Important Updates and Action Alert

Campgrounds on farms

The Montgomery County Council in July approved a zoning ordinance that will allow some landowners in the Ag Reserve to create private commercial campgrounds and host overnight guests. Campgrounds can be on working farms only and a property must be at least 25 acres to qualify. See the details in our updated web post here. We’ll be closely monitoring the implementation of this ordinance. 

Solar Installations

Also this summer, proposals for two large-scale solar projects in the Ag Reserve—one in Dickerson and one near Poolesville—have advanced to formal assessment by the state’s Public Service Commission. Together with Montgomery Countryside Alliance, the Montgomery County Farm Bureau, and Montgomery Agricultural Producers, SCA is a participant in this legal process. A decision is forthcoming this fall.

We oppose the projects because they violate a 2021 Montgomery County law that limits solar energy facilities on farmland. Read all the details and background in our updated web post here. 

NOTE:  A public hearing on the Poolesville project is scheduled for Thursday, August 22 at 7 p.m. Anyone can testify, comment, or listen in. See details at the link above.

Sept. 15 “Ride for the Reserve”  

Please join us on Sunday, Sept. 15 for Montgomery Countryside Alliance’s annual bike ride celebrating and supporting the Ag Reserve. It’s a great community event. The ride starts and ends at SCA’s Linden Farm on Martinsburg Road in Dickerson. Lunch will be served post-ride. See details and sign up here.

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