Tag: maryland
Maryland Fishing Report – Winter Preview 2023-24
The pre-season trout stocking program is now underway until late March 2024, when the spring trout stocking program will commence. Anglers are encouraged to check out the trout stocking website to see where they are taking place.
Trout fishing in the put-and-take areas is a wonderful way to introduce anglers of all ages to fishing with some success. During the winter many marginal trout waters in community areas provide cool enough water conditions for stocked trout to survive until the early summer. These sites can usually be reached by most Maryland without too much driving and they are relatively easy to fish. A simple bobber, hook, and bait – either an earthworm or artificial such as a Powerbait – is all that is needed within easy casting distance. There are also some trout management waters that are set aside for our young anglers under the age of 16.
The catch-and-release and gear-specific trout management waters offer plenty of fun for those using fly fishing gear or using artificials. Many of these trout management waters are located in the western region of Maryland, offering solitude and a picturesque setting of mountain streams. In the central region there are a few similar trout management waters, with the upper Gunpowder being one of the more popular locations.
The upper Potomac River is providing good fishing for smallmouth bass and walleye for the coming months. Water levels can change and cause hazardous conditions at times so caution should be taken after heavy rainfall. U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets must be always worn when on the upper Potomac and its tributaries from November 15 to May 15. Deep Creek Lake and the lower Susquehanna River also have populations of smallmouth bass and walleye and Prettyboy Reservoir has a healthy smallmouth bass population.
Fishing for crappie remains good during the winter, and they can be found holding close to deep structure. Bridge piers and marina docks are good places to look for them in tidal and nontidal waters. The tidal Potomac River near the Wilson Bridge is a popular crappie fishing area.
Anglers fishing in the tidal creeks of the Chesapeake are starting to catch yellow perch in some of the deeper areas. Small minnows on a bottom rig or jig head are great ways to catch them.
Largemouth bass can be found during the winter in a variety of waters, tidal and nontidal. One thing they will all have in common is deep water. The largemouth will be holding deep near channel drop-offs and structure. Blade lures and soft craw jigs are good choices for lures, but they must be worked slowly and close to the bottom.
Advisory board talks protections for Youghiogheny River
Garrett County and Maryland officials are “totally ignoring” regulations crafted to protect the state’s only Wild-designated river, Donald Sebold said.
Sebold is chairman of the Youghiogheny Scenic and Wild River Advisory Board, which met Monday to discuss issues, including the Swallow Falls Road bridge project.
The board wants to be notified before any actions are taken that could impact the Scenic and Wild Yough corridor.
Recently, the board members and many other folks were surprised after the Maryland Department of Natural Resources approved installation of monitoring equipment in the corridor by the United States Geological Survey at the request of Deep Creek Watershed Foundation.
“DNR has failed to be open and transparent with this whole decision making process with the public and this board,” former state Scenic and Wild Rivers Coordinator John Wilson said.
He spent roughly a third of his career working on the Yough.
“The Yough is a special place and is irreplaceable,” Wilson said. “It’s the only Wild river designated in the state.”
DNR’s approval of an exception to the river’s protections that will allow for a new bridge and road to be constructed near the Swallow Falls Road bridge contradicted the board’s recommendation for the bridge project to use the smallest footprint possible, he said.
“DNR resources professionals clearly indicated that it will impact the river and the adjoining corridor particularly by clearing two acres of virgin hemlock forest,” he said of recommendations the department’s staff made about the bridge project.
“DNR resources staff recommended using the existing right-of-way was did this board but departmental leadership chose for some reason to grant the exception anyway,” Wilson said.
Wilson said he is perplexed at why DNR as stewards of the “spectacular natural resource” appear to be ignoring “all of the protection measures that we worked so hard to put in place.”
DNR leadership is not interested in following regulations and protecting the Yough, he said.
“It almost feels like the foxes are guarding the hen house,” Wilson said.
Sebold also addressed the proposed project to add a new bridge rather than use the existing Swallow Falls Bridge alignment.
“The best reforestation I know of is don’t do it,” he said of cutting trees for the project.
