Feeling the heat at Deep Creek Lake
This summer's blistering heat apparently has left no corner of Maryland untouched, even the coolest one. A two-week fish kill at Deep Creek Lake is being linked to unusually warm water temperatures stressing the fish, making them vulnerable to infection.
Though the die-off appears to be weather-related, I reported in The Baltimore Sun today (Aug. 6) that it's prompting some residents and others to suggest it's time to take a closer look at how the lake is faring as 
more vacation and retirement homes pop up along its 65-mile shoreline, and more boats crowd onto its 3,900 acres of water.
Even those most worried say they still love the place, but are concerned it may be starting to show some wear and tear from too much love.
Friends of Deep Creek Lake has organized a forum from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday (Aug. 7) at Garrett 8 Cinemas on US 219.
Scientists are expected to be on hand to discuss plans to do a "report card" on the lake, similar to the ones done annually for the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. There's also supposed to be a discussion of submerged aquatic grasses in the lake, of possibly dredging some shallow coves and of how much the lake's water is affected by phosphorus from farm and lawn fertilizer, soil erosion and other sources.
What's your take on the lake? When was the last time you were there?
(Baltimore Sun photos by Barbara Haddock Taylor)
Comments
Good comprehensive and informative piece on DCL---there's an old saying that "civilization follows the sewers," and once water and sewer came to the lake in the mid-1980's the place exploded without a great deal of responsible oversight by anyone--- local or state---as usual the developers responded to consumer demand and hence the lake is what it is now...overbuilt and overcrowded. Some have noted that prior to water and sewer, 2 out of every 3 visitors came from the Pittsburgh area and 1 of 3 from DC/Baltimore, and their interest was primarily hunting, fishing, boating, and swimming---and Lake property was much more affordable. Following the introduction of water and sewer, the dynamic changed with 2 of 3 folks coming from the DC/Baltimore area and 1of 3 from Pittsburgh. Now, the teardowns began in earnest and cabins and small homes were replaced with million dollar mcmansions and lots costing $400,000+. Interests changed as well with the focus now on restaurants and shopping. "Maryland's Last Frontier," no more.
Posted by: John Bambacus | August 6, 2010 1:08 PM
How about the new golf course? Getthenet on the FishDeepCreek Message Board has an interesting theory: http://fishdeepcreek.websitetoolbox.com/post/show_single_post?pid=41303019&postcount=23
Posted by: DansDeepCreekBlog | August 6, 2010 10:45 PM
Civilization may follow the sewers, but the fact is that the lake had gotten messy by the 1980s when a building moratorium was put in place so the sanitation district could be established. So, without the sewer system, even without the last 25 years growth, the lake would be a MESS.
I have been going to the lake for over 25 years, my parents bought a house in a community by the lake in 1984. Often on weekends from the mid 80s to mid 90s, and more recently a few times during the summer w/ my own family. The lake IS changing, in subtle ways for now. Water grass is growing in the lake where it did not grow before, some areas are shallow where they were not before. By the time the lake is 100 years old, in 15 years, what parts will remain usable for recreation, fishing, etc?
Posted by: Andrew | August 10, 2010 9:40 AM