Montgomery Co. Zoning Changes

From our Trails & Greenways Committee Chair Ron MacNab ...

Montgomery county is making changes to its Zoning Plan that will affect the entire county.
Click below for details:
http://www.montgomeryplanning.org/development/zoning/

Canine Influenza in Montgomery County

While it doesn't directly effect our hourses many of us are also dog owners so we thought it would be a good idea to pass this on.

Neil.

=========================================

From: Laytonsville Veterinary Practice <laytonsvilleveterinarypractice@vetstreetmail.com>
Date: Mon, Aug 26, 2013 at 4:17 PM
Subject: urgent update on Canine Influenza
To: xxxxxx@gmail.com

     One of the area boarding kennels experienced an outbreak of Canine Influenza Virus last week, and with several dogs experiencing high fevers and pneumonia, and at least two canine fatalities. This is the first reported case in Montgomery County of this new virus, which only affects dogs.  Canine Influenza Virus resulted from a genetic mutations of the Equine Influenza Virus in 2004, which enabled the virus to infect and cause disease in dogs. It originally occurred in Florida, and has slowly been spreading. Canine Influenza Virus causes a respiratory disease in dogs similar to kennel cough, but is potentially more serious, with fatal pneumonia occurring in some 5% of cases.  In June '09, a vaccine was released for protection against this new, emerging disease, and we have administered several hundred doses so far without side effects, and have heard of no side effects from other veterinarians. We have been recommending the vaccine for any dog that will be coming into contact with a lot of other dogs, such as boarding, grooming, training classes, or shows.  In light of the recent outbreak, however, dogs that have more casual contact with other dogs, for instance, a dog that is taken for walks in public spaces, should be considered for the vaccine. Initially, it is a series of two subcutaneous vaccines, given two to four weeks apart, followed by an annual booster. If you have questions about the advisability of giving your dog the Influenza Vaccine, please call the office.
     Meanwhile, it might be wise to keep your dog at home as much as possible, avoid taking him./her to dog parks and pet sotres and even areas in your neighborhood that have high traffic for at least this month.

This email was sent to: xxxxxxx@gmail.com This email was sent by: Laytonsville Veterinary Practice 5910 Sundown Road Laytonsville, MD 20882

Meet us at the Little Bennett Campground Camperoo!

Folks can find all the information about the week’s activities here: www.LittleBennettCampground.com.

Or please take a minute to “like” the Montgomery Parks’ Facebook page, for more info: https://www.facebook.com/#!/MontgomeryParks

The Maryland Horse Council will be there!  Go see Jacquie Cowan at her horse trailer set up (and meet her horse too!)!

More on Trail and Recreational Meetings

From TROT Member Debbie Poole:

Jenn and I went to the June 24 meeting. It went much the same as the others with lots of good information and future plans. Plenty of time for questions and answers. We had different trail interest groups then the last meeting and what has impressed me most is the passion to try and keep the trails natural, and connected throughout all of Maryland. From what I heard. This does not mean that we won't have more bike paths and sidewalks, but it does indicate that Natural Trails will be protected and added as well. These proposed plans are on the edge of getting formalized. I encourage you to   check out and contact  WWW.MONTGOMERYTRAILS.ORG  www.parkplanningandstewardship.org, www.parkplannig.org  MNCPPC and DNR websites where you can see the direction the trails in your area are heading. They all welcome any input but for the DNR survey you only have a couple of days left to respond. Also check out the www.trailconservancy/org they were represented in both the meetings I attended, and have an active interest and work for natural trails.  Take the DNR survey. hhtp://survey.rrcresearch.com/s3/Maryland )   Please let your elected officials know that you support these trail systems. It will benefit all of us now and our future so we don't want to let these area's get built up and miss these wonderful opportunities. We can improve our quality of life by joining together in keeping what is often just a 3 or 4 foot wide passage that might open an area up for miles of enjoyment. One thing I hadn't realized until this meeting. The WSSC trails have been taken off the map so we will loose the connection between Howard and PG along the river. It's a huge link that has been on all previous maps for as long as I can remember. One other thing to think about is that most utilities; Pepco, Washington gas...etc.  are not interested in using their areas to help connect trails through communities. It's always good to look into your area get an overview of what is there that may be perfect for connecting or making a trail loop, see what dialog you can start with all the different usages. One thing I always tell my riders, when you leave my farm you are on Private or Public party, you must be respectful.

 

Little Bennett Campground Celebrates 30 Years

Come Join the Maryland Horse Council in Helping Little Bennett Celebrate!

Saturday, July 20th  |  10am - 4pm

Little Bennett Campground: 23701 Frederick Road; Clarksburg, MD 20871

Little Bennett Campground Celebrates 30 Years!

A full day of outdoor activities, games, hands-on learning and fun!

"Let's Explore the Woods!" Family Hike with Naturalist Carole Bergmann at 10am

Hayride tours of the campgrounds

Campfire building, pitch-a-tent and other fun contests with prizes

Countywide Park Trails Plan Amendment Public Meetings

Your input is needed to help plan our trail system!

