News Story

FREDERICK, Md. – Frederick County is proud to announce the beginning of the planning process for its Green Infrastructure Plan, a bold new initiative aimed at addressing critical issues related to the natural and built environment, community resilience, and environmental stewardship. This forward-thinking plan reflects the County’s commitment to sustainability, which is a cornerstone of both County Executive Jessica Fitzwater’s administration and the community-led Transition Team’s 2023 recommendations. Residents, businesses, and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the plan’s development through upcoming public forums. 

“Frederick County is taking concrete steps to ensure a healthier, more resilient environment while promoting community well-being,” County Executive Fitzwater said. “I look forward to working with the public to develop and implement the Green Infrastructure Plan. Sustainability is not only about protecting the environment – it’s about creating a livable, vibrant future where everyone can thrive.” 

Goals of the Green Infrastructure Plan include establishing a strategic network of “hubs” and “corridors” that reduce habitat fragmentation, provide options for wildlife migration, sustain and regenerate working lands, mitigate the effects of climate change, and increase access to green space and outdoor recreation opportunities. The plan will consider factors that affect environmental, agricultural, and recreational resources in the County.

The Livable Frederick Planning and Design Office is leading the planning effort. The first phase of the process will involve a series of meetings with the Green Infrastructure Advisory Group.

Green Infrastructure Advisory Group Members: 

• Karen Cannon, Mobilize Frederick
• David Lillard, Catoctin Land Trust
• Benjamin Friton, The Reed Center for Ecosystem Reintegration
• Barry Salisbury, Middletown Valley Trails Alliance
• Troy Kitch, Potomac Valley Fly Fishers
• Lindsey Donaldson, Catoctin Mountain Park, U.S. National Park Service
• Karen Russell, Climate Change Working Group of Frederick County
• Mike Spurrier, Frederick Bird Club
• Abraham Olsson, AACF
• Jim Humerick, Town of Thurmont
• Denny Remsburg, Frederick County Farm Bureau
• Amy Rembold, Frederick County Sustainability Commission

Opportunities for members of the public to participate and provide comment will be available through open houses, Planning Commission workshops as the plan is developed, Planning Commission public hearings as a draft document is considered, and as the Recommended Plan moves forward for County Council review. 

The first Green Infrastructure Advisory Group meeting will be held Thursday, October 24 at 2:00 p.m. in the Division of Planning and Permitting’s office at 30 N. Market Street in Frederick.