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Water Quality Study At Deep Creek Lake
SWANTON, MD Partnering with the U.S. Geological Survey, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Deep Creek Lake Natural Resource Management Area (NRMA), has initiated a comprehensive water quality monitoring study of the lake to assess current conditions and to develop a monitoring network that will allow on-going assessments in order to guide future management decisions.
It is vitally important to maintain the health of the Lake and the riparian buffer in order to protect the economic value of this natural resource and to continue to provide unparalleled recreational opportunities, said Carolyn Mathews, Deep Creek Lake Manager.
Results of the study will include bathymetry maps of the lake, water quality observations, records of stream flow, sediment erosion studies, a well survey and recommendations for future monitoring. Results will be available by June 30, 2008.
Funding for the study comes from the Deep Creek Lake Management Fund, a special fund of the Maryland Park Service that derives revenue from the annual lake use permit fees and ramp use service charges.
The State of Maryland has owned Deep Creek Lake since 2000 and managed it as a recreational resource for PENELEC, the previous owner, since the early 1980s. The Lake area of Garrett County is a popular four-season resort, a destination for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
For more information about Deep Creek Lake NRMA, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/western/deepcreeklake.html.
October 1, 20077 Contact: Olivia Campbell
410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell
ocampbell@dnr.state.md.usMaryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov