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MARYLAND MARCELLUS SHALE SAFE DRILLING

BALTIMORE, MD (November 25, 2014) – Reflecting extensive consultation with scientists, public health professionals, economists, industry experts, environmental and community advocates, and the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission, today the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Department of Natural Resources presented a draft Final Report on Marcellus Shale drilling. The three-year-long study recommends that Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling be permitted provided that stringent comprehensive best practices are followed.

The draft Final Report – required by Governor Martin O’Malley’s Executive Order establishing the Marcellus Shale Safe Drilling Initiative – concludes that the risks of Marcellus shale development can be managed to an acceptable level, similar to other industrial activities, provided that the State rigorously inspects sites and enforces compliance with applicable regulations and stands prepared to adjust policies and regulations as needed in the future. The report recommends best management practices that, taken as a whole, are at least as stringent, if not more stringent, than those required anywhere else in the nation.

“After three years of exhaustive study, we’ve compiled what many believe to be the gold standard for best management practices in the country,” said Governor O’Malley. “We’re committed to ensuring that Marylanders have access to the economic opportunities associated with fracking while also putting the most complete practices into place to ensure the highest level of protection for Maryland residents.”

“This report strikes the right balance, ensuring that Allegany and Garrett counties realize the economic benefits of fracking without sacrificing public health, the environment or the vibrant tourist economy of Western Maryland,” said MDE Secretary Robert M. Summers.  “With these highly protective standards, and working with local governments to maximize investment opportunities and review Comprehensive Gas Development Plans, Maryland is better positioned to manage this new frontier in energy development.”

 

Read More Here:  http://news.maryland.gov/mde/2014/11/25/md-report-recommends-permitting-marcellus-shale-development-under-health-environmental-safety-rules/

Area ski resorts open for winter season

Wisp, Seven Springs, Ski Roundtop, and Ski Liberty and Whitetail all opened Friday.

The people who run the ski resorts said the extreme cold and the combination of natural and man-made snow helps them create and maintain a solid snow base.

“The day after Thanksgiving is great for us, and we’ve done it two years in a row, so we’re really happy about that,” said Roundtop Mountain Resort spokesman Chris Dudding. “This probably happens once every five or six years, so having it happen two years in a row is great.”

The parking lot at Pennsylvania’s Ski Roundtop was packed Friday.

 

Read More Here:  http://www.wbaltv.com/news/area-ski-resorts-open-for-winter-season/29970698

Firearm deer season opens in Maryland

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Maryland’s two-week firearm deer season opens today as more than 40,000 hunters are expected head into the woods and get situated in tree stands across the state.

“This is our Super Bowl of deer seasons,” said Brian Eyler, deer project leader for the Wildlife and Heritage Service of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. “We’ll harvest in these two weeks probably about a third of our total deer harvest for the year. It’s still the main event.”

 

Read More Here:  http://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/local/firearm-deer-season-opens-today/article_1dde7ca1-ea81-5fdc-897c-f43627fa645d.html

Snow hampers holiday travel in Maryland

Photo: Living in a Winter Wonderland today @ Deep Creek Lake! Plus a little Snowbird just told us that Wisp will be opening on Friday!! Not to late for a last minute Snow Holiday getaway! 1-866-351-1119!
Posted: Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014

HAGERSTOWN, Md. A snowfall of up to 7 inches across central and western Maryland is making travel difficult on the day before Thanksgiving.

Police reported minor accidents on slippery roads Wednesday in Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett counties.

The National Weather Service says 7 inches of snow were reported near Mountain Lake Park in Garrett County. Other snowfall amounts included 3 inches in the Harford County community of Jarrettsville and 2.5 in Carroll County near Manchester.

Fracking moves forward

A week ago, a failed switch in a home along the shores of Deep Creek Lake caused 1,700 gallons of raw sewage to accidentally spill into the water, enough that health officials had to monitor local water quality and post warning signs nearby after the cleanup. The episode was uncommon, but it demonstrated how much the Garrett County resort area depends on pristine water not only at Deep Creek but at the wild and scenic Youghiogheny River, which is considered one of the Mid-Atlantic’s best spots for kayaking.

Ready, set, go: Cyber Monday travel deals

Practically everybody knows that Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is when folks can score some of the season’s best prices on items like electronics and fashion. Now savvy travelers have discovered that they too can land sensational deals if they wait just a few days later, for Cyber Monday, held this year on Dec.1.

Of course, there are countless travel websites broadcasting great deals every day. So, are Cyber Monday deals really that extraordinary by comparison?

“Yes, I can say absolutely,” says Robert Firpo-Cappiello, editor in chief of Budget Travel magazine. “Last year we saw Starwood Hotels [including the W, Westin and Sheraton brands] offering all of its Caribbean hotels for 50 percent off, and Liftopia [a ski website] held a week-long sale offering 75 percent off lift tickets at 120 ski resorts.”

For More Information:  http://www.baltimoresun.com/travel/bs-tr-cyber-monday-deals-1123-20141119-story.html#page=2

 

Residents hope that newly elected commissioners will reconsider maintenance of Overlook Pass

Posted: Wednesday, November 19, 2014 3:42 pm

ELAINE BLAISDELL TIMES-NEWS STAFF WRITER The Cumberland Times-News

MCHENRY — The current Garrett County commissioners are not planning on maintaining Overlook Pass and Judy Pitman of High Line Property Owners Association is hopeful the newly elected commissioners will reconsider the decision not to maintain the road and will make it a priority.

Commissioner-elect Paul Edwards indicated that he is aware of the issues with Overlook Pass but declined to comment on the matter until he is officially sworn in. Attempts to contact Commissioners-elect Larry Tichnell and Jim Hinebaugh on Wednesday were unsuccessful.

“With Thanksgiving next week and rentals and homeowners having to use this road, it is of great concern that the county will not maintain it,” said Pitman. “There are rental and sales agencies that are contacting the incoming commissioners and having meetings on this issue.”