Now is the time to speak up.

For those interested in how land is used and preserved in Surry County, the last chance for the public to provide input on any changes that could be made to the county’s land use plan is Wednesday.

The land use plan is an important part of the county’s everyday operations as it is the guideline set forth for any decisions on how a property is zoned — whether for business, residential, industrial or agricultural used — and that zoning determines what type of structure or otherwise is allowed on that property.

It helps keep residential areas buffered from business and industrial uses as much as possible, and it helps preserve land from development as well, ensuring that there are wooded areas and natural areas still left in the county for our future generations.

So those who have concerns about how some land is being used, or about how land should be used in the future, they should take an active step in voicing their opinions at Wednesday’s drop-in session in Dobson.