Protect the Ag Reserve
Ongoing and new challenges to the environment, farmland, and open space in our area require persistent vigilance.
n Agritourism. Discussions are underway at the state and county level to revisit policies pertaining to non-agricultural activities on farms. One emerging idea is to allow more“ tourism” that may be only weakly or not at all related to agriculture— such as upscale lodging facilities and music. Permitted activities now include: farm stores; tasting rooms; pick-yourown, and animal encounters. SCA is deeply engaged in these discussions, with the priority of protecting farmland and enhancing actual agriculture.
Landscape
Design, Land Planning, and Environmental Consulting
tjaden. design n 301-253-1702 n Laytonsville, MD
Deere Valley Farm
Five generations of farming in the shadow of Sugarloaf Mountain
Farm raised beef, pork and lamb • local chicken products soft serve ice cream • raw milk artisan cheeses • dairy products local baked goods • local honey, spices and sauces
please check our website for current hours
n Solar installations on farms. A new state law— The Renewable Energy Certainty Act— aims to significantly expand solar energy generation in Maryland. It does that, in part, by giving solar companies easier access to farmland. The law went into effect July 1. Half a dozen Ag Reserve landowners have already inquired about putting ground-based solar arrays on their land. We’ re watching closely.
n Waste management. Montgomery County’ s plans to overhaul its waste disposal and recycling systems over the next decade are moving forward. The county is issuing a request for proposals this fall to truck most of its garbage to well-managed and environmentally sound landfills instead of burning it at the aging incinerator in Dickerson. The incinerator is the county’ s single largest source of pollution and greenhouse gases. We continue to advocate for its closure as soon as possible.
You can read about these issues and more on SCA’ s website.
Other SCA initiatives
4 Monitoring a proposal for a data center and battery storage facility in Dickerson 4 Promoting regenerative agriculture to improve soil quality 4 Preventing development near Sugarloaf Mountain 4 Tracking energy infrastructure projects that threaten farmland
Help us advocate on behalf of the Ag Reserve. Consider becoming an SCA member and supporter. For more information, visit sugarloafcitizens. org or email us at info @ sugarloafcitizens. org www. deerevalleyfarms. com 22919 Dickerson Rd • Dickerson, MD 20842 farm office: 301-349-4020 • market: 301.349.2510
SUGARLOAF CITIZENS ASSOCIATION P. O. BOX 218, DICKERSON, MD 20842