Project Description
This project page will list, describe, and provide links to the Wheaton Forest Conservation Plan Amendments on Montgomery Planning websites. The unique nature of the Wheaton Forest Conservation Plan, and how Montgomery Park Projects are completed, created a need for a gateway website to provide guidance for notifications.
Background
Comprised of 538 acres, Wheaton Regional Park is in the lower, eastern part of the county. It is near the Wheaton, Glenmont, and Kemp Mill communities and adjoins Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park to the east. Wheaton Regional Park provides large-scale facilities to serve the entire county, such as the adventure playground, the ice rink, carousel, and miniature train, as well as forest/woods, and both natural surface and hard surface trails. Wheaton Regional Park is divided into five significant areas across its 538 acres: The Shorefield Area, Brookside Gardens, Brookside Nature Center, Equestrian Center, and the Rubini Athletic Complex.
In June 2022, the Montgomery County Planning Board approved the 2022 Wheaton Regional Park Master Plan. The 2022 plan comprehensively updates and amends the 1987 Wheaton Regional Park Master Plan to reflect the many changes that have occurred over the last 30-plus years. The new master plan will also guide future renovations and growth.
In May 2023, the Montgomery County Planning Board approved the Wheaton Regional Park Forest Conservation Plan F20230090, which is identified as a Comprehensive Forest Conservation Plan that provides a framework and process for implementing the 2022 Wheaton Regional Master Plan, facility maintenance, and environmental improvements. It sets up areas of forest that are permanently protected and forest areas that may be cleared in future amendments.
Forest Conservation Plan Amendments are submitted by the Parks Department as projects are in detailed design. These amendments can include multiple projects within the Wheaton Regional Park Property. Semi-Permanent notification signs are posted around the park, which includes a QR code that leads to this webpage. Get Involved in the Development Review Process
Amendments
| AMENDMENT | PROJECTS | DATE APPROVED |
|---|---|---|
| F20230090 | Comprehensive Wheaton Regional Park Forest Conservation Plan | Board Approval – May 2023 |
| F2023009A | Glenallan Tributary Stream Restoration Parker Avenue Outfall Stabilization Brookside Nature Center Annex Culvert | Administrative Approval – June 2024 |
| F2023009B | Modification to condition 6a | Board Approval – November 2024 |
| F2023009C | Nairn Trail and Outfalls Rubini Athletic Complex Parking Lots and Courts | Under Administrative Review – July 2025 |