What’s Up With EPIC?
By Mike Rubin
Reflecting upon EPIC’s evolution provides an inspirational account of bringing together equestrian enthusiasts in Montgomery County for over 10 years in support of land preservation. We are grateful to all our individual supporters, barn affiliates, and non-profit members such as TROT, PBHTA, Potomac Conservancy, Solutions not Sprawl, Montgomery Countryside Alliance (MCA), Boyds Civic Association and many others.
Dating back to 1999, there seemed to have been a real sense of dismay and resignation regarding local politics and the development scene. Doug Duncan had his “Go Montgomery” slate of candidates in the offing, developers were building like mad and major land tracts located on our side of the Ag Reserve were on the chopping block. Additionally, the big push for another bridge crossing the Potomac and supporting roadways through us was underway. One of my first introductions to ruination out here was the attempt to turn 200 acres of forest on Slidell road into another golf course. It’s now Bucklodge Forest, saved by the community’s opposition and, of course, money for consultants and legal fees (my first donation was to this cause).
Segue to today, and we can boast about the County’s recent purchase of a major part of the Thompson Farm, adjacent to Bucklodge Forest, and the concomitant saving of farmland and equestrian trails. Major milestones along the way include preserving thousands of acres of land in Boyds and Poolesville, beating back many attempts to further undermine the Ag Reserve and adding numerous people to our list of aware supporters.
To further enhance preservation efforts, EPIC has focused on augmenting trail access by creating the Dry Seneca Creek and Breezy Loop trails. EPIC’s focus going forward is to continue its trail blazing efforts but it’s now on the County’s radar screen for easement responsibility. This is particularly important when one takes into account the Barnesville Oaks pending development and the need to establish a template for advocating proper trail systems in such major projects.
In addition to tackling easement stewardship, increasing trail access and connectivity requires a reliable and dedicated trail maintenance program. As the roles and responsibilities of EPIC continue to surmount, so does our need for both your support and continued funding. EPIC is at a vital crossroads of making significant headway as being recognized by the County as the go-to equestrian organization, as evidenced by EPIC’s involvement in implementing Montgomery County’s recent horse survey update. We look to our wonderful constituents to help us forge new ground in the coming years.
More immediately, in 2010, our trail blazing efforts will start by expanding the Breezy Loop trails. Thereafter, EPIC plans to negotiate the creation of trails with the County once they take title to the 415+ acre Casey property from the state of Maryland. This Casey tract is adjacent to the Hoyles Mill Conservation Park across White Ground Road. The ultimate goal is to establish EPIC trails that maximize the wonderful Breezy Loop trail head on Bucklodge Road by connecting it to Hoyles Mill, through the County’s newly acquired Thompson Farm land and continuing on into Bucklodge Forest. EPIC is very much looking forward to debuting these exciting new trails new year. See you out there soon!
