DNR Steps Up Enforcement on Deep Creek Lake Buffer Strip and Buydown Parcels
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By: Mike Kennedy October 7th, 2008 Category: Deep Creek Lake Real Estate, News |
DNR Deep Creek Lake Manager Carolyn Mathews reports that her office is pursuing several civil cases in circuit court involving activities on certain buydowns that are in violation of the provisions of the Conservation Easement. The most difficult situations appear to be grading and filling of the buffer strip, especially after new home construction.
DNR is also adopting a new policy that any maintenance to existing and approved improvements on the buffer strip requires the prior notification and possibly the approval of the Deep Creek Lake management office. The DNR may require a new Special Permit to be applied for and be issued before maintenance may occur.
This is a departure from historic practice and many property owners routinely provide for ongoing maintenance of structures and improvements that have been permitted. Garrett County Board of Realtors Government Affairs Director Paul Durham recommended to DNR staff that they consider modifications to their permit language to better inform property owners of this new policy. This may also require changes to the lake regulations to better and more specifically articulate DNR’s maintenance permitting requirements.
DNR is enforcing this policy through the issuance of criminal citations. Violations of the lake regulations are a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1000 and the potential for imprisonment of up to one year.
Tags: Buy Down, Conservation Easement, Deep Creek Lake, DNR