August 2013 – Page 3 – Jay's Real Estate Blog

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Proposed Off-Road Vehicle Trail System Expansion

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is proposing to expand its off-road vehicle (ORV) trail system. Three new ORV Trails are being considered: (1) one ORV Trail in Garrett County on the Savage River State Forest, in the general vicinity of St. John’s Rock-Red Dog Road, (2) two ORV Trails in Washington County, on DNR managed lands on Sideling Hill north and south.

Public Meeting

Map link to location

In accordance with Maryland COMAR 08.01.03.10, ORV Trail Designation Procedure and Criteria, The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be holding a public meeting on September 4, 2013 at the New Germany State Park Lake House from 7:00-9:00 p.m. to discuss the management and designation of these new ORV trails. This meeting is a preliminary review to gather public input prior to final designation.

Submit Comments

Public comments will be taken at the September 4th meeting following a presentation by DNR staff.

Comments will also be received via email or hardcopy through October 4, 2013.

Comments may be sent to:

Jack Perdue
Maryland DNR
Tawes State Office Building, E-1
580 Taylor Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21401

Or by email to: jperdue@dnr.state.md.us

Introduction

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is responsible for the management of approximately 450,000 acres of public land distributed throughout the State. These lands have traditionally been used for a wide array of recreational activities including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, boating and nature appreciation. However, in recent times, the Department has seen an increasing demand for diversified activities such as geocache, mountain biking and off road vehicle (ORV) trails. Of particular interest is the request for designated ORV trails. In the mid-1980s a number of ORV trails were developed within the western region’s State Forests. Three trails were particularly popular with the general public and experienced an ever-increasing demand. Unfortunately, some of these trails were located in environmentally sensitive areas and had to be closed in 2011. The Green Ridge State Forest ORV trail, Chandler trail and Poplar Lick trail included approximately 36 miles of ORV trail and remain closed today. As a result, the Department undertook a comprehensive review of its various landholdings to assess the probability of developing other sustainable areas for ORV trail development.

Criteria for Assessing Suitability for ORV Trails

The three sites were identified as the result of a two-year process of systematically reviewing all DNR lands for suitable ORV locations. In addition, the Department participated with an ORV stakeholder workgroup in identifying potential private land locations for other ORV trails. The most highly ranked sites were then selected for closer review by an internal team of DNR resource managers.
A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) model was used to filter and select potentially suitable locations to host new ORV trails. Areas were rated based on soil suitability, avoidance of Maryland Historical Trust sites, human populations, conservation areas, and sensitive watersheds.

ORV Proposal Descriptions

The descriptions below describe the trail locations in general. Additional details for these trails will be determined during the design and construction process. Architectural and engineering firms will be solicited for the final design and construction of these trails.

More here.

Special Delivery? – The Republican Newspaper

One is often surprised when checking to see what might be in the mailbox each day; however, a resident along Old Crellin Road was somewhat shocked to see what had arrived at his mailbox Sunday afternoon. A queen honey bee evidently decided to move her family of several thousand workers (and a few drones) into some new digs, and in that big move elected to have her swarm take a rest on the mailbox post. Called to the scene was Hop Cassidy, regional state bee inspector for Garrett and Allegany counties, pictured above. Hop was then successful in placing the swarm into a hive box and adding them to his personal apiary. No stings were reported. Photo by Glenn Tolbert.

More here.

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ASCI, Wisp Road Decision, Airport Updates Given

Aug. 15, 2013

The Board of Garrett County Commissioners held a public meeting on Tuesday and received several updates from county agencies and affiliates. The agenda included further discussion on Wisp Mountain Road, updates at the airport and the Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI), the announcing of members of the Deep Creek Wastershed Management Plan Steering Committee, and information from the Garrett County Board of Elections.

Wisp Mountain Road

At a July 16 public hearing concerning the Wisp Mountain Road, it was announced that public record would be kept open until Aug. 9, and a decision would be announced at the Aug. 13 meeting. However, the decision was deferred, and will be presented at a later date.

ASCI

Michael Logsdon, ASCI executive director, reported that advances in marketing have been made at the facility, and they are working on getting the word out about activities available there. Signs with new logos that better depict events at ASCI have been erected, and the information technology department has improved the web site and the method for guests to order photographs.

