Update 7.26 - Important statement from Rocklands' Winery noting some concerns with the ZTA and correcting inaccurate statement made at PHED Committee regarding the number of wedding guests at their weddings. You asked, we answered - why is this such a big deal?

Update 7.16 - Action Needed on Proposed ZTA for Alcohol Production (ZTA 18-03) Take action by hearing on 7.20! 

When MCA was made aware of a significant proposed zoning code change that would affect Montgomery County's nationally regarded Ag Reserve and all rural residential zones by broadening provisions for alcohol production facilities and associated large scale commercial event venues on as little as 5 acres... we brought broad community concerns and recommended amendments to Council members and staff. We offered ideas and sought discussion on how the uses might be reviewed and conditioned to ensure balance, safety and equity. Certainly, we thought, the bill's author, Hans Riemer and committee members would work to ensure that alcohol production/event venues be permitted in appropriate scale with family farms, rural communities, and other stakeholders. Right? Not so much as clearly evidenced prior to and at the Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee (PHED) meeting, chaired by Nancy Floreen. The PHED Committee paid little or no heed to their own staff attorney's recommendations to properly scale this zoning provision. 
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Our proposed amendments are based on  discussions with stakeholders including farmers, rural residents, local wineries and breweries, land use planners including Ag Reserve architect Royce Hanson, County residents who recreate and do farm commerce in the Reserve, preservationists, environmentalists... And with exception of two small technical provisions... there was not a single word uttered at the Council Committee acknowledging community/stakeholder concerns or input regarding the scale and intensity of the non-agricultural commercial event provisions. Reference was made to farmers who rightly noted that the zoning does not properly tie farm breweries to farming but even that discussion did not reference suggestions (including MCA's) on how to ensure that these are truly agricultural and accessory to agricultural uses.

With care, advancing new opportunities in both the Reserve and lower density rural residential communities can achieve economic, environmental and community/cultural benefits. The Master Plan for Agriculture and Open Space Preservation (AROS) was designed with flexibility, acknowledging the evolving nature of agriculture, allowing for revisions and additions. However, those changes must conform to the primary purpose of the plan, adhere to environmental protection goals, and be “consistent with historical character and community lifestyles in rural settlements.” AROS p. 71

Please click above to see details, including text of bills and staff reports. Though frustrated in our efforts thus far, we remain eager to work with the Council bill sponsors to help better this ZTA.

Your Email – Please personalize - Do you farm, buy farm goods, recreate, live in the areas affected? Share with others. Please send in emails by July 20 before next committee meeting! Your action is much appreciated!
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Subject line: ZTA 18-03 - Amendments Needed!


Dear PHED Committee Members and Councilmembers,

I support the continued careful stewardship of our County’s rural and agricultural land and communities. In keeping with that goal, I am writing to ask that you take the following action:

Amend ZTA 18-03 to address concerns that the zoning change support the goals of the County's master plan to protect agriculture, rural communities and natural resources. I support the amendments proposed by Montgomery Countryside Alliance and their partners which include requiring that the facilities be directly tied to agriculture on the property, operate in a scale in balance with other farming activities and rural communities and that road safety is maintained. Larger facilities should be afforded review under the County's conditional use approval process.

I support the collaborative efforts of Montgomery Countryside Alliance and partners in working toward legislative amendments that will ensure that zoning changes are supportive of our master plans, environmental protection, and will advance a vital and diverse agricultural and rural economy.

Let's not rush with zoning changes like this. Let's get this right!


Sincerely,
<your name here>

The McKee Beshers sunflowers are in bloom! Come on out!

​More info from the DNR


Located on River Road in Western Montgomery County, McKee-Beshers WMA is a 2,000-acre tract in a mixture of woodlands, fields, wooded bottomland and managed wetland impoundments (green-tree reservoirs). The WMA shares a common boundary with the National Park Service Chesapeake and Ohio Canal to the south and borders Seneca Creek State Park, a 1,200-acre public hunting area, on the east.

What To SeeMcKee-Beshers WMA provides habitat for a great diversity of wildlife species including deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, over 200 species of songbirds, and numerous reptiles and amphibians. Biologists deliberately flood forests during the fall and winter in "greentree reservoirs." These attract colorful wood ducks as well as other waterfowl which migrate through or spend the winter here.
What To DoHikers will find trails for miles and miles, meandering through the forests, fields and wetlands. The C&O Canal and trail actually border the area. From here, you can hike or bicycle east all the way to Washington, D.C. or west as far as Cumberland. Hunters enjoy the pursuit of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, woodcock, squirrels, waterfowl and many other species.
Area Regulations

• Use of McKee-Beshers WMA is permitted seven days a week throughout the year.
• Hunting is allowed in accordance with statewide open season dates, bag limits and shooting hours, unless otherwise noted.
• McKee- Beshers WMA is a public hunting area. No permit is required.
• All State and Federal Hunting Laws and Regulations are applicable.
• Trapping is by permit only.
• Dove hunting in specific designated fields is restricted to certain days and shooting hours.
• No motorized vehicles are allowed.
• Vehicle access is via marked parking areas located on River Road, Hunting Quarter Road and Sycamore Landing Road.
• Access to Maddux Island is by boat only. Launch from boat ramp on Rileys Lock Road into Seneca Creek or put in at the end of Sycamore Landing Road at the C&O Canal.

Non-Hunting Users

• Roads are maintained and suitable for hiking, nature photography, birding, hunting and other recreational activities. 
• Visitors to the management area should be aware of biting insects, mosquitoes and ticks from April-December. 
• Area is wet most of the year, wear appropriate footwear.

Special Areas

• There are two specific dove management areas that are open to the public for hunting with certain restrictions that apply.
• Specific areas are set aside for dog training. A Retriever Dog Training Permit is required if releasing live birds.
• Green-tree reservoir impoundments totaling approximately 160 acres are managed for waterfowl. Chest waders recommended.
• Maddux Island (Van Deventer Island) in the Potomac River is part of the WMA. This 170 acre island is accessible by boat only.
• For information on organized field trial events contact the Gwynnbrook Wildlife Office at 410-356-9272.

Site Management Practices

• Approximately 200 acres of field are managed under an agricultural lease for crop production.
• Certain fields are planted with crops to provide winter food for upland wildlife species.
• Green-tree reservoirs and other wetland impoundments have been created and water levels are manipulated to provide habitat for waterfowl, wading birds and furbearers.
• Several fields have been planted to native warm season grasses, cool season grasses or have been left fallow to provide habitat for ground nesting wildlife species and brood habitat for wild turkeys.

DirectionsFrom the Capital Beltway, take Exit 39 (River Road) west toward Potomac. Proceed for approximately 11 miles to the intersection of River Road and MD 112, Seneca Road. Turn left and continue on River Road for about 2 1/2 miles. McKee-Beshers will be on your left as you head west on River Road. For additional information, contact the Gwynnbrook Work Center at (410) 356-9272.