Monocacy River Plan Public Outreach Efforts Clarified

Steps taken by the Monocacy Scenic River Citizens Advisory Board to notify the public about the 2016 Draft Monocacy Scenic River Management Plan were recently misrepresented.

Both Frederick and Carroll County Governments, on behalf of the River Board, mailed notices to Monocacy River corridor landowners in October of last year, announcing the release of the River Board’s Draft Plan. The River Board website, dedicated to the Draft Plan effort, was made available from the home pages of both counties’ websites.

In addition, Frederick County issued two press releases, in October and December of 2016, regarding the availability of the draft plan for public review. Two informational meetings were held in November, one in Taneytown and the other in Frederick.

Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) were prepared to help provide the most up-to-date information on the draft plan. The FAQ document was posted to the River Board’s website in advance of the regular monthly meeting in February. Copies of the FAQ were distributed during a presentation to Walkersville Planning Commission members during their January meeting.

The FAQ document was updated following changes the River Board made during the Feb. 1 meeting. It notes that the River Board voted to remove the Monocacy River Resource Protection Area (MRRPA) from further consideration. In an earlier action, Ecologically Significant Areas were removed from the plan following a Jan. 4 vote of the River Board. Board members voted to conduct another round of public review before they approve the document and forward it to Frederick County and Carroll County officials for their consideration later this year.

In response to the Scenic River Board’s recent actions, a press release announcing the changes was issued, the revised FAQ was posted to the website, and a second informational mailing – containing the revised FAQ – was sent to property owners.