Tag: mountain maryland
Brookfield to Lower Deep Creek Lake Water Levels
Brookfield Renewable U.S., as a cooperating and valued partner in the Arrowhead Cove dredging project, will begin lowering the water levels of Deep Creek Lake. The water will be released beginning later this week with a goal of reaching an elevation of 2456.5’ by November 17.
“Note this lake level is lower than the typical level but will not impact remaining activities in Deep Creek Lake,” said Watershed Coordinator Bruce Michael.
The water level of 2456.5’ is still within the permit requirements of the upper (2458’) and lower (2455’) rule band limits at the end of November. The water levels will be at this elevation until no later than December 15 when Brookfield will more than likely raise the water levels to the upper rule band of 2458’.
As previously announced, Arrowhead Cove, at Deep Creek Lake, is selected as a priority area for a pilot dredging project to remove accumulated sediment from the lakebed.
Site preparation is underway, and the public is likely seeing activity around the Arrowhead Cove area.
Brookfield Renewable U.S. has a permit to release water from Deep Creek Lake through the hydroelectric dam. Lowering the lake level at this time will help facilitate the dewatering of Arrowhead Cove and the installation of the cofferdam.
Byco Enterprises, Inc., the contractor, anticipates cofferdam installation will begin the week of November 20. Complete dewatering of Arrowhead Cove will take place through the last week of November.
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 for questions or more information.
Here are 5 wintertime adventures for the entire family in Maryland and beyond
During the most wonderful time of the year, winter jaunts are growing in popularity. Families, friends and solo travelers alike, are packing their bags and jingling all the way to merry locales for the holidays.
“Destinations across the Mid-Atlantic have experienced a travel trend over the last 20 years that has seen the industry grow during both the holiday and winter travel seasons,” said Morgan Christopher, board chair of the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance, which encompasses Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, and Washington, D.C.
“December through March are no longer the months when we hunker down and bundle up,” he said. “Travel has become a traditional part of the celebration.”
Think of winter travel as a holiday present waiting to be unwrapped. In Maryland and its nearby neighbors, consider charming small towns, an amusement park stay or even a wintry beach vacation. We’ve made a list of places — and like Santa, checked it twice.
Deep Creek Lake
Garrett County, Maryland
For holiday adventures in the great outdoors, head to Western Maryland’s picturesque Garrett County. Its scenic tableau of mountains, lakes and rivers, and waterfalls, feel like a gift from Mother Nature.
Winter here brings horse-drawn sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. At Deep Creek Lake, a 3,900-acre human-made marvel, there’s ice fishing and the gigantic 1,800-acre Deep Creek Lake State Park. Its year-round complex offers 20 miles of trails worthy of a holiday hike.
“Swallow Falls State Park is also beautiful in the winter,” said Sarah Duck, vice president of tourism and marketing for the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. Muddy Creek Falls, the state’s tallest free-falling waterfall, is worth seeing whether “it’s frozen or just surrounded by snow.”
The county will host a flurry of regional holiday celebrations, among them, “A Great Small Town Christmas” in downtown Oakland on Dec. 1-2, with a tree lighting ceremony, music, and a stopover by Old St. Nick.
That same weekend at Spruce Forest Artisan Village in Grantsville, meet artisans in their log-cabin studios as they create: bird carving, basket making, hand-loom weaving, hand-thrown pottery, stained glass art, and hand-forged iron. The village’s historic museums will be open, and there will be fun activities for children during the free event.
For holiday lodging, consider the WISP Resort which offers everything from skiing and snowboarding to a Mountain Coaster with glorious views.
for more information visit Travel for the holidays: Here are 5 wintertime adventures for the entire family in Maryland and beyond (baltimoresun.com)
November Maryland Fishing Report
Trout anglers continue to enjoy good fishing in many put and take trout management waters this week and some of the catch-and-release designated waters. The trout will spread out as time goes by, so anglers can benefit from exploring areas away from the sites that were stocked this month. Using small lures in the form of spoons, spinners, and flies is a great way to cover a lot of water when looking for that trout that has found a spot to its liking.
Trout stocking is expected to resume around New Year’s. “Pre-season” stocking will be announced and more information can be found on the trout stocking website.
Anglers are enjoying good fishing for a mix of species at Deep Creek Lake this week. Cooler water temperatures have spurred smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, and northern pike to feed more aggressively. Fishing for smallmouth bass on the upper Potomac is also good due to cooler water temperatures.
