DCWF

DCWF Scientific Symposium

On October 25th, 2025, THE DEEP CREEK WATERSHED FOUNDATION (DCWF) sponsored its first SCIENTIFIC SYMPOSIUM. This free event was held at The Garrett College Performing Arts Center. The Symposium focused on the long-term health and management of Deep Creek Lake and its watershed. A panel of six expert scientists presented topics related to the goals found in the Deep Creek Watershed Management Plan enacted ten years ago. The panel covered a range of topics, including:

  • The current challenges facing Deep Creek Lake and its watershed
  • Water quality monitoring
  • Sediment studies
  • Shoreline erosion
  • Sub aquatic vegetation
  • Modeling lake levels for shared usage
  • Public/Private partnerships
  • Waste water management in the watershed
  • Funding strategies

Panelists included scientists from the State (DNR Resource Assessment Services and Parks NMRA), Garrett County (Garrett County Watershed Management Division), The Eastern Research Group, and The U.S. Geological Survey, (Denver). Six scientists presented valuable information that will shape future restoration and preservation efforts. Tom Parham, DNR Resource Assessment Services, introduced data that showed some gradually emerging trends of degrading water quality at various lake locations. All agreed that much more needs to be done now to inhibit further water quality decline.

The foundation encourages you to watch the seven video presentations available on the DCWF website at DCWF 2025 Symposium to learn more. You can watch all seven presentations or select the ones of most interest to you. This year, the Garrett County Watershed Coordinator has brought together a group of stakeholders and government agencies to focus on restoring and protecting the watershed and lake. This effort is part of the Deep Creek Watershed Management Partnership and Steering Committee, a public-private collaboration. DNR will release a new report at the end of June, the Water Quality Trend Analysis 2009–2024, offering additional scientific data on the lake’s condition. A recent $1 million appropriation for Deep Creek Lake will be reviewed by DNR and their findings as well as planned activities will be announced soon. Look for updates and ways you can support these important efforts on the DCWF website. Additional information is available at DNR Eyes on Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County Watershed Management websites. 

The Watershed Foundation wants to thank all presenters, as well as Ashley Bachtel-Bodkins of the University of Maryland Extension Service and Dan Skipper of Garrett College for their able help in recording the symposium proceedings.