Winter 2017 Newsletter

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Solar installation legislation

Several legislative initiatives permitting large solar installations on preserved land, or on land that has yet to be preserved, could literally change our landscape at a very high cost to the environment.

Baltimore County Council is considering a bill that could allow solar installations of up to 40 acres on land that is not preserved by an easement.  Developers would have to apply for a special exception to zoning and abide by certain setbacks and landscape requirements, but could site solar installations on agricultural or open land.

The Maryland House of Delegates is considering a bill that permits solar installations on preserved land, as long as the installation occupies no more than 25% of the land under easement.  An additional Senate bill addresses larger solar installations that would produce more than two megawatts of energy.

Under all these bills, land currently used for farming could be instead used for solar projects. The House bill allows land that has been preserved at taxpayers’ expense to be used for solar installations.  We believe that the issue merits more study; environmental concerns, including storm water runoff and effects on wildlife, need to be identified and addressed.  

While solar companies may view agricultural land as attractive for solar installations, we feel that there are more appropriate locations for solar panels, including brownfields, office building roofs, and industrial sites.  

We hope you’ll attend the Baltimore County Council work session scheduled for Tuesday, February 28, at 2 pm at 400 Washington Avenue in Towson, where concerned citizens have the option of signing up to speak for up to 3 minutes.  Please let us know if you plan on speaking so that we may coordinate our statements.  County Council members will hear your opinions and concerns, and take them into consideration when deciding how to vote.  You can find the text of the proposed legislation here . 

A hearing on the state House bill is scheduled for February 22.  You can find the text of the proposed legislation here.  Please contact your House representative to let them know how you feel about preserved land being opened up to solar installations.  We’ll keep you informed about the bill’s progress.

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Calcutta

Our annual fundraiser, a Calcutta party including a betting auction held in conjunction with the My Lady’s Manor Steeplechase, will be Friday, April 14, at The Manor Tavern.  Join us for good food and drink and a celebration of a Manor tradition!  Tickets to the event will be available by mail or online at our website beginning in early March.

This year we’re teaming up with the Calcuttas held for the Hunt Cup and the Grand National to award a “Triple Crown”.  The bidder who “owns” the winning horse for each of the three namesake races at the steeplechase events will win an extra $2000!  A different horse may win each race, but the winning bidder must be the same person or syndicate.  See our website at www.themanorconservancy.org for details.

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Back On My Feet

Back On My Feet is a national organization that uses running and community to support individuals as they transition from homelessness to independence.   The Manor Conservancy is a sponsor of the annual Oldfields Half-Marathon and Relay put on by this worthy organization.  This year’s run will be April 1, on the Torrey C. Brown Trail, starting at Oldfields School on Glencoe Road.  Even if you’re not a runner, come out and cheer the participants as they raise funds to help end homelessness!  If you are a runner, use the code ExploreNCR to save 20% off registration.

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Field Trips

It’s nearly time to plan on attending one or more of our popular field trips, informational events held on preserved land.  Field trips are free to our members and provide an opportunity to learn about land preservation issues from experts.  This year we’ll be having a field trip at Roseda Farms (yes, there may be grilled meat involved).  We’re also rescheduling last year’s trip to First Mine Run to learn about stream buffers and restoration.  Dates and times are yet to be determined; check our website for more information as it becomes available.

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Legacy Society

You can help preserve land forever --include The Manor Conservancy when you're planning your estate.   Call us at (240) 389-2531 for more information.

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Thanks to our corporate partners for their support!