For Immediate Release: Wednesday, October 5, 2016
County Councilmember Craig Rice to host
County-wide meeting to provide details
on Montgomery Agricultural Reserve
On Monday, Oct. 10, at The Universities at Shady Grove,
residents can learn more about this unique program that
preserves almost one-third of the County’s overall land
ROCKVILLE, Md., October 5, 2016—Montgomery County Councilmember Craig Rice, who represents Council District 2 that includes most of the County’s unique Agricultural Reserve, thinks that while County residents may know that there is a large area of protected land, they may not know why it was created and why it is so important to all residents in the County. To help answer questions about the Agricultural Reserve, Councilmember Rice is inviting residents to attend the meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 10, at The Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville.
The meeting will be held in Building II of The Universities at Shady Grove, which is located at 9630 Gudelsky Drive in Rockville.
In 1980, the County Council made one of the most significant land-use decisions in County history by creating the Agricultural Reserve. Heralded as one of the best examples of land conservation policies in the nation, the Agricultural Reserve encompasses 93,000 acres—almost a third of the County’s land resources—along the County’s northern, western and eastern borders. It is home to 540 farms and 350 horticultural enterprises that contribute nearly $287 million to the County’s economy each year. Montgomery County’s sustained commitment to agriculture is notable given its proximity to the nation’s capital and ongoing pressure for development.
“Montgomery County has a many things that make it a great place to live, but nothing is more special than our commitment to the Agricultural Reserve, a unique and important working agricultural landscape so close to Washington D.C.,’” said Councilmember Rice. “While some may view it as open space, it is so much more than that. It is important that residents get to know the Agricultural Reserve as the economic engine it is. We need to support and protect it.”
The Agricultural Reserve offers much to County residents including pick-your-own fruit farms, a lavender farm, a winery, bike routes and pastoral scenic vistas. The Reserve also represents a historic landscape as well as a resource that protects the public water supply and provides access to green open spaces.
The County’s agricultural programs are overseen by its Office of Agriculture.
For more information about the community meeting about the Agricultural Reserve, contact Councilmember Rice’s office at 240-777-7955 or councilmember.rice@montgomerycountymd.gov .
# # # #
Release ID: 16-302