Feeling the heat at Deep Creek Lake

This summer's blistering heat apparently has left no corner of Maryland untouched, even the coolest one. A two-week fish kill at Deep Creek Lake is being linked to unusually warm water temperatures stressing the fish, making them vulnerable to infection.

Though the die-off appears to be weather-related, I reported in The Baltimore Sun today (Aug. 6) that it's prompting some residents and others to suggest it's time to take a closer look at how the lake is faring as more vacation and retirement homes pop up along its 65-mile shoreline, and more boats crowd onto its 3,900 acres of water.

Even those most worried say they still love the place, but are concerned it may be starting to show some wear and tear from too much love.

Friends of Deep Creek Lake has organized a forum from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday (Aug. 7) at Garrett 8 Cinemas on US 219.

Scientists are expected to be on hand to discuss plans to do a "report card" on the lake, similar to the ones done annually for the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. There's also supposed to be a discussion of submerged aquatic grasses in the lake, of possibly dredging some shallow coves and of how much the lake's water is affected by phosphorus from farm and lawn fertilizer, soil erosion and other sources.

What's your take on the lake? When was the last time you were there?

(Baltimore Sun photos by Barbara Haddock Taylor)

Feeling the heat at Deep Creek Lake

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