“I feel like the (river’s) management plan was put into effect to actually save the river from property owners who were in the process of developing,” Sebold said. “Now, it looks like we’ve got to be aware and concerned about the state and the county. They want to develop this area to bring in money.”
Paul Peditto, DNR’s assistant secretary for land resources, said he couldn’t provide details on why the department didn’t follow the advisory board’s recommendation.
“I would love to dig deep into this,” he said. “Regrettably we are in active litigation.”
That referred to a petition that in September asked Garrett County Circuit Court to review DNR’s decision on the bridge project exception.
“As we’ve been advised by the Office of Attorney General … we can’t adjudicate that here,” Peditto said.
“That’s what happens when you sue us, you kind of put us in a box to talk about it,” he said.
“We most certainly considered the input from the advisory board,” Peditto said and added there were many decades without input from the advisory board. “We struck a balance. We had very, very strong input from the county as to the necessity of creating the exception.”
He also told the board members to consider that while DNR issued the county an exception that would allow for an off-site span, the new bridge isn’t built yet.
“If the county were to come back and say ‘we’re OK with closing this bridge’ … then our exception letter is no longer necessary,” Peditto said.
“We’re waiting on a new design plan,” he said. “When we get to the 60% design phase, we will have a substantially better understanding of what will happen.”
Regarding the USGS equipment in the Yough corridor, Peditto said DNR has multiple gauging stations on waters across the state.
“We did not ignore or intentionally avoid giving you a heads up about a gauging station” in the Yough corridor, he said, and added the project came to DNR from Garrett County officials, the Deep Creek Lake Property Owners Association and Deep Creek Watershed Foundation.
Peditto also talked of an OAG memo that suggests the Yough advisory board was formed to develop regulations for the river.
“I think it’s a question for you all going forward as to whether the collective legal entities see the role as continuing,” he said.
Peditto said he will engage with the advisory board moving forward.
Steve Storck is a petitioner in the litigation Peditto mentioned.
Storck said DNR is supposed to consult the advisory board about potential activities in the Yough corridor.
“It’s in the management plan that you’re supposed to come to this board to discuss these types of things,” he said.
“It is your management plan,” he told Peditto.
Storck also said the Deep Creek POA, Watershed Foundation and USGS should not have been allowed to request the gauge project.
“They should not have been eligible … according to the Attorney General and secretary of DNR last year,” he said.
Storck talked of folks who own property in the Yough corridor.
“Landowners do not know what their responsibility is related to the corridor,” he said. “It would be great if you could educate landowners.”
The advisory board plans to meet again 9 a.m. Jan. 25 to discuss issues including administrative rules, mapping updates from DNR and orientation materials.
for more information Advisory board talks protections for Youghiogheny River | Local News | times-news.com
Best places for kayaking or canoeing in Maryland?
Deep Creek lake was recently featured in Energy Portals most recent review of the best places for kayaking and canoeing in Maryland.
Maryland, with its diverse waterways, offers a plethora of fantastic locations for kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts. From serene rivers and tranquil lakes to picturesque coastal areas, the state provides ample opportunities for paddlers of all skill levels. This article explores some of the best places for kayaking or canoeing in Maryland, highlighting their unique features and attractions. Whether you seek a peaceful escape or an adventurous journey, Maryland’s waterways are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Deep Creek Lake, nestled in the western part of Maryland, is the state’s largest freshwater lake. Offering over 3,900 acres of crystal-clear water, this picturesque destination is perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Paddlers can enjoy a peaceful journey while surrounded by the stunning beauty of the surrounding mountains and forests. Deep Creek Lake also provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, and other water-based activities.
Garrett Fire Department to Receive Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant To Enhance Wildland Fire Protection
For 2023, the Maryland Forest Service awarded grant funds totaling $149,325 in match funding for $390,502 in total project costs. Generally the grants cover 50 percent of project cost, with a maximum grant award of $3,500 per department. The grants include federal funding provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.
Wildland firefighting projects and purchases that receive awards include personal protective equipment, fire hoses and related equipment, power tools such as chainsaws or leaf blowers, fire engines and pumping units, utility and all-terrain vehicles, and certain types of training.
