The Deep Creek Watershed Foundation hosted its Watershed Symposium on October 25, 2025, where Garrett County’s Watershed Coordinator and Deep Creek Lake Special Projects staff presented updates on Deep Creek Lake water quality and progress on implementing the Deep Creek Watershed Management Plan.
The symposium focused on the long-term health and management of Deep Creek Lake and featured presentations from county and state management agencies as along with invited experts in watershed hydrology and wastewater engineering. The event brought together local, state, and regional experts to share research, data, and perspectives on how the lake has changed over time and what can be done to protect it for future generations.
At the symposium, Garrett County staff highlighted progress toward implementing the Deep Creek Watershed Management Plan, including the importance of public-private partnerships and recent work of the Partnership’s Steering Committee. Presentations also referenced the Deep Creek Lake dredging project and Maryland DNR investments in sediment studies to better understand sediment sources and support next steps for protecting water quality.
The symposium also reflected on the broader context of Deep Creek Lake’s stewardship. The State of Maryland acquired the lake in 2001 and, through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is responsible for its management, preservation, and protection.
More than a decade ago, local citizens, county staff, and DNR worked together to develop the Deep Creek Watershed Management Plan (DCWMP), which was formally endorsed through a Memorandum of Understanding between DNR, the Maryland Department of the Environment, and the Garrett County Commissioners. The Deep Creek Watershed Management Plan outlines objectives and strategies to protect and improve water quality over time. These actions range from reducing nutrient and sediment runoff in the watershed to shoreline stabilization and other targeted projects, guided by science and stakeholder input.
“Deep Creek Lake is one of Garrett County’s most valuable natural assets, supporting our environment, local economy, and quality of life. In collaboration with our community partners, we have established stewardship practices and protective measures to preserve the lake’s water quality and natural character," said Garrett County Commissioner Ryan Savage.
Cristina Sanders, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Lake Manager, described a pilot effort to improve management of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in Deep Creek Lake. The pilot is intended to test and refine tools—such as targeted harvesting in priority areas—to help reduce navigational and recreational impacts while protecting habitat and supporting long-term lake health. DNR noted that lessons learned from the pilot will help inform future SAV management approaches.
Tom Parham, representing the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), presented an overview of Deep Creek Lake’s water quality and how it has changed over time, based on more than a decade of DNR scientific monitoring.
Parham explained that lakes naturally age over centuries, moving from clear, cold, oxygen-rich systems to warmer lakes with more nutrients and biological activity. The goal of watershed management is not to stop this process, but to slow it as much as possible so the lake remains healthy and usable for generations.
Key Findings from the DNR Data (2009–2024) Include:
- Land use in the watershed remains largely forested (about 60%), which helps protect water quality. However, impervious surfaces such as roads, rooftops, and parking areas, though still relatively low at about 4%, are increasing and should be closely monitored.
- Nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), which fuel algae growth, are increasing in some areas of the lake, particularly in the southern end and in coves such as Cherry Cove and Hoop Pole.
- Water clarity (a “really great indicator” of overall lake condition) is declining across much of the lake, meaning sunlight penetrates less deeply. This can affect underwater plants and overall lake health.
- Algae levels remain low overall, but trends show gradual increases, especially in the southern portions of the lake.
- Bottom dissolved oxygen levels are declining in some deep areas, particularly during summer months, which can stress fish and aquatic life.
- Water temperatures have increased by about one degree Fahrenheit at some monitoring sites, consistent with statewide trends (increasing 1-3 degrees). Warmer water holds less oxygen and can accelerate water quality challenges.
- Using two nationally recognized assessment methods, Parham showed that Deep Creek Lake has shifted from mostly “good” conditions toward more “fair” conditions over time, with some areas approaching lesser conditions especially in shallow, southern coves.
Despite these trends, Parham emphasized that Deep Creek Lake is not in crisis, but the data clearly show early warning signs. Continued monitoring, land-based management practices, and implementation of the Deep Creek Watershed Management Plan are critical to slowing further decline.
The loss of the State Lakes Protection & Restoration Fund, however, has created a gap between what the data say should be done and predictable funding for implementation of the Deep Creek Watershed Management Plan.
What Property Owners Can Do
Homeowners and businesses across the Deep Creek Lake watershed can help protect the lake by reducing runoff and keeping soil and nutrients out of nearby streams and ditches. Practical steps include:
- Maintain stormwater and drainage features (ditches, culverts, swales, and driveway drainage) to prevent erosion and keep sediment out of nearby waterways. Guidance on drainage and erosion prevention is available through state and county partners; contact the Garrett County Watershed Coordinator if needed.
- Use simple runoff controls such as directing downspouts to rain barrels or vegetated areas, keeping soil covered, and minimizing bare ground. UMD-Extension, county master gardeners, and the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation have great resources to help with this including free rain barrel program and tips for best management practices for your lawn and garden.
- Maintain or plant a native vegetation buffer (10 feet) along shorelines, streambanks, and ditches (including through the 10in10 program and the 2026 MD DNR Backyard Buffer program) also helps filter runoff before it reaches the lake.
- For lake waterfront property owners: explore the Maryland DNR–NMRA shoreline stabilization rebate program to reduce erosion and protect shoreline habitat.
What Recreational Users Can Do
Enjoying the lake and caring for it go hand-in-hand. Recreational users - especially boaters - are important stewards of Deep Creek Lake. Here are important steps to take:
- Following Maryland DNR boating guidance and posted restricted areas helps protect shorelines and supports safe recreation.
- Help prevent invasive species (such as hydrilla and zebra mussels) by cleaning boats and gear and using boat-wash options at participating marinas and the marina at Deep Creek Lake State Park.
The symposium provided a valuable venue for presentations and discussions on Deep Creek Lake and watershed conditions - what we’re learning, what’s changing, and where partners can focus efforts. Recent water quality trend results reinforce why the Deep Creek Watershed Management Plan is important—and why sustained support is needed to implement it—providing a clear, shared path from monitoring findings to on-the-ground action. Through the Deep Creek Watershed Management Partnership and its Steering Committee, Garrett County will continue to work with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and local stakeholders to maintain shared priorities and support implementation of the Deep Creek Watershed Management Plan. Thank you to the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation for hosting the symposium and for its ongoing work to sustain the lake for future generations.
As implementation moves forward, the Deep Creek Watershed Management Partnership welcomes additional Steering Committee participation to strengthen both technical expertise and stakeholder representation across the watershed, if interested or have questions please contact Molly Ramsey, Garrett County Watershed Coordinator at mramsey@garrettcountymd.gov or call at 301-334-1923.
To view symposium slides and presentations, visit:
