Award Winning Video

The video shows how Montgomery County's natural resources would be negatively impacted by the Intercounty Connector (ICC), a proposed highway linking Route 1 in Laurel with Interstate 270 in Gaithersburg.

Botanist John Parish of Silver Spring, Maryland helped to film "Preserving the Future" and, according to Augusta, is the unofficial "star" of the film.

"It seems the goal in Montgomery County is not to rest until everything is paved and developed, " said Augusta in the July 26 Gazette Community Newspaper. The documentary, which took a year to film, focuses on the area near Shady Grove that would be affected by the ICC. In the film, Augusta and Parrish examine the effects of impervious road surfaces, pollution and the destruction of wildlife on Mill Creek, Cabin John Creek and other local ecosystems.

Although the documentary portrays a local issue, it has been receiving national acclaim. In July, "Preserving the Future" won an award in the Hometown Videos Festival in Olympia, Washington.

If you would like a copy of the award winning video "PRESERVING THE FUTURE", contact Roswitha Augusta at (301)-652-8155.
The cost of the video is $25.00, which covers the cost of producing the video, postage, handling and a $10.00 donation to MICC.

REGION LOST 1/3 OF TREES TO DEVELOPMENT

According to a Washington Post March 18, 1999 article, this region has lost a THIRD of its trees to development. The State Highway's own Draft Environmental Study states that the ICC would destroy up to 552 acres of forests; not significantly relieve the Beltway but would increase congestion on local roads.

WHEN IT COMES TO THE BATTLE OVER THE ENVIRONMENT,
ALL VICTORIES ARE TEMPORARY:
ALL LOSSES ARE PERMANENT.