More Active Oversight Planned For Deep Creek Lake

MCHENRY, Md. (AP) -- A draft management plan for the Deep Creek Lake watershed seeks better coordination among government agencies and private parties whose interests converge at the western Maryland vacation destination.

The Department of Natural Resources and the Garrett County Commissioners released the plan Friday for public comment through Aug. 9.

It was developed by a local steering committee amid concerns that factors including residential development, natural-gas exploration, agricultural runoff and failing septic systems threaten the lake's quality and recreational value.

The plan calls for the state and county to jointly develop an agency to coordinate activities within the watershed.

They also would have to develop a plan for financing the new agency, including an executive director's salary.

The plan is available at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/ccs/dcl--wmp.asp.