(6/1) County Calls For Applications For Critical Farms Program
The Frederick Agricultural Land Preservation Program has opened up an application cycle for the Frederick County Critical Farms program. The Critical Farms program assists full-time farmers in purchasing farmland and also works to preserve the land.
Since the Critical Farms program began in 1994, it has assisted 60 farmers in acquiring farms and preserved more than 8,400 acres of farmland.
The program was created to help farmers compete with non-farmer buyers who oftentimes have resources not available to farmers and therefore are in a more competitive position to buy farmland. Through the program, the County pays the farm buyers for an option to acquire an easement. The option agreement requires the new farm owner to apply to either the state easement program and/or other governmental land preservation programs for a period of five years.
In order to apply, applicants must have a ratified contract of sale on a farm that meets the program’s minimum criteria. Interested applicants should contract Land Preservation Planner II Shannon O’Neil at 301-600-1411 or via email at SONeil@FrederickCountyMD.gov by Thursday, June 1.
Critical Farms is one of several agricultural preservation programs managed by the Frederick County Division of Planning and Permitting. Together, the programs have preserved over 75,000 acres of farmland, of which 71,315 acres have been permanently preserved.
Frederick County Recognized for Success of Reforestation Work
the Division of Energy and Environment (DEE) has received Maryland's People Loving and Nurturing Trees (PLANT) Award. The award is issued by The Maryland Association of District Forestry Boards in partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Their PLANT Award program annually recognizes communities that prioritize and actively care for their trees and are committed to improving their forested areas' overall health and sustainability. Frederick County has achieved "Green" status, the program’s highest award level, which acknowledges the County’s sustained commitment to forest conservation.
The DEE's Department of Stormwater implements multiple projects and programs to increase forested land in Frederick County. Since 2018, they have planted over 161,000 trees and reforested more than 584 acres. Trees planted include species such as Northern Red Oak, Persimmon, Sugar Maple, Redbud, American Plum, Bald Cypress, Black Walnut, Sycamore, and River Birch, among other native plants that will benefit the local environment and create or improve wildlife habitat.
Increasing the number of trees in our community provides many tangible benefits and is part of Frederick County's work to combat climate change and protect the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and pollutants from the atmosphere, prevent soil erosion, help moderate extreme temperature fluctuations, increase biodiversity, reduce stormwater runoff, and improve water quality. Trees and forests also provide a range of economic benefits, from timber products to local tourism.
"We are honored to receive this recognition from the State of Maryland," said Project Manager Linda Williamson. "The Creek ReLeaf program has a tremendous positive impact on our watershed today, and its benefits will last for future generations. It is wonderful to have that success acknowledged, and we are excited to continue to grow our work- and our forests!"
National Arbor Day is celebrated each year on the last Friday in April. It is an event that recognizes the importance of trees and the value of planting them to maintain healthy communities. Residents are encouraged to visit the DEE website at www.frederickcountymd.gov/SustainableFCMD to learn more about Creek ReLeaf reforestation and see lists of upcoming community tree planting events, litter cleanups, and other opportunities to participate in environmental programs. Those interested in these projects can also follow the DEE Facebook page and join the community conversation at www.Facebook.com/SustainableFCMD.
County Unveils New Website Design
Visitors to Frederick County Government’s website will see a new design and improved ease of use. The site, FrederickCountyMD.gov, began rolling out a new look mid-day Tuesday. The entire site should reflect the change by the end of the day. The new design features larger images, a high-contrast background, and quick links that reflect the most commonly visited pages. New calendars on the home page will help residents find upcoming meetings and broadcasts.
"I am excited to launch the new website," County Executive Jessica Fitzwater said. "Thousands of people use the site each day, and this redesign should make it easier for them to find the information they need. The Transition Team recommended an overhaul of the site to be more constituent-focused, and that is exactly what we’ve done."
Frederick County Government’s website is responsively designed so people viewing on mobile devices can easily find content. There is a pop-up chat option that answers common questions, as well as links to FCG FixIt, the County’s constituent services app for reporting issues, asking questions, or submitting compliments. Three new Government Happenings calendars feature meeting information for County Council sessions, boards and commission meetings, and FCG TV programming. A Google Translate button can be found on each page of the site. CivicPlus hosts Frederick County’s site. The company worked with Frederick County’s Interagency Information Technology Division, the Office of Communications and Public Engagement, and representatives from each division to overhaul the website.