The Grant for Garrett is as follows
Bittinger Volunteer Fire Department
$3,500
($7,000) Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Company
$3,443
($6,885)Eastern Garrett Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department
$3,500
($7,300)
Kitzmiller Volunteer Fire Department
$3,083
($6,165.88)
WISP Resort Opening Day
Wisp Resort is set to unveil the season with a lineup of seven exciting trails and a terrain park that includes Squirrel Cage, Sunset Blvd., Happy Camper, Possum, Grouse Way, Boulder Run, and the Central Park Terrain Park.
Join us for the opening weekend, where the winter magic unfolds with the following schedule:
Friday, December 15:
- Skiing and snowboarding: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Snow Tubing: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday:
- Skiing and snowboarding: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Snow Tubing on Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Snow Tubing on Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Excitement builds with our opening weekend rates:
Online Advance Purchase (Friday through Sunday):
- Adults: $89
- Juniors (ages 6-12): $69
(Up to a 16% discount off the window rate)
Ticket Window (Friday through Sunday):
- Adults: $109
- Juniors (ages 6-12): $89
Snow Tubing:
- $45 per person
Secure your spot for an unforgettable winter kickoff by purchasing your tickets online in advance. Don’t miss the chance to save and maximize the thrill of the season!
Recycle Christmas Trees at Garrett County Landfill
The Garrett County Department of Public Works – Solid Waste & Recycling Division would like to invite Garrett County residents to participate in Christmas tree recycling at the Garrett County landfill location during January and February.
Trees will be accepted for recycling during the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, at the landfill location at 3118 Oakland Sang Run Road, Oakland, Maryland.
Christmas tree recycling is available to Garrett County residents free of charge. A residential disposal permit is not required to participate in this program or any other recycling program in Garrett County.
Christmas trees may also be recycled at home by placing cut branches and needles under trees and shrubs as temporary winter mulch — or by chopping them up and adding them to your compost pile.
Please remove all tinsel, garland, and ornaments before recycling Christmas trees at home or the landfill location.
Note, artificial trees are not intended to be recycled.
Remember that a refuse permit is not required to recycle at any of the seven refuse & recycling sites, including the landfill. Additionally, Garrett County businesses are encouraged to recycle at all seven refuse & recycling sites.
Please contact the office at 301-334-7492 or email the Recycling Coordinator, Kimberly Madigan at kmadigan@garrettcounty.org with any questions.
Yough advisory board to discuss Swallow Falls bridge project
The state’s most recent known approval of activity within the protected Wild Youghiogheny River corridor is among topics to be discussed at a public meeting next week.
The Youghiogheny Scenic and Wild River Advisory Board at 9 a.m. Monday will discuss how it can get notice in advance of actions that could harm the environment the group was formed to protect.
The event will be held at the County Commissioners Meeting Room, Frederick A. Thayer, III Courthouse, 203 South Fourth St. in Oakland.
It will also be live-streamed at https://www.facebook.com/garrettcountygovernment/.
The purpose of the meeting is “to discuss the development of a protocol for timely notifications regarding activities and projects within the river corridor to foster communication and collaboration between the Local Youghiogheny River Advisory Board, Garrett County, and the Department of Natural Resources,” a public notice for the event stated.
“This initiative is vital for ensuring that all parties are aligned and that our actions are consistent with the Youghiogheny Scenic and Wild River: Study and Management Plan,” it stated.
“My concern is (for) plans and activities to be presented to the advisory board and discussed before action is taken,” Donald Sebold, chairman of the advisory board, said via email. “This is why the (Youghiogheny River) management plan calls for an advisory board.”
Steve Storck, who owns property in the Wild Yough scenic corridor, said he was pleased to hear the advisory board will meet.
“It is great to hear that the board has decided to take initiative to investigate and discuss recent actions by Maryland DNR in regards to their management of the Wild Youghiogheny,” he said via email. “From what I understand it was always envisioned that this group would be a partner in management of the Yough and their meetings a place to discuss and resolve issues related to its management.”
