The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the availability of shoreline erosion control cost-share grant funds through the Maryland Park Service Deep Creek Lake Management Office. This program provides financial assistance for eligible shoreline erosion control projects located on Buffer Strip Use Permit sites.
Eligibility Criteria:
To participate in the cost-share program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- The project must have a valid Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Water and Science Administration Wetlands and Waterways Protection Program Authorization to Proceed form and a Deep Creek Lake NRMA Special Permit.
- All applications must be submitted by April 1, 2026.
- All work below the High Water Mark (elevation 2462’) must be completed by March 1, 2026.
- All required plantings must be completed by April 15, 2026.
- All walls must be inspected and approved by May 1, 2026, to be considered for funding.
- If a wall is inspected and found to have deficiencies, those issues must be corrected and the wall re-inspected and approved by May 15, 2026, to remain eligible for reimbursement.
The completed project must also meet the following specifications:
- Installation of one approved fish habitat structure per 50 feet of shoreline erosion control installed.
- Planting of one native woody plant on the Buffer Strip per 10 feet of shoreline erosion control installed.
- Use of the specified stone and material sizes outlined in the MDE Waterways Obstruction Permit.
- Compliance with all conditions outlined in both the MDE Waterways Permit and the Deep Creek Lake NRMA Special Permit.
Funding Details:
- Cost-share funding will range from $5,000 to $8,000 per project.
- Funding is available for up to 10 qualifying applicants.
- Applicants will be selected based on the severity of vertical shoreline erosion, with priority given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Application Process:
- Submit an Application:
- Complete the shoreline erosion control cost-share application, available from the Lake Management Office (also attached to this email).
- Required Documents:
- Submit the completed application via email to dcl.nrma@maryland.gov, along with the following documents:
- A copy of the shoreline erosion control cost-share application
- A copy of your Deep Creek Lake NRMA Special Permit
- A copy of the Joint Federal/State Application for the Alteration of any Floodplain, Waterway, Tidal or Non-tidal Wetland in Maryland
- A copy of the MDE Water and Science Administration Wetlands and Waterways Protection Program Authorization to Proceed form
- Submit the completed application via email to dcl.nrma@maryland.gov, along with the following documents:
- Inspection:
- Once your application is received, Lake Management staff will inspect the project to determine eligibility.
- Eligibility Confirmation:
- Applicants will receive written confirmation of eligibility following the inspection. If a project does not meet the required criteria, a letter outlining deficiencies will be provided, and applicants will have until May 15, 2026, to address them.
- Final Steps:
- If a wall is inspected and accepted into the grant program, a member of the Lake Management Office team will contact the applicant to request a W-9. A contract will then be drafted and must be signed prior to funding being awarded.
Questions and requests for assistance with completing the application can be emailed to dcl.nrma@maryland.gov.