Frederick County Announces Drone Show for 275th Jubilee
The Frederick County 275th Planning Committee announced that they will have an official grand finale to include Frederick County’s first-ever synchronized drone show at their upcoming jubilee on June 10th.
Sky Elements, of Dallas, Texas, will illuminate the night’s sky over Utica District Park. The show will feature 150 drones, customized from 10 key categories: Agriculture, Business and Economy, Changing Communities, Education, Foundations (History), Government, Great Outdoors, Looking Forward (Today & Tomorrow), Tourism, and Transportation.
The drone show will begin at 9:20 p.m. and will run for approximately 15 minutes. The show viewing area will be located by the main stage. In the event of severe weather, only the drone portion of the event will be rescheduled to the following day, June 11, at the same time.
Frederick County’s 275th Anniversary Jubilee is being held June 10, from 3 to 10 p.m. at Utica District Park, rain or shine. The free event includes something for everyone—families, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday.
Additional event details including the schedule of events, an event map, and more information about Frederick County’s 275th Jubilee will be updated to frederickcountymd.gov/275jubilee.
Application Period For Annual Sustainability Awards Now Open
The Frederick County Sustainability Commission is now accepting nominations for its annual Sustainability Awards program, which recognizes individuals and organizations who have demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship. The application period is open through June 30.
The volunteer members of the Sustainability Commission provide a community-based perspective to Frederick County Government on sustainability-related issues. The Commission works to ensure that the natural environment’s importance and relevance are recognized so that Frederick County will continue to prosper as a healthy, abundant, affordable, and inspiring place to live and work. To that end, their Sustainability Awards recognize the efforts of those who have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to environmentally-sound practices.
Applicants include individuals, students, businesses, and non-profit organizations that have significantly contributed to Frederick County's sustainability initiatives. Examples of outstanding efforts include but are not limited to, implementing energy efficiency programs, encouraging the use of renewable energy, improving air and water quality, conserving resources and recycling, enhancing natural habitats, and other actions that help the community "go green." The Commission reviews all applications; winners will be announced later this year and acknowledged in a special event.
Those interested in the awards program can find more information and online applications on the Frederick County Government website: www.frederickcountymd.gov. More information can also be obtained by contacting Lindsey Humphrey at 240-772-0390 or by email at LHumphrey@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
Frederick County Earns 3 AAA Bond Ratings
Frederick County has earned AAA bond ratings from all three major bond rating agencies, County Executive Jessica Fitzwater announced. Fitch, Moody’s, and Standard & Poor’s each reaffirmed the county at the highest possible ratings based on the county’s very strong fiscal governance and policies.
"We can be proud that Frederick County is recognized among the best in the nation when it comes to managing tax dollars," County Executive Fitzwater said. "By establishing financial policies, and following those policies, we earn high ratings, which allow us to continue building schools and other important infrastructure."
Frederick County is one of only 52 counties in the nation to earn AAA bond ratings from all three bond rating agencies. Similar to how a consumer’s high credit score allows them to borrow money for loans or mortgages at lower interest rates, bond ratings allow Frederick County to pay lower interest rates on the construction of schools, roads, libraries, parks, and more.
Fitzwater and key Frederick County Government leaders met last month with credit analysts from all three rating agencies in New York City to review the county’s financial reserve policies, fiscal management, and policies and procedures to address climate change, cybersecurity and other critical needs.
In their reports, the rating agencies highlighted Frederick County’s "strong operating performance," noting that the County Government benefits from "strong financial management." Analysts also commented on the county’s "healthy financial position," its growing biotech industry, and financial resilience, low overall debt, and its "healthy operating surpluses and solid, stable reserves."
Executive Fitzwater expressed her appreciation to county employees who work hard every day to ensure taxpayer dollars are well managed. "Our people are our greatest asset," she said.
For additional information, contact Division of Finance Director Erin White at 301-600-1193 or via e-mail at EWhite@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
