Deep Creek Lake Watershed Foundation

DCWF Planing Season (Deep Creek Lake, MD)

IN THE NEWS:


Deep Creek Lake is 100 Years Old!

Curious about the health of Deep Creek Lake? The Deep Creek Watershed Foundation recently hosted its first Scientific Symposium at Garrett College, where six expert scientists shared insights on water quality trends, shoreline erosion, sediment studies, wastewater management, and long-term restoration efforts tied to the Deep Creek Watershed Management Plan. With new data showing gradual water quality concerns and a forthcoming DNR Water Quality Trend Analysis report, the Foundation encourages the community to watch the seven recorded presentations and stay informed about ongoing public-private efforts to protect and preserve the lake and its watershed.


Shoreline Erosion Control Cost-Share Grant Information from DNR

Cristina Sanders of Deep Creek Lake NRMA shared via the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation that shoreline erosion control cost-share grant funds are now available through the Maryland Park Service Deep Creek Lake Management Office, offering financial assistance for eligible projects on Buffer Strip Use Permit sites.


Lake Water Level Management Tool

Brookfield Renewable Energy recently presented stakeholders with insights into the challenges of managing Deep Creek Lake’s water levels. The Deep Creek Watershed Foundation continues efforts to develop a tool for fair water use, balancing power generation and stakeholder needs.


Want a Free Rain Barrel?

Exciting news! If you’ve been thinking about getting a rain barrel this year, you’re in luck—Deep Creek Watershed Foundation still has some available! Just make sure to register by September 15, 2024.


Deep Creek Watershed Foundation Efforts to Support Management of SAVs

Efforts to control Subaquatic Vegetation (SAV) growth in Deep Creek Lake hinge on legislation authored by State Senator Mike McKay (SB837) and Delegate Jim Hinebaugh (HB910). Hearings for these bills are scheduled in Annapolis on Feb 20th and 23rd. We aim for positive hearings in both chambers and hope the bills receive favorable recommendations from committees. Subsequently, they will undergo a second reading before a full vote in the Senate or House of Delegates to determine passage.


Local Non-Profit Makes Strides in Protecting Deep Creek Watershed

The Deep Creek Watershed Foundation, renowned for its impactful environmental initiatives, is capturing attention with its innovative approach to water management in the Deep Creek Watershed. Since its inception eight years ago, the foundation, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, has been driving transformative change in preserving this vital ecosystem.


Giving Tuesday at DCWF!

Make a Contribution on November 28!

As the holiday season brings a sense of gratitude for all our blessings, please remember the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation in your giving plans!

Check out the 2023’s Project Success and 2024’s Plans For More!

Giving Tuesday at DCWF Deep Creek Lake, MD


Canada Goose Management within Deep Creek Lake Natural Resources Management Area

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has been managing Canada geese on Deep Creek Lake for many years. The Department’s ongoing efforts include reducing the rate of growth in the local population through non-lethal nest management in addition to administering a long-standing hunting program during the winter season. The current Canada goose management hunt has been operating since 2015, with three sites on the waters of the lake: Deep Creek Lake State Park, Crows Point, and Turkey Neck. These sites are available for reservations during a 5-day hunt in November.

Canada Goose Management within Deep Creek Lake Natural Resources Management Area


The “Low-down” on Water Levels at Deep Creek Lake

Deep Creek Lake, initially created in 1925 for hydroelectric power, has evolved over 98 years. Water control shifted from private to public hands, with Maryland now managing levels to meet diverse user needs.

The “Low-down” on Water Levels at Deep Creek Lake


Want a Free Rain Barrel?

Want a Free Rain Barrel? In order to qualify, you must participate in a 30-minute educational class about rain barrel installation, care, and benefits to the environment and local watersheds.

Want a Free Rain Barrel at Deep Creek Lake, MD


10 IN 10 Project

Help Deep Creek Watershed Foundation in this project to provide an example of how to REFOREST the buffer strip on Deep Creek Lake for properties where erosion is a problem.

We are asking for volunteers to help plant trees at the Deep Creek Lake State Park by the launch dock from April 17- 19. This would be for the prototype garden for the 10 in 10 project (10% vegetation of the riparian border of the Deep Creek Lake in 10 years project.)


Launch Steward Project

The Deep Creek Watershed Foundation has purchased rain jackets, long sleeve ¼ zip sweatshirts, flashlights, and extendable mirrors for the Garrett College Launch Steward Program with part of a grant we received from the Jayne Koskinas Ted Giovanis Foundation for Health and Policy.


Water-Wise Garrett County Officially Underway

The first landscape in Garrett County has been certified as Water-Wise, an exclusive program of University of Maryland Extension, which highlights properties that are installing best management practices to promote water conservation, native plants, stormwater management, and much more!


A No-Cost Way to Donate to the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation

We recently learned of a no-cost manner folks can donate to the DCWF and wanted to share it with you.

  • Every June, some of the world’s toughest endurance cyclists line up in Oceanside, California, for one of the most demanding sporting events on the planet: the Race Across America (RAAM). Covering more than 3,000 miles from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic, competitors cross deserts, mountains, plains, and some of the country’s most challenging terrain […]
  • Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) was recently recognized for its work in the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future – Pillar I, particularly its strong partnerships supporting early childhood education. Mrs. Dawna Ashby, Director of Early Childhood and Elementary Education and Title I for GCPS, shared with the AIB the collaborative efforts among GCPS, Head Start, and […]
  • Friday, June 26, Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28, 2026: The weather today will be cloudy. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 70s. West winds of around 5 to 10 mph. The chance of rain is […]
  • If you’ve driven through Grantsville lately, you’ve probably noticed the scaffolding wrapped around the historic Casselman River Bridge. The restoration of the bridge is a collaborative effort between two key Maryland agencies working together to preserve one of the nation’s most significant transportation landmarks. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources oversees the bridge as part […]
  • As the weather warms, you’ll see kayaks all around DCL. Some will be solo, while others will form up like a gaggle of geese. Some will pass by slowly, and others look like wind turbines in a storm. But kayaking didn’t start here. So, where did it start? Like most things “lost to history,” it’s […]
  • The Garrett County Arts Council and the Grantsville Arts and Entertainment District are thrilled to announce the unveiling of 7 new Public Art Milestone Markers. Hand painted by local artists, including Northern Middle School and Northern High School students, these milestones will soon be placed throughout the town of Grantsville. This free community-wide event celebrates […]
  • Hey Sugar by Mullenax Bakery Opening soon in the Town of Oakland! Hey Sugar by Mullenax Bakery is your new local sweet shop offering custom cupcakes & cakes, a rotating variety of sweet treats, dirty sodas & flavored lemonades, bulk candy favorites, and fun bakery merchandise. Follow View Our Full Business Directory
  • The weather today will be mostly sunny. A slight chance of showers in the afternoon, with highs in the upper 70s. Southwest winds of around 10 to 15 mph. The chance of rain is 20%. The Maryland Fishing Report for June 24 is out, and anglers visiting Deep Creek Lake this summer will find excellent […]
  • Is it time to have your dial gauge tested? Community members are encouraged to bring their pressure canner dial gauges to the Garrett County Extension Office for testing. Dial gauges should be tested annually to ensure they are providing accurate pressure readings for safe home canning. We offer testing for approved brands that can be […]
  • Located on Rt. 219, along the lakeside, you will find a restaurant and coffee shop that is as well known as Deep Creek itself. Celebrating their 25th anniversary, Traders Coffee House and Brenda’s Pizzeria have been more than just businesses to pass through. Tourists and locals alike, when asked where the best pizza is located, […]