekend from December 31, 2023, to January 1, 2024.
Park rangers played a pivotal role in orchestrating the success of the event by leading 47 scheduled hikes and additional self-guided opportunities on state public lands. The diverse range of activities attracted nature lovers from every corner of Maryland and beyond, turning First Day Hikes into a cherished tradition.
Reflecting the unique character of Maryland, the weather during the event showcased its unpredictable nature. Some regions experienced a sunny New Year’s Day morning with occasional showers in the afternoon and evening, while others welcomed the new year with a picturesque snow-covered landscape.
Ranger-led programs engaged 3,153 visitors who collectively covered approximately 7,961 miles, while 1,095 participants explored self-guided hikes spanning at least 2,730 miles. A Maryland Park Service online survey encouraged hikers to self-report, revealing that 154 individuals covered more than 77 miles in the state’s parks.
Several exciting events added a unique touch to this year’s First Day Hikes. Tuckahoe State Park hosted a First Day Horse Ride in collaboration with the Tuckahoe Equestrian Center, drawing 50 riders. Gunpowder Falls State Park featured a First Day Bike Ride on the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail, attended by cyclists who were first-time visitors despite rainy conditions. Smallwood State Park welcomed a furry friend—an adventurous cat in a backpack—joining hikers new to the area.
This year’s participation marked a significant increase over the previous year, with over 4,000 individuals compared to approximately 4,900 participants in the three-day period from December 31, 2022, through January 2, 2023. The growing success of First Day Hikes reflects a deepening connection between the community and Maryland’s stunning natural spaces.
Maryland’s ‘First-Day Hikes’ have evolved into a magnificent tradition, symbolizing the collective embrace of the great outdoors as a way to commence the new year. With each passing year, the event continues to flourish, fostering a sense of community and appreciation for the state’s breathtaking landscapes. As the numbers grow, so does the shared joy of exploring Maryland’s natural wonders, making First Day Hikes a tradition worth celebrating.
Arrowhead Cove Sediment Removal Completed
The sediment removal component of the Arrowhead Cove pilot dredging project has been completed. This project removed the accumulated sediment from the lakebed to revitalize the waterbody, provide greater boater access, and preserve the cove’s ecological integrity.
As of January 5, 2024, the contractor Byco Enterprises, Inc, had removed an estimated 11,000 cubic yards of accumulated sediment from the cove. The 11,000 cubic yards of sediment removal was the goal of the contract with Byco and Byco tracked the amount of sediment removed on a daily basis. The overall volume removed is being verified using drone surveys performed by Maryland Environmental Services.
Also of note, the small cofferdam diverting Arrowhead Run, the stream feeding Arrowhead Cove, around the larger main cofferdam was removed on Friday, January 5; this allowed Arrowhead Cove to refill over the weekend. The larger cofferdam was removed Monday and Tuesday of this week.
Byco will now work on stabilizing and reclaiming the staging area on the shores of the cove. Once that area is stabilized, Byco will continue to monitor the area until the spring.
Lastly, trees will be planted and the area will be reseeded once the weather warms. Garrett County Government is working with Maryland Department of Natural Resources to implement Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) planting in late spring.
Garrett County Government, the State of Maryland, property owners, and stakeholders will now begin to evaluate the pros and cons of dredging within Deep Creek Lake. This will inform whether dredging other sediment-impacted coves is a viable and cost-effective strategy.
The State of Maryland provided all the funding for the pilot project thanks in part to the efforts of former Senator George Edwards and Delegate Wendell Beitzel.
For more information about the dredging project at Arrowhead Cove, including project updates and community engagement opportunities, please visit ArrowheadCove.GarrettCounty.org.
Please contact Bruce Michael, Garrett County Watershed Coordinator, at bmichael@garrettcounty.org or 410-570-4554 with any project related questions.
Commissioners Appoint Sadie Liller to Elected Board of Education
Pursuant to the Maryland Education Code, the Board of Garrett County Commissioners “shall appoint a qualified individual to fill any vacancy in an elected member’s position on the [elected Board of Education] for the remainder of the term and until a successor is elected and qualifies”.
Following the resignation of Cody Brill in November, The Board of Garrett County Commissioners have appointed Sadie Liller to serve as a board member of the Garrett County Board of Education. Ms. Liller will complete the unexpired term of office for previous elected position of Dr. Matthew Paugh through November 2026.
