For Immediate Release: Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Capacity crowd attends meeting on
Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve
Video summary now available of event organized by
Councilmember Craig Rice to address program
that preserves almost one-third of County land
ROCKVILLE, Md., October 11, 2016—A capacity crowd turned out on Monday, Oct. 10, at The Universities at Shady Grove for a special informational meeting about Montgomery County’s unique “Agricultural Reserve.” The event was organized by Montgomery County Councilmember Craig Rice, who represents Council District 2 that includes most of the Agricultural Reserve. The meeting addressed details about the large area of protected land, discussed why it was created and why it is so important to all residents in the County.
A video summary of the event created by County Cable Montgomery reporter-producer Susan Kenedy and videographer-editor Mike Springirth. The video, which runs for 3 minutes, is available at https://youtu.be/PmLFMJ3aBOA .
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.
The County’s agricultural programs are overseen by its Office of Agriculture.
# # # # Release ID: 16-315