Scott County became the first county in the metro area Tuesday to install a new long-range plan for its future.
Scott County approves controversial 2030 plan
Opponents haven't given up their fight, though, saying the future of farming in the area is jeopardized by the plan.
But the process of putting it in place may turn out to be one of the rockiest as well. One small sign of that: Citizens have been invited to a public meeting Thursday to discuss what to do about a plan that two groups are accusing of "undermining the future of agriculture in our county."
The county board approved the 2030 comprehensive plan on a unanimous voice vote after a relatively brief final public hearing, with just a smattering of opponents attending. It was a far cry from the intensity of a year ago, when an overflow crowd spilled into a nearby room as testimony went on for hours.
Still, critics made clear they remain concerned about the future of farming in the western portion of the county, much of which is envisioned as future suburbs under the plan.
"I'm concerned that you are passing this plan even though the Met Council says it does not address important issues," said Heidi Morlock, an activist with a group called the Local Harvest Alliance. She farms 67 acres in Belle Plaine Township.
The chair of a key Metropolitan Council committee, while saying that agency had no power to impose farmland protection, urged activists in Scott County recently to use the threat of the ballot box to ensure that the will of the people is expressed as the plan is carried out.
Commissioners and senior staff members said they are seeking to involve farming interests in the process; one step will be inviting interested persons to an open meeting in early April to help form a new farm advisory group.
In the meantime, the Local Harvest Alliance and the Land Stewardship Project are convening an open meeting of their own Thursday evening in New Prague. The goal is to "strategize together about making the change we need in Scott County."
David Peterson • 952-882-9023