Lately there has been considerable criticism of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) relative to its responsibility for the health and management of Deep Creek Lake. Some of this criticism is not warranted and could be counter-productive. The Deep Creek Lake Property Owner's Association recognizes that there is much to be done to preserve the enjoyment of Deep Creek Lake and we welcome the efforts of all interested organizations to advocate actions to improve the health and management of the lake.   The POA, as the oldest and largest membership organization with an interest in the lake, has a long history of advocating on behalf of watershed property owners for the care and quiet enjoyment of lake residents. Over the past 2-3 years the POA has taken constructive steps, including hosting two workshops, to bring together state and local agencies as well as various organizations and interest groups to discuss issues affecting the health and wellbeing of Deep Creek Lake. Our ultimate goal is to improve communication and bring about a comprehensive approach to lake management which has not heretofore existed. While we have made progress toward this goal, there is still work to be done.

The POA supports the current efforts of the Department of Natural Resources to protect the quality of Deep Creek Lake. Specifically we thank the following officials and look forward to continuing to work with them as we all strive to preserve and protect our treasured Deep Creek Lake:

            Secretary John Griffin for his willingness to travel to Garrett County and share with us his efforts on behalf of Deep Creek Lake.

            Mr. John Wilson, DNR Assistant Director, Water Quality Working Group and staff for all they have done over the past several years to protect the waters of the lake.

            Mr. Sherm Garrison, Water and Habitat Quality. Mr. Garrison and his staff continue to monitor the levels of nutrients, assess the status of aquatic vegetation, and define nutrient and sediment loadings into the lake.

            Mr. Rich Ortt from the Maryland Geological Survey. Mr. Ortt is working on the Phase II Sediment Study. Some of the benefits of that program are the lake bottom contour map, the determination thus far that the lake sediments contain no toxic wastes, and the ongoing study of the depth and rate of lake sediment accumulation.

            Ms. Carolyn Matthews, Deep Creek Lake Management Office. We are particularly grateful for Ms. Matthew's efforts to implement the new dock numbers tied to the county 911 dispatch system which has already proven to enhance personal emergency medical responses. More recently, the office is providing enhanced coordination with county zoning ordinance and watershed management.

The POA seeks to move forward with reasonable measures to benefit the watershed and supports the process of careful gathering of facts before taking pre-mature actions. The ongoing DNR Sedimentation Study, which the county commissioners and POA helped to fund, is but one example of scientific data gathering that should help inform future decisions regarding lake sedimentation. We also support nutrient control of lake vegetation, a watershed approach to lake management, and a comprehensive management plan to allocate the waters of the lake for the maximum benefit of all those who use them. No lake the size of Deep Creek Lake is without any problems whatsoever, and the POA has not been hesitant in addressing problems as they arise.

The POA's efforts to work with the DNR on both a financial and study/planning basis to address concerns facing the lake goes back many years. Our participation and advocacy on behalf of the health and well-being of the lake is an ongoing process and steadfast commitment of the POA.

THE PROPERTY OWNERS' ASSOCIATION OF DEEP CREEK LAKE, INCORPORATED