Largemouth bass are perhaps one of the most popular freshwater fish pursued by anglers and fishing for them this week is providing excellent opportunities. Cooler water temperatures and less hot sun has the largemouth bass out roaming and feeding throughout most of the day. A wide variety of lures can be used but lures that imitate crayfish and small baitfish will top the list. Small crankbaits, lipless crankbaits, craw jigs, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, and jerkbaits are all good choices when covering open water or near diminishing grass beds. Wacky rigged stick worms are always a good choice when fishing near structure.
Northern snakeheads are seeing their coveted thick grass beds decline and can now often be found near shoreline brush or treetops that have fallen into the water. Sunny shorelines where the water will be slightly warmer is a good place to target. White paddletails and chatterbaits rigged with soft white plastics are two of the best lures to use. If you’re fishing from a boat and casting to shoreline structure, dead sticking a large minnow under a bobber in open waters can reap rewards.
for full report Maryland Fishing Report – November 1
Maryland Hunter’s Giant Black Bear Confirmed as New State Record
A Maryland woman shot a 643-pound black bear on the opening day of the state’s short bear hunting season, and officials at Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) say it is the heaviest hunter-harvested bear on record.
The hunter, identified only by her first name, Melissa, shot the bear on October 23 near her home in Garrett County, according to an MDNR tweet posted October 25. “This Garrett Co. male bear is the largest bear ever harvested during Maryland black bear season and is a new state record,” MDNR reported. The previous record was a 615-pound Garrett County bear tagged in 2007.
for more information Maryland Hunter’s Massive Black Bear Breaks State Record | Field & Stream (fieldandstream.com)
County Commissioners Announce Public Meeting Agenda
PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA
Monday, November 6, 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
- Appointment – Garrett County Soil Conservation District Board – 1 Member
- Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc. – Request for Fiscal Year 2024 County Property Tax Abatement
- 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 Governor’s Appointment – Samuel Grant, Director, Garrett County Department of Emergency
Management
4:10 Garrett County Department of Financial Services – Purchasing Division
- #23-1005 – Fire Prevention System Services
- #23–1005W – Winter Abrasives and Road Salt
4:15 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, November 21, 2023 at the Garrett County Courthouse beginning at 4:00 PM.
Halloween Trick or Treat events
Tuesday, Oct. 31: Town of Oakland Trick or Treat — 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 31: Town of Mountain Lake Park Trick or Treat — 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 31: Town of Grantsville Trick or Treat — 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 31: Eastern Star #67 Trunk or Treat — 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 31: Downtown Trick-or-Treat with Garrett County Community Action — 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 31: Town of Accident Trick or Treat — 6pm
Garrett County woman hunts record 643 pound black bear
Black bear hunting is underway in Maryland.
The 20th annual season began Monday with a record breaker.
Melissa, of Garrett County, shot a 643 pound male bear, which is the largest on record in the state’s history.
A hunter named Justus from Frederick County snagged the first bear this year, a 197 pounder.
In total 24 bears were killed during the first day — 19 of which were reported in Garrett County.
Allegany and Frederick Counties each had two, with one in Washington County.
The season lasts six days, ending October 28.
Last year 103 bears were killed, the heaviest weighing in at 427 pounds.
Maryland black bear activity increases throughout fall
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds residents that black bears are beginning a period of increased feeding activity in preparation for winter hibernation. As the leaves change and the weather cools, bears become more active as they search for food.
During this time, bears will travel across roads more frequently. They also can become more attracted to human-provided food sources and lose their natural fear of people, which can be dangerous for both people and bears.
Residents and visitors should note that keeping bird feeders, pet food and trash in a place where bears can’t get to them is the best way to avoid problems. Marylanders should also delay filling songbird feeders until the winter months to avoid attracting bears.
for more information Maryland black bear activity increases throughout fall | Garrett News | wvnews.com
Fall Foliage October 12th
Western Maryland
Melissa Nash, Forester in Garrett and Allegany counties, reports, “I think we are still on track to peak at the end of this week, but I don’t think it’s going to result in dramatic color this year. We are still seeing more yellow and gold tones as opposed to vibrant oranges and reds. I do anticipate the cool temperatures (lows in the 30s/40s) will help transition some of the trees that are still green.”
A burst of amber fills the sky in Eastern Garrett County’s Finzel area. Photo by Melissa Nash.
Recent wind and rain results in a carpet of fall leaves on the forest floor in eastern Garrett County. Photo by Melissa Nash.
Sean Nolan, Forest Manager, at Savage River State Forest sees progress among the leaves in Northern Garrett County. “We’ve seen quite a change this week,” Nolan said. “The higher elevation areas are nearing peak, but recent rain and wind have brought many leaves down. The sugar and red maples are showing good colors, but the oaks are still very green.”
