A public information hearing, requested by the Youghiogheny River Watershed Association, will be held by the Maryland Department of Environment Wednesday, May 10, 3:00 PM, at the Garrett College auditorium.

This petition will be presented to MDE at the hearing so those unable to attend will have their input heard by MDE.

Whether you are a Garrett County resident or a visitor, please sign this petition opposing Garrett County government's application to withdraw water from Hoyes Run -- a small sub-watershed in the Deep Creek Lake watershed -- and the Run feeds into the Youghiogheny River.

The Garrett County government is requesting a water withdrawal permit to provide water to the proposed new hotel at the WISP and to a planned expansion of residences on the mountain of an additional 70 houses, and upwards of 1,100 residences at full build-out. The option the County has applied for would likely result in de-watering Hoyes Run, damage the stream, and potentially dry the water wells of residences now in the watershed. This water withdrawal is only a short-term solution for providing water to the development. The County proposes flow monitors for 5 years to see if a back-up plan is needed. The back-up plan is the best option now, not 5 years from now, after the damage is done. Short-term planning and trying to go with the lowest-cost option to serve the developer does not serve anyone well.

Additional technical information is available at: http://www.savehoyesrun.org