Notice: Coronavirus Outbreak Forces Change In Operations

In response to the Montgomery County Government and Governor Larry Hogan’s actions taken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the agricultural agencies are altering their operations as outlined below.

The Agricultural History Farm Park (AHFP) building is closed to the general public until further notice.

All of the agencies are currently functioning, and staff will be available during the normal business hours of 8am – 4:30pm; however, employees are teleworking. We will be utilizing technology and electronic formats and appointments will be held via email and/or conference call.

University of Maryland Extension (UME)

• Leave a message at 301-590-9638 which is being monitored during these business hours and your message will be routed to the appropriate faculty or staff.

• All UME in-person public meetings will be cancelled, postponed or held via teleconference.

• Governor Hogan issued an executive order providing a grace period for any state licenses, permits and/or registrations that may be expiring or up for renewal during the state of emergency. Renewal deadlines will be extended up to 30 days after the state of emergency is lifted. This order applies to a number of items issued by MDA programs, including but not limited to: pesticide applicator licenses, State Chemist product registrations and nutrient management certifications.

• Any questions regarding specific programs or services should be emailed to your program leader or yingling@umd.edu to be directed to the proper person.

Montgomery Soil Conservation District (MSCD)

• During this time, the MSCD will be focusing on 3 areas of critical operations listed below. All other services will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

1. Coordinating with appropriate officials concerning any imminent environmental water quality impact;

2. Providing oversight with construction projects that are ongoing and underway; 

3. Processing cost share program payments to minimize delays for reimbursements to cooperators. 

• For MSCD, NRCS, please call 301-590-2855 or 301-590-2831 – calls will be returned as soon as possible.

Farm Service Agency (FSA)

• Please call the Frederick office 301-662-1321 or email Missy Donnelly at missy.donnelly@usda.gov

Montgomery County Office of Agriculture (OAG)

• The OAG is currently continuing all of its programs and services remotely.

• For ag preservation, zoning or technical assistance, email Mike.Scheffel@montgomerycountymd.gov

• For administrative questions or questions related to the ACRE program, email Jacqueline.arnold@montgomerycountymd.gov

• Other inquiries or assistance, please call 301-590-2830 Calls will be returned as soon as possible. or email Jeremy.Criss@montgomerycountymd.gov

This is a rapidly changing situation and further actions may become necessary as conditions are reassessed and warranted.

We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. Please understand that these measures, although temporary, are necessary to limit in-person transactions and safeguard the health of its employees, stakeholders and the general public.

For more information on the statewide response to COVID-19, please visit https://governor.maryland.gov/coronavirus/

For Montgomery County COVID-19 information, visit https://montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS/RightNav/Coronavirus.html

Services

Conservation

Help

Email an MSCD Staff Member for Conservation Support

Conservation Resources

Federal

State

County

Best Management Practices

Resource Links