Modifications are being made to the stream bed for upcoming events, and requests for bids have been sent out for modification of the amphitheater. The clean-up also continues on the Fork Run Trail that was heavily impacted by the snow-hurricane storm in October 2012.

Garrett County Airport

Edward Kelley, Garrett County Airport manager, reported that there has been a large influx of jets to the airport since the extension of the runway. The yearly inspection of the airport occurred on Aug. 7, and it was found to be in excellent condition, he reported.

DCL Watershed

Management Plan

Steering Committee

A steering committee was selected for the Deep Creek Watershed Management Plan. A total of 22 individuals submitted their names to volunteer on the committee, and nine were selected.

Those selected are David Myerber, chair, Morgantown, W.Va., resident representative; Robert Hoffman, Oakland, resident representative; Peter Versteegen, McHenry, resident representative; Lulu Gonella, Swanton, resident representative; John Forman, Oakland, forestry representative; Steve Green, McHenry, recreation represtative; Bob Browning, McHenry, business representative; Willie Lantz, Mtn. Lake Park, agricultural representative; and Mike Sabad, Clarion, Pa., operations manager and power plant representative.

Board of Elections

Steve Fratz gave a report on the Garrett County Board of Elections. He said the beginning of the election season has been slow, with filing lagging. The deadline to file is Feb. 25, and information about filing can be found on the web site.

The process is under way for preparing polling places for the June 24 primary election. Coordination will begin immediately after Labor Day. Some polling places may be consolidated because of issues with parking and accessibility. They include Ryan’s Glade with Red House and West Oakland with East Oakland.

This will be the last year for the current voting system, which is 14 years old. The search for a new system will begin shortly.

More here.

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Sewage Spill At Deep Creek Lake Prompts Restrictions; Now Lifted

Aug. 15, 2013

A spill of sewage into Deep Creek Lake was reported to the Garrett County Commissioners on Tuesday by Jeff Broadwater, assistant director of the Department of Public Utilities (DPU). Rodney Glotfelty, Garrett County health officer, was also on hand to answer questions about the situation that had resulted in water use restrictions at several areas of the lake. These restrictions have since been lifted.

Broadwater reported that DPU personnel discovered on Aug. 9 that the valve allowing flow into the McHenry sewage holding tank had been inadvertently left open and the emergency overflow alarm had failed to function properly. This allowed approximately 36,000 gallons of domestic wastewater to flow into a nearby stream, which in turn flows into Deep Creek Lake at the northwestern end of Marsh Run Cove.

Immediately upon discovery, the valve was shut to prevent further overflow, Broadwater said. DPU informed the Garrett County Health Department, Department of Natural Resources, and the Maryland Department of the Environment of the situation. Approximately 35 warning signs were posted throughout the affected area of the lake, and water samples were collected and taken to the laboratory for immediate testing.

An update was issued yesterday stating that sampling and testing of the water affected by the overflow indicated that bacteria levels had returned to normal. All results were reported to be below the level considered acceptable for “bathing beach water” by the Environmental Protection Agency. Therefore, the restriction on swimming and fishing in the affected area has been lifted.

The emergency holding tank alarm has been fixed, tested, and is working properly. In addition, DPU personnel have been assigned to inspect the holding tank on a routine basis to eliminate the potential of future overflows.

The valve was opened approximately a week before the spill because of a line breakage elsewhere, Broadwater explained. It was located in an area that is not normally used, and an alarm failed to go off because of a loose connection.

The dock in the area of the spill is covered with goose waste, he noted, so it was difficult to differentiate between that and the sewage spill in the samplings.

In the restriction-lifting press release yesterday, the health department personnel advised that universal precautions should always be taken when coming in contact with any recreational water. Every effort should be made not to swallow any water, and bathing or showering after swimming is recommended.

Persons who would like more information or who have questions about the event may call the DPU at 301-334-6983.

More here.

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Western Maryland Truck Show Set In Grantsville Park Next Weekend

Aug. 15, 2013

The 15th annual Western Maryland Truck Show will be held next weekend, Aug. 23 to 25, at the Grantsville Town Park. A wide variety of events and entertainment is slated for all three days.

Friday, Aug. 23

Truck registration will be held on Friday from 3 to 9 p.m. A lawn mower pull will be featured at 7 p.m., and the Kenny Jones Band will also present a concert.

