F OO D SH ED A N A LYS IS : QUES TIO N 2
Though the average population growth and development rates are expected to remain low in Franklin County into the future (MDOT 2010; MISER 2003; US Census Bureau 2010), the location of Interstate 91 in the Connecticut River Valley and the area’s proximity to the commercial and business districts of the FiveCollege area may encourage greater development in this zone. For Connecticut River Valley towns which may face greater development, farmland protection strategies such as cluster zoning, natural resource protection zoning, and agricultural overlay districts may prevent scattered development into agricultural areas. These strategies can help protect current farmland but may also protect agriculturally suitable soils from development (see page 52).
Farmland
Development
In the Connecticut River Valley most farmland parcels are located amongst areas of residential development, as seen in this image of farmland located on the east bank of the Connecticut River.
The Connecticut River Valley’s flat terrain and sediment rich, well-drained souls make it an optimal area for intensive agriculture.
FARMLAND & FOODSHED STUDY
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