Gorgeous shades of orange and gold line the Bowman Hill and Keyser’s Ridge areas of Savage River State Forest. Photo by Wyatt Orner, Natural Resources Technician.
“The recent cold temperatures along with the rainy and windy conditions have coaxed a substantial number of leaves from the canopy, especially among red maples and sugar maples, with some trees already devoid of foliage. The black birch, sassafras, and black gum are displaying a wide spectrum of colors on Piney Mountain,” reports Scott Campbell, Forest Manager at Potomac-Garrett State Forest.
The fall transition is moving a little more slowly in Frederick where Bob Study, Park Ranger Supervisor, is seeing “mostly green with hints of gold and crimson just starting to peek through the treetops” at Fort Frederick State Park.
for full report Fall Foliage Report – October 12, 2023 (maryland.gov)
Civic Club announces 49th Antique & Makers Market Civic Club Café and Bake Sale
The Civic Club is proud to announce its 49th Antique & Makers Market, an annual event that has become a cherished tradition during the Autumn Glory Festival. This unique market offers a delightful blend of antique treasures and handmade creations, making it a standout in the festival’s lineup of attractions. Not only does the market provide visitors with an opportunity to discover exceptional items, but it also serves as a vital fundraiser for local nonprofit organizations. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes this event so special and how it positively impacts the community.
A History of Giving Back
For nearly half a century, the Civic Club has been hosting the Antique & Makers Market as a means to support local nonprofit organizations. Jean Tumbarello, the event chair and Club treasurer, expresses the significance of this event, saying, “Every person who comes to the Market is helping to make a difference in the lives of so many people.” While craft shows abound during the Autumn Glory weekend, this market stands out by offering items that boast a history as rich as the Civic Club itself.
The Antique & Makers Market features an impressive array of offerings, including antique and vintage items, as well as crafts from skilled artisans. Visitors can browse through booths showcasing blacksmithing, quilting, basket making, knitting, furniture crafting, and much more. It’s a testament to the diverse talents present within the community.
Beyond the fascinating market, the Civic Club Café provides a culinary experience that is equally memorable. Visitors can savor homemade soups, chili, sloppy joes, and an array of baked goods. What sets this café apart is not just its delicious offerings but also its commitment to community support. Every purchase made at the café contributes to the betterment of the community.
This year, the Civic Club Café introduces Chicken Matzo Ball soup due to popular demand. Additionally, a limited number of quarts of soup will be available. For those with dietary preferences and restrictions, there will be gluten-free and vegetarian options, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a satisfying meal.
Mary Alice Simpson, Café Coordinator, emphasizes the importance of teamwork, noting that club members, their husbands, and even visiting family members come together to volunteer their time to make the event a success. It’s a testament to the strong sense of community spirit that permeates the Civic Club.
A highlight of the market is the ‘Winners Choice’ raffle, now in its second year. Raffle ticket holders will have the chance to choose between a $500 cash prize, a basket filled with gift cards and items donated by local businesses, or a beautifully crafted full/queen size quilt. The quilt, known as “Chandelier,” is made from donated fabric scraps and has garnered considerable attention and admiration.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Sponsors
The Civic Club extends its gratitude to the generous sponsors who make this event possible. Their support allows the club to donate a significant portion of the proceeds back to the community. Platinum sponsors include Green Acres Garden Center and Garrett Regional Medical Center, followed by Gold sponsors Land Design LLC and Don Nemith Builders. Silver sponsors are Gary Ruddell & Total Biz Fulfillment and Boal and Associates, while Bronze sponsors include A New Way of Life Coaching, First United Bank, Karen Lauer & Frank Shap. The club also acknowledges its Friends, including Busy Bee Flea Market, Garrett Automotive, and Dave Jochynek of State Farm Insurance. In addition to these sponsors, the club received a mini grant from the Maryland Heritage Area and Western Maryland Gateway to the West for marketing expenses, allowing them to reach a broader audience and enhance their marketing efforts.
Event Details
The Antique & Makers Market will take place on Friday, October 13, and Saturday, October 14, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Oakland Community Center, located at 14 N 8th Street in Oakland. Admission is a $2 donation for individuals aged 12 and above, which covers both days of the event.
The Civic Club’s 49th Antique & Makers Market is a testament to the power of community, history, and giving back. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to discover treasures and support local nonprofit organizations while enjoying a delightful culinary experience. The club’s dedication to making a positive impact on the community and the support of generous sponsors ensures that this event remains a cherished tradition during the Autumn Glory Festival. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this heartwarming celebration of history and community. For more information, visit the Civic Club website at www.civicclubofoaklandmd.com or email gfwc.oakland@yahoo.com.
