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.

  • The Garrett County Arts Council invites residents and visitors to explore the 2026 Artist Studio Tour on Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26 from 11am to 5pm each day. This free, self-guided tour offers a rare opportunity to step inside working studios, meet local artists, learn about their creative processes, and discover the incredible […]
  • Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) submitted a comment letter to the Small Business Administration (SBA) opposing a proposed rule change by Trump’s SBA to the 8(a) Business Development Program that would harm underserved small business owners and entrepreneurs. The 8(a) Business Development Program was created by Congress more than 50 years ago […]
  • Friday, July 17, Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, 2026: The weather today will be partly sunny. Patchy fog this morning. Smoke, with highs in the lower 80s. Southwest winds of around 5 mph, becoming northwest around 5 mph this afternoon. Get ready for the 105th edition of the Western Maryland Tennis Championships, bringing […]
  • On July 23rd, a yellow ball will strike the red clay court from the first serve at the Western Maryland Tennis Championships, adding to more than a century of history at the Mountain Lake Park Tennis Club, all made possible through the efforts of players, members, and sponsors who are dedicated to keeping the tradition […]
  • The weather today will be patchy fog in the morning. Mostly sunny, with highs in the mid 80s. West winds of around 5 to 10 mph. Applications for the 2026 Maryland black bear hunt lottery are open from July 15 through August 31 for the upcoming October season in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. […]
  • In conjunction with Garrett County’s 250th anniversary, let’s reminisce and take a look at Mountain Lake Park, which was established in 1881, making it a little bit younger at 145. On September 3, 1881, 5 businessmen rode through “Hoyes Big Pasture,” now known as Mountain Lake Park, looking for suitable grounds to establish a Summer […]
  • Date: 07/14/26 Time: 2:26 pm Location / Address:  Intersection of Hutton Road/Old Crellin Road, Garrett County Type of Incident: Burn Injury Description of Structure / Property: Farm tractor Injuries or Deaths (YES/NO/NA): Yes # of Displaced: N/A Smoke Alarm Status: N/A Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: N/A Arrests(s) (YES/NO/NA): N/A Primary Responding Fire Department: Oakland Volunteer Fire Department # of Alarms: 1 |# Of Firefighters: 3 Time to […]
  • The weather today will be sunny, with highs in the upper 80s. West winds of around 5 to 10 mph. Make your Wedgie Wednesday even better with a delicious deal at Fox’s Pizza Den in Oakland. Stop by today to take $2 off any Large Wedgie! Head over to Sang Run State Park today at […]
  • The weather today will be sunny, with highs in the mid-80s. Northwest winds of around 5 mph. Celebrate 250 years of community, heritage, and history at the Garrett 250 Birthday Bash this Saturday, July 18, from noon – 10:00 PM at the Garrett County Fairgrounds. This historic, family-friendly day features live music, local exhibits, a […]
  • On July 25th at the Friendsville Town Park, Garrett County will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the designation of the Youghiogheny River as Maryland’s ONLY wild and scenic river. The “Wild Yough” is unique in the state’s 9-river Scenic and Wild Rivers system as it is the only river with the wild designation: a “free-flowing […]