Below is an update on several lake-related issues recently shared by the Acting Lake Manager, including a projection that a full-time manager will be in place by late spring. — Bob Sutton, POA President
Dear Deep Creek Lake Area Stakeholders,
We are pleased to inform lake area residents that the 2025 Deep Creek Lake Buffer Strip Use Permits have been mailed and should arrive in the next few days. Upon receipt, please review your permit carefully and follow the included instructions for verification, payment, and dock placement requirements. As a reminder, payment and permit approval are required before placing your dock in the water. We recognize that the permits are arriving slightly later this season—if this presents a hardship, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thanks for your patience!
Helpful Reminders
- Vegetation Removal: Any vegetation removal requires prior approval from the Lake Management Office. If you have concerns about hazardous trees or invasive species, we are happy to help—please contact us. Please note: Most vegetation removal is prohibited!
- Dock & Shoreline Improvements: Thinking about an improvement? Submit a special permit application with your concept while keeping in mind the established guidelines.
- Dock Plates: The Lake Management Office has a few unclaimed dock plates. Please be reminded they are mandatory. Contact us to pick yours up today.
- Withheld Permits: If your dock permit has been withheld, we are actively working to connect with you to provide the necessary support to get you on track for the upcoming dock season. Please ensure that all required documentation and any outstanding issues are promptly addressed to facilitate the approval process.
Key Updates for 2025
- Dock & Structure Placement: Docks, boating/swimming structures, and mooring buoys may be placed in the water starting March 15 (ice melt permitting) and must be removed by December 1.
- Dock Rentals: New dock rental regulations will take effect by Memorial Day, allowing permitted dock slips to be rented. More details and application instructions will be posted soon on the Deep Creek Lake Natural Resource Management Area website.
Office & Staffing Updates
The Lake Management Office is currently undergoing contractual transitions, but we remain committed to providing inspections, structure permitting, and support services for the Deep Creek Lake community. A new Lake Manager is expected to be hired by late spring, and additional staff will be in place to assist with permitting and management needs. Additionally, I will continue to serve as the interim Lake Manager and will be responsive to your needs and concerns.
Hydrilla and Submerged Aquatic Vegetation
Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) is an invasive aquatic plant that can form dense mats, disrupting local ecosystems and recreational activities. To identify hydrilla, look for stems with whorls of 3-5 leaves, each leaf having serrated edges and a spinous midrib. The plant often produces small, white flowers near the water’s surface and can develop tubers resembling tiny potatoes at its roots. If you spot hydrilla in lake, please report it to the Lake Management Office by taking clear photographs of the plant, ensuring that key identifying features are visible. Email your location and pictures to dcl.nrma@maryland.gov.
For those who missed the recent Nuisance Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) workshop hosted by Maryland Department of Natural Resources Resource Assessment Service (DNR-RAS), information and resources will soon be available to help you stay informed about managing invasive species like hydrilla and managing SAVs around your dock. Additionally, the DNR will continue its hydrilla treatment efforts in Deep Creek Lake this year. To learn more about these initiatives and access further resources, visit the DNR’s website.
Next Policy and Review Board Meeting
The next Deep Creek Lake Policy and Review Board Meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 5, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Garrett College Performing Arts Center. This meeting is an opportunity for stakeholders to stay informed on important lake management topics and provide input on key issues. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual option is available via Google Meet or by phone at +1 405-346-8195 (PIN: 266226424). We encourage your participation and look forward to engaging with the community!
Deep Creek Watershed Management Plan Steering Committee Meeting
The Administrative Council of the Deep Creek Watershed Management Plan has convened a Steering Committee to review progress and set priorities for 2025 and beyond. Molly Ramsey, Garrett County Watershed Coordinator, joined the Garrett County team last fall and is making great headway! To learn more, please check out the Deep Creek Watershed Management Plan or contact Molly at mramsey@garrettcountymd.gov.
Celebrating 100 Years of Deep Creek Lake
As we embrace another season at Deep Creek Lake, we are also celebrating a historic milestone—the lake’s 100th anniversary! To honor this occasion, the Maryland Park Service commissioned a limited-edition serigraph print by renowned artist Erick Sahler. This stunning artwork captures the beauty of Deep Creek Lake, featuring a tranquil shoreline at Deep Creek Lake State Park, a fisherman’s boat, and the iconic Glendale Bridge rising in the background.
Sahler, an Illustrator Member of the prestigious Society of Illustrators, is known for his vibrant and masterfully crafted serigraphs that reflect the spirit of the mid-Atlantic region. This commemorative piece will soon be available for purchase at the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center, offering a timeless keepsake for those who cherish the lake. Stay tuned for details on its release or contact the Discovery Center at 301-387-7067.
To learn more about Deep Creek Lake’s 100th celebration events, please visit the DCL100 website.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season
We are excited for another spring and summer at Deep Creek Lake—working alongside you to protect the watershed, support area businesses, and create lasting memories. If you have any questions about your permit, lake management services, or watershed concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
📞 Lake Management Office (limited office hours until Mid-March): 301-387-4112
✉️ Email (preferred for fastest response): dcl.nrma@maryland.gov
Thank you for your commitment to preserving and enjoying Deep Creek Lake and the watershed!
Sarah Milbourne
Acting Lake Manager