Saturday, Aug. 24

Activities begin on Saturday at 9 a.m., with craft and food vendors, children’s activities, music, and the Maryland National Guard sponsoring a climbing wall and bungee jumping.

“Open mic” Karaoke with Jimmy B will take place behind the playground from 2 to 4 p.m., and at 3 p.m. there will be a candy drop in the ball field.

WFRB will broadcast a live radio remote trom 3 to 6 p.m., with the Trucker, and Billy Bigrigger’s Saloon will open at 5 p.m. (Proper age identification will be required.)

Entrance to concerts on the main stage will begin at 5 p.m., with Girlz in Black Hats performing at 6:30 and Chris Cagle at 8 p.m.

A Big Rig Light Show will be featured at 9:30, and the After Party at the Grantsville American Legion will begin at 10 p.m. The featured band at that event will be Jennings Run.

Sunday, Aug. 25

Sunday will include a drawing for a 4-wheeler give-away and plaque presentations at noon, followed by a truckers’ convoy at 1:30 p.m.

Organizers have noted that there will be a change in the truck show judging for this year. In the past, a team of judges has awarded trophies in various categories. This year there will not be a team of judges, but trophies will be awarded to certain trucks.

Persons should bring their own chairs and blankets for concert festival seating for these events. Additional parking will be available at the Grantsville Industrial Park, with a shuttle running to the truck show.

Portions of the proceeds will benefit the Frostburg Soroptimist Club in efforts to battle ovarian cancer.

Admission is free to the public on Friday and Sunday, but tickets are required for the Chris Cagle concert on Saturday.

Tickets are available in advance at the show’s web site, found at www.westernmarylandtruckshow.com, or at Grantsville Liquors, First United in Grantsville, M&T Bank in Grantsville, Lake-view Auto, and Winner’s Circle in Oakland.

Advance tickets are $8, and tickets at the gate are $12. Children ages 12 and younger will be admitted free of charge.

More here.

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Laura Stutzman's Paintings Adorn New USPS Stamps

Aug. 15, 2013

“From the heights of sunny summer to the snowy depths of winter, Old Glory proudly waves,” states the United States Post Office, referring to the latest Forever® stamps being issued this week. The stamps, titled “A Flag For All Seasons,” are more significant to Garrett County than the simple mailing of letters, as the paintings of the flag were created by Mountain Lake Park resident Laura Stutzman.

This is the second time the local illustrator/graphic designer has created works of art for national distribution, as she painted four flags used on stamps issued in 2008 as well. This year the flags are depicted in all four seasons. In 2008, she showed them at four times of day.

The message being stressed by the USPS through these new stamps is the proper treatment of the United States flag. Guidelines for the display and treatment of the American flag hark back to the National Flag Code adopted in 1923 at the National Flag Conference and amended a year later. A federal law in 1942 further provided specific rules for using and displaying the flag.

According to the USPS, federal law states that the flag should be displayed every day of the year, but especially on federal and state holidays, the “birthdays” of states, and other days according to presidential proclamation. As long as a flag is a durable, all-weather flag, it may be displayed outdoors throughout the year, regardless of the weather.

Each of the four “A Flag For All Seasons” stamps shows an American flag, viewed from below, flying from a pole at full staff against a background of trees that evoke one of the four seasons of the year. Local residents may be interested to know that Stutzman took photos of the flag at the Mountain Lake Park historic ticket booth to use as a reference for her works. The trees, she said, are local aspens. Her medium for the paintings was gouache on illustration board.

The art director was Phil Jordan. Stutzman works with Jordan and USPS personnel in developing the final product, which takes a great deal of time, as well as trial and error processes.

More here.

Deep Creek Watershed Management Plan Steering Committee Appointed

The Board of County Commissioners and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources worked collaboratively to select the following members to the Deep Creek Lake Watershed Management Plan Steering Committee.

David Myerberg – Resident Representative

Robert Hoffman – Resident Representative

Peter Versteegen – Resident Representative

Lulu Gonella – Resident Representative

John Forman – Forestry Representative

Steve Green – Recreation Representative

Robert Browning – Business Representative

Willie Lantz – Agricultural Representative

Mike Sabad – Power Plant Representative

More here.