Bridge
Contributing factors that prompted the advisory board’s upcoming meeting include decisions made by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in the last few months.
DNR in August conditionally approved Garrett County’s application to build a new bridge and road in an offset alignment of the Swallow Falls Road bridge.
Prior to that decision, DNR requested the Youghiogheny River Advisory Board’s recommendation on the issue.
In response, the board said the bridge should follow the same alignment as the existing structure with the road closed for the construction project.
DNR’s subsequent conditional approval contradicted the board’s recommendation.
for more information Yough advisory board to discuss Swallow Falls bridge project | Local News | times-news.com
County Commissioners Public Meeting Agenda Announced
PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Agenda Session Times are Approximate
Meeting will also be Live Streamed at https://www.facebook.com/garrettcountygovernment/
Agenda Session Times are Approximate
The Board of County Commissioners may close a portion of this public meeting and move into Executive Session to comply with a specific constitutional, statutory, or judicial requirement that may prevent public disclosure about a particular proceeding or matter.
*To comment on agenda items – please send to @garrettcounty.org
3:00 Administrative Session
- Board Appointment/Reappointments: Emergency Medical Services – Region I Advisory Council – 3 Members
- Mr. Null will review a number of administrative and managerial matters under his authority and jurisdiction with the Board of County Commissioners
4:00 Call to Order of Public Session, Invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance
County Administrator – Additions/Deletions to Public Meeting Agenda
Approval of Public, Administrative, and Executive Meeting Minutes
4:05 Resolution 2023 – 8: Garrett County Water and Sewer Plan Amendment
4:10 PUBLIC HEARING – Garrett County Department of Community Development, Planning, & Business Development – Planning & Land Development Division
Garrett County Agricultural Land Preservation District Seven (7) Applicants:
Charles Custer – 220.28 acres – Fearer Road
Charles Custer – 57.94 acres – Blue Goose Road
Leonard Custer – 91.88 acres – North Glade Road
Darin Carey – 81.3 acres – National Pike
Ellen Housley & Ann McLister – 226.15 acres – Rock Lodge Road
Kathy Lyons – 77.24 acres – Sam Friend Road
David Greenstein – 91.13 acres – Garrett Highway
4:20 Public Commentary
ADJOURNMENT
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.
The Board of Garrett County Commissioners next scheduled Public Meeting will be Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at the Garrett County Courthouse beginning at 4:00 PM.
Committee formed to celebrate Deep Creek Lake’s 100th anniversary
At a recent meeting of its Board of Directors, the Property Owners’ Association of Deep Creek Lake (POA) formed a committee to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the lake, which will occur in 2025.
The POA invited representatives from a variety of organizations to participate in this committee, and on Nov. 28, the first meeting of the Deep Creek Lake 100th Anniversary Committee was held. Along with the POA, representatives from the following organizations participated in the meeting: Brookfield Renewable, Deep Creek Watershed Foundation, Garrett County Board of Realtors, Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, Garrett County Government, Garrett County Historical Society, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Deep Creek Lake Yacht Club and the Deep Creek Lake Sailing Association (aka the Turkey Neck Yacht Club).
“We had an extremely productive initial meeting with a lot of enthusiasm for this celebration,” said Committee Chair Chris Nichols, “Just getting this many people and organizations engaged really shows the level of interest in this initiative.”
After the initial introductions, the committee discussed a number of potential projects and events, according to Nichols. One of the first projects discussed was the development of informational kiosks at various places with maps, historical information and personal stories of lake memories.
Plans also included the creation of a commemorative coin, publishing a special commemorative book, commissioning a video and creating a dedicated website to store all of the photos, information and stories gathered for the project.
“One theme that committee members kept bringing up was the importance of engaging with county residents, second homeowners and visitors to help us tell the full story of Deep Creek Lake,” Nichols said. “We’ve already identified a number of other groups to reach out to in support of these projects, especially our local schools. One really great idea was to encourage a ‘Foxfire-style’ initiative where students engage with the family members to record stories of what the lake was like ‘back in the day.’”
for more information Committee formed to celebrate Deep Creek Lake’s 100th anniversary | Garrett News | wvnews.com
