Some Updates and an Action Item

Agritourism Dialogue Advances

More wineries, breweries and distilleries? Large “wedding farms?” A combination retired horse and music-venue farm? These are just a few of the issues that have resurfaced labeled as “agritourism” in the Ag Reserve. Along with three other groups, we released a position statement this month on agritourism in the Ag Reserve. It’s recommended reading if you care about where this renewed debate is headed. Two committees of the County Council had a work session on the issue on Nov. 12. The state issued a report in mid-October. And a court hearing in Rockville on Nov. 18 on Honey Acres (the horse-music farm) could be an important milestone.

Montgomery County’s Waste Management Plans

Landfill proposals are due in this month, in response to a County request for proposal. Our negotiations continue with the County around food scrap composting in Dickerson. We recently posted an updated piece on where the County’s efforts stand now. And stay tuned for a date on which a public meeting will be held, with County officials presenting their plans.

Synthetic Turf Fields at Poolesville High School

We heard about this in the last few days. Some County officials are pushing synthetic turf fields at certain schools, including Poolesville High School. The County’s Board of Education will vote on the proposal on Nov. 20th.

Artificial turf is known to leach harmful PFAS and other chemicals into local wells. The turf is banned in New York State and some cities in Massachusetts and California. PFAS coats the skin of athletes when they play. It’s also been linked to a larger risk of injuries.

You can read more about this and take action on this Action Network page sponsored by Montgomery Countryside Alliance.

The Climate Mobilization Group—Montgomery County Climate Webinar

The MoCo Climate Mobilization group is planning a webinar on Thursday, Dec 4, 7:30–8:30 pm to discuss the proposed Terra Energy Data Center in Dickerson, MD. Caroline Taylor will be leading the discussion. Discussion will address these and other issues, followed by a Q&A session:

• What are Data Centers?

• What is the status of the data center development in Montgomery County?

• What are the potential benefits and drawbacks for residents?

• How will the County decide about moving forward?

Questions? Please contact: montgomerycountyTCM@gmail.com

Pause in our Open Board Meetings

Back in the summer we told you our Board Meetings would be opened to visitors and dialogue 6 months a year, for 30 min at the beginning of the meeting. Meetings are usually held on the first Monday of every month. We’ve had two such meaningful sessions to date but now have to pause the program until February 2026. Apologies. Please know you can reach us anytime at info@sugarloafcitizens.org You can also comment anytime on issue briefs on our website.

Brisk Walks, on Horse Back or Walking

Kudos again to Montgomery County, the Montgomery County Parks Foundation, and an advocacy group of County residents for creating the Royce Hanson Conservation Park at Broad Run in Dickerson. The 475-acre park is now open for…well, not business, but pure pleasure.

With trails and recreational opportunities for hikers, cyclists, and equestrians, there’s something for everyone. See more and donate here to help build programs at the park.