Boat use focus of Deep Creek study JO DONALDSON Times-News Staff Writer SWANTON -- What steps can be taken if too many boats start using Deep Creek Lake? That was one question asked at Monday's meeting of the Deep Creek Lake Policy and Review Board as members made suggestions for a study of the lake during the next two years. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is preparing a request for proposal for the study to see how many boats can use the lake at one time, what types, what other factors affect the enjoyment of boating on the lake and if more regulations will be needed. "We want to be moving by next summer," said Capt. David Street of the study that will be conducted in 2002-03. The department would like to see the study completed by Oct. 3, 2003. The study will include both recreational and commercial uses of the lake, but not the surrounding areas. A 1987-88 study included campgrounds and other information, said lake manager Paul Durham. Board member Fred Thayer suggested the study should give management options for controlling growth if it exceeds the capacity. "This would give us options and consequences. We make the decisions," said member Barry Weinberg, who had previously given Durham a list of suggestions for the study request.  Karen Myers asked that the scope of the study be changed from just boating to surface-water use. The board may be asked to consider issues involving scuba diving, water skiing, swimming, and water taxis to provide transportation to restaurants or stores. Having some information on how these activities affect each other would help. Myers also asked that the study not be weighted toward any specific group. It is important the sampling be random. Maintaining "the quality of the recreational experience," is the whole point of the study, said Myers. "People want to have fun in a safe environment." "Carrying capacity changes with time. It is a very dynamic thing," said Durham, "It is not a magic number. The numbers and uses change over time." Years ago, no one would have predicted the popularity of personal water craft, he said. The board could impose speed limits and restrict certain areas for a specific use, increasing the carrying capacity.  Durham said the study should give an accurate picture of recreational use of the lake. It will include a variety of seasonal uses, fluctuations between weekday and weekend use, and could profile a typical summer week. The study will have more data available than the one in 1987-88, since DNR has been keeping records on the numbers of boats on the lake and parked at docks. "We have a lot of statistical data collected over the years," said Durham. "We are not sure the carrying capacity has been exceeded," said Delegate George Edwards. "But we don't necessarily want to increase the number of boats on the lake." "We want the study done in the best way," said Neal Welch, planner with DNR. Future studies will be done on the lake's water quality and shore erosion, Welch said. The next meeting of the board will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 4 in the Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park.