Proposed DNR Regulation Change may affect Deep Creek Lake Property Owners
 |
By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 July 3rd, 2008 Category: Deep Creek Lake, News |
DNR Deep Creek Lake Manager Carolyn Mathews reports that their internal review of a number of regulation changes that effect how and where PWCs may be kept at dock permit sites on the lake has been delayed by about a month. The review was scheduled to be sent to Annapolis for review in July, but that time frame has been extended to August. Those that own real estate or houses at Deep Creek Lake will have an opportunity to review the proposal once it is made available for public comment.
Ms. Mathews did say that the goal is to change the regulations to prohibit the storage of PWCs on the buffer strip and to instead allow a limited number to be moored at docks, in addition to any other permitted powerboats. Commercial sites will not receive any additional PWC mooring rights over what they are already permitted.
The effect on property owners could be positive or negative depending on the number of PWCs they have traditionally stored on shore at their permit site. On the positive side, from what we have heard, the proposal is to possibly allow each Type A dock permit holder the right to be able to moor two PWCs at their dock. However, on the negative side it is very much unclear what will happen to those property owners who do not have a private dock and currently have 1 boat slip in a common dock. Many lake access property owners in the various subdivisions around the lake keep their power boat moored in the 1 slip they are allocated in their common dock - and then keep their PWC stored on the shoreline. DNR also intends to phase out the previously permitted PWC stands that some property owners use.
Also, on The Deep Creek Blog, Becky Sciullo writes that DNR has stepped up their patrols on Deep Creek Lake and intends to keep doing so all summer long to crack down on dangerous boating activities.
Tags: Deep Creek Lake, DNR, Personal Watercraft
July 6th, 2008 at 5:18 am
I agree that the lakeshore has become “littered” with these PWC sites. While there is an overall need for more dock slips for regular crafts, I would support assigning these PWCs to regular dock slips
July 6th, 2008 at 11:21 am
I wish the lake would outlaw all PWCs. I recently spent a weekend on a lake where PWCs have been outlawed and the difference was amazing. The PWC riders are annoying and unpredictable.
July 7th, 2008 at 7:19 am
I really don’t see the difference if the PWC’s are on stands or moored at a dock, they are still visable. What about canoes, kayaks, rowboats and paddle boats that are stored on the buffer strip?
July 8th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Gil - DNR allows watercraft such kayaks, rowboats, and paddle boats to be stored on the buffer strip because they are under 500 lbs. That is the cutoff that DNR uses and has used in the past. It hasn’t been an issue until these newer, larger PWCs started showing up on the lake about 5 years ago. Most of these newer, larger PWCs weigh more than 500 lbs.
July 11th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Over the past 14 years, the lake experience has changed dramaticly. Unfortunitly not for the better. The days of a slow, quiet day of fishing and just enjoying he sun and views long gone. I fear never to return.
Our concern is, just how many boats and PWC’s will be allowed on the lake at one time. Is the number going to continue to increase? I would like to know what percent of increase in boating accidents are accuring now compared to 10 years ago.
These million dollar houses seem to be competing with their neighbors for number of boats and pwc, for size and speed. Like some of the huge boats at the new Boat Sales Center on 219. When I see his inventory, I think, “my God” what if all those boats end up on the lake! I the law of 25 foot still being inforced?
Are we the only people seeing this?
July 11th, 2008 at 8:48 am
The PWC issue is way overdue to be resolved. DNR generally does a good job of lake enforcement but the use of helicopters is a waste of valuable fuel and DNR resources. I really dont see a big problem here on the lake with boat operators. The DNR police seem to be everywhere these days!
September 23rd, 2008 at 11:32 am
It’s about time there was at least some control on PWC’s. I’d love to see them banned altogether, but I don’t suppose that will happen as long as money continues to drive how the lake is managed. It’s a shame though. Banning PWC’s would ultimately improve the lake experience for more people than it would harm, and it certainly would make things safer for everyone. At the least, DNR should get them off the buffer strip as they are an eyesore and shouldn’t be permitted on land that is supposed to be protected. Now about those Sheetz like vinyl roofs people are putting up all over the place. My gosh those are ugly. What gives with DCL sometimes? Talk about tacky. At least nobody’s put up one in Sheetz orange yet.