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 Sanitary District, Inc. is set to receive $1,659,000 in federal funding to drill a new production well at Gorman, the largest of three Garrett County projects included on U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen’s list of FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending projects secured for Maryland. According to the project listing, the money will be […]
  • The Town of Oakland is set to receive $1,092,000 in federal funding to overhaul its aging water system, one of three Garrett County projects included on U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen’s list of FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending projects secured for Maryland. According to the project listing, the money will be used to replace Oakland’s antiquated […]
  • The following is adapted from an announcement by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources will officially open Savage Highlands State Park on Aug. 28, providing expanded access to tens of thousands of acres of state forest and natural areas in Garrett County and the surrounding region. The newly acquired state […]
  • Today, we continue our focus on school safety. In an emergency, knowing what a response means can help students, staff, and families understand what is happening and what to expect. The Standard Response Protocol uses five simple, consistent responses: 📍 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐃 Students and staff remain in their classrooms or current locations and continue normal activities. […]
  • Friday, August 21, Saturday, August 22, and Sunday, August 23, 2026: The weather today will have areas of dense fog this morning. Mostly sunny, with highs in the mid 70s. East winds of around 5 mph. Saturday will be partly sunny. A chance of showers, with a slight chance of thunderstorms in the morning, then […]
  • The weather today will be patchy fog this morning. Showers with isolated thunderstorms this morning, then showers and scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. Highs in the lower 70s. South winds of around 5 mph, becoming west around 5 mph this afternoon. The chance of rain is near 100%. Community groups and initiatives across our region were […]
  • People in Africa, Europe, Scandinavia, Iceland, parts of Greenland, Antarctica, most of the Americas and eastern Pacific Ocean will see a deep lunar eclipse overnight on August 27-28, 2026. The eclipse won’t be total. But it’ll be nearly total, with 96% of the moon within the Earth’s dark umbral shadow at mid-eclipse. Lunar eclipses are […]
  • One of my favorite parts of what I do is that I still get surprised. You’d think after writing about and photographing Deep Creek Lake for years, I’d have experienced just about everything. But, apparently not. When Cheryl invited me to join her for an afternoon sail with the Deep Creek Lake Yacht Club at […]
  • View the Savage River from a Unique Perspective The bridge over the lake on rt. 219. The bridge on Glandale Road. The Casselman bridge. There is no shortage of bridges in the Deep Creek Lake area, and the average weekend visitor will cross over them in their travels to reach a desired destination. There are […]
  • The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) supports the operating activities of the Rural Maryland Council, including the administration of the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) and funding for the State’s five rural Regional Councils. The RMPIF competitive grant program makes strategic investments in key economic and community development initiatives while […]