The Manor Conservancy

In this issue: Annual Members' Meeting: Solar update: Harford County Zoning update: Easement News; Call for Volunteers

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	Summer 2017 Newsletter

Save The Date: October 12, 6 pm, for our Annual Members' Meeting!

One of the benefits of being a member of The Manor Conservancy is the ability to elect the Board of Directors. Terms are three years, so one-third of the Board is up for re-election or replacement each year.

We'll be reviewing our finances and activities and will also award our Sergeant Murphy Land Preservation award. A speaker will deliver a short presentation about a topic of general interest to preservationists and the rural community. So mark your calendar and look for more information in the mail.

Sergeant Murphy, first American winner of the English Grand National (1923)

Solar update

After several attempts, Baltimore County Council passed legislation regulating solar installations. Sponsored by Vicki Almond, the legislation allows up to ten solar installations in each councilmanic district; each installation may produce up to two megawatts of electricity. A special exception for each installation must be granted, and land that has a preservation easement may not have one of these solar installations. The legislation provides for several groups to work with the Planning Board to evaluate the impact of the legislation and make recommendations concerning changes to the law by July 1 of next year.

Many community groups worked together to educate legislators on the impact of solar installations. The Manor Conservancy made it clear that we support solar power as a source of renewable energy. Homeowners should be able to have solar panels to offset their cost of electricity, and farms should be able to have an installation large enough to provide for their agricultural requirements. However, commercial solar installations should not be placed on prime and productive agricultural lands or in places that would disrupt habitats, harm streams or reservoirs, or destroy viewsheds.

For the full text of the bill that passed, click here.

Harford County Zoning update

As Harford County has been undergoing its Comprehensive Zoning Review, we've been keeping an eye on a request in our Rural Legacy area to change the zoning on an 8-acre parcel from Agricultural to B3 (General Business District), a change that would permit a wide range of retail, service, and business uses serving county-wide areas. Recently the Planning and Zoning Department and the Planning Advisory Board recommended that the parcel's zoning remain unchanged. County Council will hold public hearings in early October before determining its course of action for all parcels undergoing zoning review. Click here for more information on the Comprehensive Zoning Review.

Easement News

Preserving land with a conservation easement is a slow process, which is appropriate when you consider that conservation easements last forever. We're working on a number of good properties right now and hope to close on at least one of them in the next few months.

What makes a property suitable for a conservation easement? Besides size (bigger is better) and attributes like good soils, viewsheds, habitats, and water, a good property is one that is contiguous to other preserved properties. At least two of the properties we're working on right now (a 45-acre farm and a steep wooded 30-acre parcel) are entirely surrounded by preserved land. The owners understand how easements placed by other landowners enhance the value of everyone's land. Now they are ready to return the favor, preserve their land, and ensure that large blocks of land will not ever be developed.

Have you preserved your land? Owners of preserved land are the best ambassadors for land preservation. Tell your friends and neighbors about your experience. Your personal story can inspire others to preserve their land.

Call for Volunteers

Are you looking for an opportunity to volunteer? Even if you only have an hour or two we could use your help! No experience needed for a variety of tasks related to land preservation and non-profit organizations. Please give us a call at (240) 389-2531.

Thanks to our corporate partners!