When Anne Arundel County takes control of the U.S. Naval Academy Dairy Farm next week, visitors can expect to see preserved farmland and a botanical garden.
One thing that people won?t see is added goat security.
The county council is expected to approve a lease with the U.S. Navy to operate the 857-acre farm in Gambrills, which is home to the academy?s mascot, Bill the Goat (there are actually three of them).
The goats recently were abducted from the farm by Army Cadets and returned safely Sunday.
“We will provide care for all the goats, and there will be security, but we are not responsible or liable for pranks like the one that took place,” said Frank Marzucco, director of the county?s recreation and parks department.
The goats and the farm are part of a deal the county has been trumpeting as a major victory in maintaining the rural character of the county. The site had been lobbied as a state horse park ? the ADC map company still lists the site as the future Maryland Horse Park.
Instead, the county plans to only use 150 acres of the farm as a park containing trials, an amphitheater, farmers market and community-planted gardens. The rest will be operated by a contracted farmer.
“Who would have thought 10 months ago we?d be on the threshold of preserving a wonderful agricultural resource in Anne Arundel County?” Marzucco said.
The county will be paying $20,000 a month to run the property, which is still owned by the Navy.
An advisory group will be formed soon and will determine what the farm will look like and it?s impact to the surrounding community.
“Traffic is going to be a major concern,” said Councilman Jamie Benoit, D-District 4, who represents the area. “Whatever we do, we have also make sure it?s environmentally responsible and that the public can enjoy it.”
