97 Percent Forest and Agriculture

Mann, Monroe, and Southampton Townships in southern Bedford County can safely be defined as rural with just over 97 percent of land use in forest and agriculture. The combination of extensive forest, interspersed with rolling farmland, and plenty of public land, has contributed to a steady increase in seasonal and permanent development in the area.

Looking towards the future, these three townships have come together to create a Joint Comprehensive Plan, or a “blueprint for the future,” to be used as a guide by community leaders when making decisions regarding the area's future growth and development.

The comprehensive plan is completely dependent upon the participation and input of the township residents so that once completed, it will accurately reflect the public's vision for the future of their community. The process involves evaluating the existing land use, community facilities and services, transportation systems, housing, and natural and cultural resources. Future growth trends will be projected based on these analyses, and proposals for the best possible land use and implementation tools to accommodate expected growth while protecting the townships' vast and precious resources will be included in the plan.

Featured today is an aerial photograph of a section the Sideling Hill Creek Watershed which spans Mann and Monroe Townships in Bedford County, Union Township in Fulton County and Washington and Allegany Counties in Maryland. View our SHC Video Web Companion page to learn more about the efforts being taken by this community to preserve the rural character and natural resources of this special area.

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