Tag: western maryland
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)
25th Annual Deep Creek Dunk Additions
The Maryland State Police/Natural Resources Police will host the 25th Deep Creek Dunk on Saturday, Feb. 24 at Uno’s Pizzeria and Grill on Deep Creek Lake in Western Maryland.
More than 400 participants from across the state will take a dunk into the chilly waters of Deep Creek Lake to raise funds for Special Olympics Maryland (SOMD). All funds will benefit the Special Olympics Maryland — Garrett County athletes and Unified® teammates.
For the first time ever on Thursday, Feb. 22, starting at 2 p.m., the group will host a Community Dunk.
The Community Dunk is presented by the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce and is sponsored by Oak-Mar Motel & 3rd Street Diner and Casselman Creamery. This is specifically geared toward local community engagement. This first of what is planned as an annual event is billed as “a smaller, more intimate affair with a local flair.”
“If you are a local, avoid the crowds of the Saturday Dunk but still support the athletes and Unified® teammates of Special Olympics Maryland — Garrett County,” a spokesperson said. “Register for the Community Dunk at www.CommunityDunk.com.”
Money raised during the Dunk week goes towards the Special Olympics Maryland — Garrett County programming, including participation at the 2023 Bowling State Championships back on Dec. 3 and Garrett County Public Schools hosted the first ever Interscholastic Unified Elementary Bocce County Championships on Dec. 20. For more information New addition announced for 25th year of Deep Creek Dunk | Garrett News | wvnews.com
Deep Creek Lake Lions Club seeks public input on county historical projects
The Deep Creek Lake Lions Club is seeking public input on two new historical interpretive panels to be added to the Meshach Browning History Center at the McHenry Community Park.
The panels were developed to tell the story of women during the settlement era of what would become Garrett County. The effort was kicked off with the commissioning of a new piece of art with a depiction of Meshach Browning’s wife, Mary, created by local artist Annie Simcoe. At the unveiling of the artwork on July 18, the club formed a committee to develop complementary signage and over the next few months the committee developed two new interpretive panels.
The first panel focuses on Mary Browning and the second panel on the life of women in general during her time period. Both of the panels have a quotation from Meshach Browning’s book, accompanying explanatory text, several images and references of other places within the county to further the historical experience. The drafts of the signs can be found at meshach.org/trailhead with separate webpages for “Mary (McMullen) Browning” and “A Woman’s Life” containing images of the proposed panels and text versions for easier reading.
The club is also seeking participation in other enhancements of the Meshach Browning History Center. The club plans to develop similar interpretive material regarding the indigenous peoples in the area and would like to use a community-based process to develop content. The club has acquired the logs of an early 1800s local log cabin, which it intends to rebuild at the history center.
For more information, visit https://deepcreeklions.org/. To provide or express interest in future projects, email DCLLIONS@gmail.com or call 323-325-5466. For more information on the Meshach Browning History Center, visit meshach.org.
$1.3 Million Grant Awarded to Support Garrett Container Systems Growth
Garrett County Community Development is pleased to announce that Garrett Container Systems, a leader in manufactured aluminum containers, has been awarded a grant from the Senator George C. Edwards Fund. This $1.3 million award is substantial financial support that will fuel the company’s local economic growth and the creation of additional jobs in the area.
A HUBZone-certified small business located in Accident, Maryland, Garrett Container Systems (GCS) manufactures aluminum storage and shipping containers, reusable Air Transportable deployment containers, and custom kennels for the military and private businesses.
This grant recognizes Garrett Container Systems’ dedication to excellence, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. These funds will be strategically allocated to the purchase and installation of new equipment that will lead to increased productivity, shorter lead times, and company growth through new product lines and customers.
“On behalf of the team, we want to say that we really appreciate the support that we’ve seen. Since 1991, we have seen the support from the community across every aspect, whether it’s employees, whether it’s financing, or whether it’s support with legislative issues,” said Ken Ward, President of Garrett Container Systems. “This marks a major milestone in our company’s history and we are eager to move forward with your continued support.”
The Senator George C. Edwards Fund was created in the 2022 Legislative Session to catalyze economic development in Western Maryland. The legislation called for the creation of the Senator George C. Edwards Fund and established the Western Maryland Economic Future Investment Board to review, evaluate and rate applications for funding from the program. The legislation also made this program a part of the Tri-County Council of Western Maryland, which staffs the board and administers the fund.
“Given Garrett Container’s commitment to Garrett County, we will do our best to support this business,” said Steve Kelley, Director, Garrett County Community Development. “This award will play a pivotal role in generating and fostering economic expansion to support a sustainable future for GCS in our local community.”
for more information $1.3 Million Grant Awarded to Support Garrett Container Systems Growth – Communications Office – Garrett County Government