Garrett County Commissioner Larry Tichnell expressed strong confidence in Liller’s ability to offer excellent leadership to the students, faculty, and administration of the Garrett County Public School System. Tichnell also noted Liller’s drug prevention education experience of over 22 years.
“Sadie’s background is a great match for the Board of Education,” said Commissioner Tichnell.
Ms. Liller currently serves as the Coordinator of Special Programs at the Garrett County Health Department and holds a position as a Parenting Instructor at Garrett College. Motivated by a desire to apply her drug prevention background, Sadie aims to evaluate existing policies for staff and students.
Liller will attend the Garrett County Board of Education’s next scheduled Public Meeting on January 9, 2024.
25th Annual Deep Creek Dunk
Take the Plunge: Join the 25th Annual MSP/NRP Deep Creek Dunk for a Chilling Cause
Mark your calendars for February 24, 2024, as the 25th Annual MSP/NRP Deep Creek Dunk invites you to embark on an exhilarating adventure for a cause that warms the heart. Plunge into the frozen depths of Deep Creek Lake and make a splash to benefit the 15,588 athletes and Unified® teammates of Special Olympics Maryland!
Packet Pick-Up & Pre-Registration
Friday, February 23, 2024 • 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Head to the registration tent in the Honi Honi parking lot on Friday evening to kickstart your Dunk experience. Sign your waiver, grab your official Dunk sweatshirt and dunk zone wristband to skip the lines on Saturday. Ensure you’ve met the minimum fundraising amount ($75.00) to receive your gear. Cash, checks, and credit cards will be accepted. Don’t forget to bring any remaining donations for entry to your Plunge page. Afterward, indulge in an evening of Goosebumps, Grapes, and Growlers.
Goosebumps, Grapes & Growlers
Friday, February 23, 2024 • 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Entry Fee: $20 Donation to Special Olympics Maryland
Start the Dunk weekend with a flourish at this wine and beer-tasting event. A $20 donation to Special Olympics Maryland grants you access to a delightful evening. Be captivated by the Honi Honi House Band at 8:00 PM, featuring a rotating ensemble of talented local artists and musicians.
Dunk Day
Saturday, February 24, 2024 • 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM 19741 Garrett Hwy, Oakland, MD 21550
As Saturday unfolds, the Dunk festivities begin at 11:00 AM with registration in the UNO Pizzeria and Grill parking lot. Arrive early to beat the rush, allowing more time to relish the fantastic music and excitement that the Dunk has in store. If you want to save time, bring your printed waiver, which you can find on the event’s official website.
DUNK!
Experience the thrill of the Dunk as participants take the plunge in waves of 30-40 at a time. The official Dunk kicks off at 2:00 PM, continuing until everyone present has taken the plunge. Remember, BYOB and coolers are strictly prohibited.
COSTUME CONTEST
Don’t miss the chance to showcase your creativity! Tune in to the Emcee at the main stage for announcements on when the Costume Contest begins and when the winners will be revealed.
PARKING
Parking is free at Garrett 8 Cinemas, conveniently located across the street from UNO Pizzeria and Grill and the Honi Honi Bar. However, due to limited spots, consider carpooling with friends and fellow Dunk enthusiasts to ensure everyone has a spot.
Join the 25th Annual MSP/NRP Deep Creek Dunk for a day of icy thrills, heartwarming moments, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of Special Olympics Maryland athletes and Unified® teammates. Be part of this iconic event that blends courage, camaraderie, and a bit of winter madness for an unforgettable cause.
Deep Creek Featured In 10 Best Places To Visit In Maryland State This Winter
Muddy Creek Falls in Swallow Falls State Park
Muddy Creek Falls, situated within the stunning Swallow Falls State Park in Maryland, is a breathtaking natural wonder that captivates visitors year-round. Cascading from a height of 53 feet, it is the tallest free-falling waterfall in the state. During winter, this natural spectacle takes on a unique charm as the freezing temperatures often transform the falls and its surroundings into a sparkling ice-covered wonderland.
Skiing at Wisp Resort
Wintertime means winter sports. And Wisp Resort is one of the best options to enjoy them. It features 34 stunning slopes and trails for skiing and snowboarding. They are connected with 7 lifts and are suitable for both beginners and experts.
If you’re traveling with your family or friends, not every member of the party might be into skiing. But you can be sure that at Wisp Resort, nobody comes out short. There is also snow tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating, a unique self-powered mountain coaster, as well as plenty of dining options. for full article 10 Best Places To Visit In Maryland State This Winter (travelinglifestyle.net)
