On Saturday, October 25th, 2025, the Foundation funded a one-day Scientific Symposium entitled The Deep Creek Watershed: Past Present and Future. Seven presentations were made by experts on subjects related to the goals of the Deep Creek Watershed Management Plan.
Presentations from the Symposium
Tom Parham - DNR’s representative on the Garrett County Watershed Administrative Council & Director DNR Tidewater Ecosystem Assessment
For Questions, Contact Tom Parham at: tom.parham@maryland.govTom reports on a trend analysis and status update of the DNR/RAS Water Quality monitoring program at Deep Creek Lake from 2009 to 2024.
Video Length: 42:38
Bruce Michael -Past Director of DNR’s Resource Assessment Service
Garrett County Special Projects
For Questions, Contact Bruce Michael at: bmichael@garrettcountymd.gov Bruce reports on how accumulated sediment was identified as a contributing factor in impacting recreational activities. As growth around the Lake continues, assessing lake health and implementing protection and restoration projects is imperative. Bruce will describe how funded projects such as the Arrowhead Cove Dredging project came about and what the project outcomes were. Email Bruce Michael at: bmichael@garrettcountymd.gov
Video Length: 38:29
Molly Ramsey - Garrett County Watershed Coordinator
Advisor to the Watershed Foundation
For Questions, Contact Molly Ramsey at: mramsey@garrettcountymd.gov At the 10-year mark, Ms. Ramsey highlights public-private accomplishments across the plan’s 13 goals. She will recap what the progress has been since 2016, referring to the work of the revived Steering Committee for the plan. She will look at the successes of the plan and the accomplishments of the Public-Private partnerships. She will focus on 2024/25 meetings and discussions about progress, concerns, and identified priorities.
Video Length: 32:25
Dr. Don Rosenberry - Hydrologist, USGS Emeritus
For Questions, Contact Dr. Don Rosenberry at: dorosenberry@msn.comHaving 40 years of experience with water budget models and collaborating with competing interests throughout the US, Don describes the significance of monitoring various parameters including ground water recharge to answer some management questions related to allocation of water during various conditions.
Video Length: 01:12:07
Cristina Sanders - Deep Creek Lake Manager, DNR RAS and Parks
For Questions, Contact Cristina Sanders at: cristina.sanders@maryland.govCristina has a strong background in aquatic ecology, land-use management, and interagency collaboration. Her professional experience includes roles with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management, where she specialized in fisheries management, habitat restoration, environmental permitting, and public outreach. She is also a proud veteran of the United States Army, where she served as a mechanic and wrecker operator.
Video Length: 31:16
Dr. Hannah Patton - Environmental Engineer, Eastern Research Group, Inc. Deep Creek Watershed Foundation Board Member
For Questions, Contact Dr. Hannah Patton at: hannahepatton@gmail.comHannah discusses barriers to wastewater treatment in the US and in Appalachia, public and private wastewater treatment in Garrett County, progress on Goal 9 of the Deep Creek Watershed Management Plan, protecting the Watershed from the adverse effects of impaired septic systems and future steps to improve wastewater infrastructure in Garrett County.
Video Length: 55:32
Tom Parham - DNR’s representative on the Garrett County Watershed Administrative Council
For Questions, Contact Tom Parham at: tom.parham@maryland.govVideo Length: 10:25
Look for updates and ways you can support these important efforts on this DCWF website. Additional information is also available at DNR Eyes on Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County Watershed Management websites