PO Box 816 McHenry, MD 21541
August 4, 2015
Secretary Mark J. Belton
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Dear Secretary Belton,
The Board of Directors of the Property Owners’ Association of Deep Creek Lake, Inc., (POA) has serious concerns about the pending purchase by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) of the property in the Turkey Neck area of Deep Creek Lake (DCL). The Board respectfully requests that the DNR suspend plans to purchase that property until it addresses these concerns, in conjunction with the Turkey Neck community, and determines whether this particular site is appropriate for public access.
The POA fully supports the state’s desire for increased public access to DCL as well as Garrett County’s goal, as contained in the 2008 Garrett County Comprehensive Plan, to provide for greater public access to Deep Creek Lake. We recognize that the lake is owned by the State of Maryland, is supported by taxpayers, and should be available to the entire community of Garrett County as well as visitors to the area so all may share in the enjoyment of recreational activities on and around the lake.
However, the POA Board has significant process as well as public health and safety questions about the proposed public access at the Turkey Neck site. We note that this site was not included in the county’s 2008 Comprehensive Plan. We also note that the sites that are included in that Plan are in commercial areas of the lake easily accessible by state and county roads that are frequently traversed.
The POA’s questions and concerns are as follow:
1. Why is the DNR committing over $1 million of taxpayers’ money to purchase the Turkey Neck site when the state already owns sites listed in the 2008 Comprehensive Plan that are recommended for the same type of public access as the Turkey Neck site? Why is the DNR committing over $1 million dollars before conducting a feasibility study to determine and address public health and safety issues that are unique to this particular site?
2. Why is the DNR purchasing the Turkey Neck site for public access in the remote and residential southern end of the lake when the other areas contained in the 2008 Comprehensive Plan are located in more commercial areas easily accessible for the public from U.S. Rt. 219 and nearby roadways?
3. Why is the DNR purchasing the Turkey Neck property for public access in this part of the southern end of the lake which does not contain public sewer or water? How does the DNR plan to address the need for public sanitation and trash removal on the Turkey Neck site?
4. Why is the DNR purchasing the Turkey Neck property that is only accessible by land from two roadways that traverse residential neighborhoods of the lake? How does the DNR plan to address the public safety issues raised by traversing residential neighborhoods, and particularly access over Yacht Club Road which is a narrow, dead-end roadway?
5. How does the DNR plan to manage the proposed Turkey Neck site? Will there be a full-time Ranger on duty at the site? What are the proposed hours of operation and how will those hours be enforced? Will “roof-top” boats and fishing gear launched at the site be inspected for AIS as boats are at the state park launch facility and other sites?
We realize the normal process DNR employs for land purchases does not include detailed planning for site use until after it is purchased. We believe, however, that enough important questions have been raised such that they should be studied and answered prior to finalizing the purchase. If for no other reason, DNR should consider whether the problems raised have solutions and, if so, what the potential costs involved may be.
Should you and/or appropriate representatives of your staff be interested in touring the land side of the property in question during your visit planned for August 10th and 11th, we would be pleased to assist in such a familiarization visit.
We appreciate any consideration you and your staff give to the questions above and our concerns in general.
Very Respectfully,
Bob Hoffmann
President
Cc: Governor Larry Hogan, c/o Jeannie Riccio, Director Intergovernmental Affairs
Senator George Edwards
Delegate Wendell Beitzel
Assistant Secretary Daryl Anthony
Director Bruce Michael
Garrett County Commissioners c/o Kevin Null, County Administrator
Director Debbie Carpenter
Chairman David Z. Myerberg
Manager Eric Null
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