Public-Private Partnership to Prevent Invasive Species at Deep Creek

Maryland Natural Resources, Deep Creek Watershed Foundation and Brookfield Renewable Partner

An initiative was announced today to assist with efforts in keeping the troublesome invasive species known as zebra mussels out of Deep Creek Lake.

The unique partnership between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Deep Creek Watershed Foundation and Brookfield Renewable will bring forward a robust zebra mussel monitoring plan, which will utilize a combination of water quality sampling to assess zebra mussel suitability and visual surveys to look for the possible presence of zebra mussels at Deep Creek Lake.

Maryland Natural Resources staff are coordinating and overseeing the monitoring program, which began in the spring and will run through the fall. Zebra mussels were identified on two boats through the department’s Launch Steward Program designed to inspect boats for potential invasive species before they enter the lake in 2016 and 2017. No zebra mussels have been identified in Deep Creek Lake.

“The Deep Creek Lake zebra mussel monitoring project is a unique partnership that will enhance our efforts to evaluate and protect the lake from a potential invasive species threat,” Resource Assessment Service Director Bruce Michael said. “Monitoring and assessing all aspects of the lake, from water quality and habitat conditions to submerged aquatic vegetation and fish are integral in understanding one of Maryland’s most treasured resources.”

John McVaigh, Director of Operations for Brookfield Renewable said, “When we were approached by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources about the opportunity to assist in their preventative initiative, we saw it as an innovative, proactive effort to curtail this problematic invasive before it can wreak havoc on the lake and its ecosystem. We look forward to working together to ensure the continued sustainability and vibrancy of Deep Creek.”

David Myerberg, President of the Board of the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation said, “This is the kind of opportunity that our foundation supports in line with the Deep Creek Watershed Management Plan, and we thank the Department of Natural Resources and Brookfield for joining us to preserve and protect the watershed for posterity.”’

How this program proceeds is dependent on a variety of factors, most notably, the outcome and results of the visual surveys and water quality sampling.