A few weeks ago at a Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Meeting Friendsville Mayor Spencer Schlosnagle and Town Councilman Jesse Whittemore defended the existing summer release schedule on the Upper Youghiogheny River. This past winter the Chamber supported owners of backwater lots on Deep Creek Lake in their efforts to raise the lake level, which would have canceled one-third of the summer releases. Friendsville businesses which are also members, including Wilderness Voyageurs owner Eric Martin, strongly objected to this favoritism. American Whitewater is grateful for the support of the Town and for the expert advocacy of Jess Whittemore and Roger Zbell. Paddlers can show their gratitude by minimizing their impact on residents during the busy 4th of July Weekend.
Friendsville is a small, quiet town of less than 600 people, so several hundred paddlers will quickly overwhelm residential areas. Paddlers have to be increasingly sensitive and respectful. It’s not about what’s strictly legal; it’s about what it takes to be good neighbors to the folks who live here. Please do not take out upstream of the Maple Street Bridge or park cars on either Water Street or Morris Street. Invited guests of residents who live here should park off the street. The area under the Interstate Bridges and in front of the church should not be used for parking, as this increases traffic on Water street and disturbs those who live there. Be totally discrete when changing clothes and avoid blocking traffic in town when carrying or loading boats. Even momentarily blockages annoy local drivers. Loud noise and public drinking is unwelcome, as it is in most municipalities. Let’s work hard to be good neighbors on this and other release weekends.