serve . But , the Ag Stakeholders and their allies , including over 60 civic , faith , and business groups , are backing the Conditional Use compromise , because they believe it ’ s right to enable some large-scale solar arrays in the Reserve , so long as the County protects productive soils , and provided it redoubles efforts for ‘ Smart on Solar ’ priority locations at parking lots and other urban and brownfield sites .
From a bird ’ s eye view , a bigger question is : What ’ s the highest and best use of the Ag Reserve over the next fifty years , in our climate response and program for local food justice , including through Regenerative Agriculture that improves soil health and carbon storage ? We are beginning to model “ Regen Ag ”
farming here , including in Dickerson at Linden Farm , where SCA is partnering with the County to support a regenerative farmer doing rotational grazing on 90 acres ; another 50 acres is planned in the same area for a separate project . On January 26 , 2021 , the Montgomery County Council took a straw vote on the “ Conditional Use compromise ” proposal . It was tendered by the Ag Stakeholders and introduced by Councilmember Rice . The Rice Amendment , along with those offered by Councilmember Friedson to protect Class II productive soils , and Councilmember Jawando to have a review in two years of the solar industry ’ s economic and environmental impact in the Reserve , all gained
majority support that included councilmembers Katz , Navarro , and Albornoz .
Update : In the final council vote on February 23 , 2021 , a 7-2 majority including Councilmember Glass approved ZTA 20-01 , to allow solar facilities in the Ag Reserve subject to Conditional Use , Class II soil protection , and the two-year impact review and report .
Diane Cameron is a conservation advocate in Montgomery County , based in Kensington . She works to help grassroots leaders and local residents protect and improve their neighborhoods and watersheds , including the parks , forests , streams and farmlands that make Montgomery County a healthy and beautiful place to live .
Open June through October Online sales year round Facebook . com / pleasantvalleyproduce
Selling our famous sweet corn picked fresh daily , locally raised beef and pork , other fresh local produce and goods .
Bulk beef available for sale .
Pleasantvalleyfarmmd . com • 22201 Laytonsville Rd • Laytonsville MD 20882 • 301-606-8854
48 plenty I Spring sowing 2021