The Deep Creek Lake Launch Stewards Program was developed in 2014 in response to the increasing threat of aquatic invasive species (AIS) to our waters.   In 2015, a partnership between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (Park Service) and Garrett College’s Natural Resources and Wildlife Technology Program (NRWT) was established that employs students enrolled in the NRWT Program to conduct voluntary inspections of vessels launching at Deep Creek Lake State Park and Rocky Gap State Park.