Help Protect River Valley Ranch from Proposed Power Line Route
Preserve Our Land. Defend Our Mission. Stand With Us.
What's Happening
River Valley Ranch (RVR) is facing a critical threat from a proposed high-voltage transmission line by PSEG Renewable Transmission LLC. This route would cut through 17 acres of our property, altering the natural landscape and limiting our ability to serve our community.
Proposed Route:
5,000 Feet of High-Voltage Power Lines slicing directly through RVR’s pristine property, supported by four towering, industrial-scale transmission poles.
Impact:
Destruction of 17 Acres of Forested Land, clearing a path through natural spaces used for hiking, outdoor education, and recreation. Installation of Four Massive Transmission Structures, forever altering the landscape and disrupting the peaceful, immersive environment that RVR is known for..
Our Response: We are actively fighting this in federal court and before the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC).
How You Can Help
Attend Public Hearings 🗣
The PSC will host three public hearings (dates coming soon). We need your voice at these hearings. Bring your family, wear your RVR gear, and stand with us.
Send Your Comments 📧
Share why RVR’s natural space must be preserved. Written comments may be submitted electronically or by mail as follows, under Case No. 9773:
Donate to Support Our Legal Defense Cost 💰
Legal defense is costly. Your donation will help us fight this battle. Click below and select option for "help offset costs for power line dispute".
Why This Matters
"RVR is not just land—it’s a refuge, a place of transformation, and a community for thousands each year." — Jon Bisset, Executive Director
- Loss of Natural Space: 17 acres of forested land will be destroyed.
- Impact on Guest Experience: Our peaceful, immersive environment will be compromised.
- Limiting Future Use: Our ability to grow and serve will be restricted.
- Better Options Exist: PSEG has identified existing right of ways north of RVR that avoid our land.
Latest News & Updates
- May 27, 2025: Article on StopMPRP website— "Beneath the Yellow Line"
- May 23, 2025: Op Ed article in the Baltimore Sun— "Piedmont Reliability Project Would Scar Natural Landscape"
- May 2025: We have filed our legal response in federal court, challenging PSEG's attempt to use eminent domain.
- April 17, 2025: Interview on Fox45 News— "Landowners Say MPRP Could Upend Livelihoods"
- April 2025: PSEG has named RVR in a federal lawsuit seeking access to our property.
- January 15, 2025: Article on CBS WJZ news— "Maryland Campsite Raises Concerns Over Controversial Piedmont Powerline Project"
About River Valley Ranch (RVR)
Nestled in Carroll County’s countryside, RVR is a year-round youth camp, retreat center, and outdoor education facility dedicated to personal and spiritual growth. Since 1952, we have provided a sanctuary for thousands seeking rest, renewal, and reconnection with nature and with God.