Upcounty Meeting - Monday, June 24, 7 to 9 pm

M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks, Shady Grove Training Room

16641 Crabbs Branch Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20855

Downcounty Meeting - Tuesday, June 25, 7 to 9 pm

M-NCPPC Main Regional Office (MRO) Auditorium

8787 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Montgomery Parks invites you to provide comments on the Countywide Park Trails Plan at one of two open-house style meetings. You’ll have the chance to learn more and provide input on recommended amendments to the Countywide Park Trails Plan.

Planners from M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks will be on hand to explain strategies to increase the number of park trails in the County’s urban areas and to explain what Montgomery Parks believes it can deliver in coming years. Input from the public on how

to make the plan easier to implement and more sustainable are needed.

For additional information about the project, schedule and public input visit www.ParkPlanning.org and follow the blue quicklink for the plan.

To submit written comments or request more information, contact:

Chuck Kines, Project Coordinator

M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks, 95OO Brunett Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20901

Charles.Kines@montgomeryparks.org | 301-495-2184

Meetings for Montgomery County Riders

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will be holding a stakeholders meeting seeking input from trail users. The information will be used for their 5-year plan. This is your opportunity to speak with DNR officials to voice your ideas and concerns.

The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 19th from 6-8pm at Howard County Robinson Nature Center (6692 Cedar Lane in Columbia).

_______________________________________________________________

Two "open house-style" public meetings will be held for Montgomery County's new "Countrywide Park Trails Plan Amendment."

Monday, June 24th at Shady Grove Training Room (16641 Crabbs Branch Way) from 7-9pm

Tuesday, June 25th at Planning Board Auditorium (8787 Georgia Avenue) from 7-9pm

This will be your opportunity to comment on the new plan that will determine Montgomery County's trail priorities for many years.

Volunteer(s) Needed!

The Maryland Horse Council has been invited to be a vendor at Little Bennett Regional Park's 30th Anniversary Celebration on July 20th!  The event will be held at their new group camping location, directly across from A-Loop in their campground off of Frederick Road.  They will being have an "expo" with numerous local outdoor clubs, organizations and retailers.

We're excited to take part in this, but are looking for volunteers to help man our table.  If you're willing to volunteer part (or all!) of your day, please e-mail our Association Manager, Margaret Rizzo, at admin@mdhorsecouncil.org for details!

Come out & join fellow Montgomery County equestrians as we celebrate the official opening of Woodstock Equestrian Park on Saturday, April 27th, 2013

On Saturday April 27th Montgomery County will officially open the latest section of the the Woodstock Equestrian Park in Beallsville MD.   In addition to the existing 16+ miles equestrian trails on this 870+ acre park the grand opening will showcase the new riding arena and cross country jumps.  The grand opening will have a number of local dignitaries and horse demonstrations.  I couldn't find an official link with information so I have pasted an image of the invite I received in email and pasted an informational and RSVP link below it.

Come out and show the county that we appreciate the expanded equestrian facilities that are being provided for our use.

Click Here for more information about the Grand Opening of Woodstock Equestrian Park

Click Here to view general information about Woodstock Equestrian Park

Mandatory Water Restriction Has Been Issued for Montgomery County

A Mandatory Water Restriction Has Been Issued for Montgomery County.

FULL PRESS RELEASE FROM WSSC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

To ensure continued water supply for all WSSC customers and for fire protection and hospital/medical uses, Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) General Manager Jerry N. Johnson this morning called for mandatory water restrictions for all WSSC customers. The restrictions take effect immediately and could last up to a week.

The mandatory restrictions are necessary following a break in a 54-inch water transmission main in Chevy Chase at the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and Chevy Chase Lake Drive in Montgomery County. The break occurred at approximately 8:00 p.m. Monday evening and resulted in a geyser shooting approximately 30 feet high.

Natural gas and electric lines run alongside the water main. Employees from Washington Gas and PEPCO are at the site securing those lines so work on the water main can begin.

WSSC has been working with fire departments from both counties to make sure there is adequate fire protection. "Please don’t hoard water. We’re not running out," said Johnson. "But if everyone can cut their water use by ten percent we should be ok. We appreciate everyone's understanding and cooperation."

The mandatory water restrictions are necessary to allow the system to replenish while 54-inch pipe is repaired. An estimated 60-million gallons of water was lost.

The Pre-stressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe (PCCP) went into operation around 1980. WSSC is unable to determine the cause of the break at this time. There are no customers without water service.

Until repairs are complete, it is imperative that all business and residential customers:

- Use water only as necessary – i.e., shorter showers and turn off faucets after washing hands and while brushing teeth

-Limit flushing toilets (do not flush after every use)

-Put off washing clothes if possible

-Limit the use of dishwashers and wash only full loads

These mandatory water restrictions apply to all WSSC customers, residential and business, in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. A violation carries a fine of up to $500 fine.

For additional information log on to the WSSC website at

www.wsscwater.com or call the WSSC Call Center at 301.206.4002.

05/18/2010: Memorandum: Montgomery County Zoning Ordinances

Archived from 05/18/2010:  Memorandum: Montgomery County Zoning Ordinances