Agricultural and Rural Zone issues
Agricultural Reserve Area
Agricultural and Rural Zone issues. The western portion of the Ten Mile Creek watershed is part of the 93,000-acre Agricultural Reserve, “the country’s most successful farmland preservation program,” established in 1980. Much of the eastern portion of the Ten Mile Creek watershed is in “rural zoning,” intended to preserve agriculture and protect scenic and environmentally sensitive areas in the County. FOTMC members have written letters and testified on critical issues, such as prohibiting industrial solar on farmland; advocating for strict regulation of the siting and operation of data centers that would threaten the Ag Reserve’s forests, farms, open space, and ground water; and limiting agrotourism activities that could strain the Ag Reserve’s sole-source aquifer and lead to commercialization that overshadows the core farming purpose. Whether in the areas zoned Agricultural or Rural, FOTMC will continue to support preservation of farmland for agricultural purposes; protect forests, fields, and streams from overdevelopment; and guard the sole source aquifer against depletion and degradation. On a more celebratory note, annually in September, FOTMC joins with many other organizations on September 20 to table at Poolesville Day, a Poolesville tradition celebrating community, fun, education and entertainment. This is an opportunity to showcase our remarkable Ten Mile Creek Watershed and attract new members and volunteers.
