Meetings focus on ag preservationAgricultural land preservations programs are the topic of meetings this week at local elementary schools. These programs allow landowners to be paid for development rights while retaining ownership of their farms.
Meetings will be at 7 p.m. today at Thurmont Elementary School, Monday at Carroll Manor Elementary, and Tuesday at Middletown Elementary. Earlier meetings were held at Valley and New Midway elementary schools.
Programs to be discussed include:
-- Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation
-- Maryland Rural Legacy Program
-- Frederick County Installment Purchase Program
-- Frederick County Critical Farms Program
Other preservation options include Forest-Banking, the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, Maryland Environmental Trust, Federal Farmland Protection Program and Transportation Enhancement Program Act.
For information, contact program administrator Tim Blaser at 301-600-2513 or tblaser@fredco-md.net, or planner Anne Bradley at 301-600-1474 or abradley@fredco-md.net
Break your fast with the big bunny
Children of all ages are invited to have breakfast with the Easter Bunny from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Walkersville High School.
Children can hunt Easter eggs and then have their picture taken with the furry rabbit.
Tickets, including a photo, cost $7 for adults and $4 for children. The event is sponsored by the Walkersville High School marching band.
Town has rain barrels for a bargain
Middletown -- The town takes conserving water to heart.
Through a partnership with the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin and the Chesapeake Bay Trust, Middletown is selling rain barrels at half price for $45.
The town has 50 barrels to sell, no more than two to a household.
The barrels may be bought at the town office, 31 W. Main St., but they may not be picked up until buyers attend a required workshop about their usage.
A workshop is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 16 at the town office. Buyers may register for other workshops in the county by visiting www.potomacriver.org.
County to appoint sustainability commission
The Frederick County Commissioners will appoint a sustainability commission as a component of the county's environmental sustainability program.
The commission will encourage a commitment to reduced use of nonrenewable energy, water conservation, implementation of green building practices, waste reduction, development of green jobs and protection of the county's agricultural and natural resources.
The 13 commission members will guide development of the county's sustainability plan and encourage community action with regard to sustainable living. Appointees will represent a range of interests, including the nonprofit, academic and private sectors, and must have professional affiliation or expertise in a range of issues.
Appointees must also live in the county and be registered voters. Members will serve for a three-year term and may be reappointed once by the board. The first round of appointees will serve staggered terms. Meetings will be held monthly.
Interested individuals are asked to mail a letter and r?sum? to Joyce Grossnickle, Office of the County Manager, Winchester Hall, 12 E. Church St., Frederick 21701 or e-mail to fcgboards@fredco-md.net. Faxes will not be accepted. For information, call 301-600-1102.
All applications must be received by 4 p.m. April 20.
Hilari Varnadore, director of the Office of Environmental Sustainability, can be reached at 301-600-7414 or via e-mail at hvarnadore@fredco-md.net.
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