Invasive Species Hydilla Infestation

Letter from Property Owner’s Association of Deep Creek Lake

POA Members

We have received the following notification about the new Hydrilla growth in DCL. DNR staff assures the POA that they are urgently working to eliminate the growth.

The DNR notice follows:

Dear Deep Creek Lake Property Owners,

We wish to inform you of an important update regarding our lake’s health and maintenance. A new location of Hydrilla, an invasive aquatic plant, has been discovered in Deep Creek Lake. This plant poses a threat to our local ecosystem by outcompeting native species and disrupting the natural ecosystem of Deep Creek Lake.

Since 2014, the Lake Management Office has successfully treated Hydrilla, completely removing it from all previously affected sites.

The Lake Management Office staff is actively working to update the 2024 management plan and treatment schedule to contain this issue. This new site location will receive an initial treatment and be added to our regular treatment schedule. We will provide further updates to the Property Owners Association once management plans and treatment schedules have been finalized and implemented.

The 2024 treatment dates are currently scheduled for June 13, July 9, July 30, and August 20.

We ask all property owners and lake users to report any potential sightings of hydrillas to the Lake Management Office immediately. Please avoid disturbing the affected areas, as Hydrilla can be spread through fragmentation, and continue to follow safe boating practices like Clean, Drain, and Dry.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in preserving the beauty and health of Deep Creek Lake.

Lake Management Staff