LOWRY WOODS NATURE CONSERVATION AREA

Lowry Woods Nature Conservation Area is a land locked 14+ acre parcel of Big Woods off Bayside Road between Cristofori and Luce Line Ridge. The parcel is also close to the Luce Line Trail which is why it became so attractive to the Orono/Westonka Mountain Bike Team in 2020.

During that summer and fall of 2020, the Park Commission apparently with the approval of Parks Liaison Victoria Seals, gave some sort of go ahead for the 60+ bike team to rid in Lowry Woods. They carried their bikes right past a sign that said No Bikes and across some 400 feet or so of private property to ride in the pristine woods. This action thereby taught the team members that they could trespass with coach approval. During this fall season, someone cut brush and tree limbs on private property to gain access to the woods without permission or even the property owner’s knowledge.

After contacting the neighborhood and looking at the property itself a few things came to light. This particular parcel was donated to the Nature Conservancy many years ago. The Nature Conservancy donated it to the City of Orono with covenants attached to it. It appears that the City of Orono did not adhere to those covenants and did not contact the adjacent neighbors. Instead they left a bike team coach to approach the neighbors first and then followed up with a Park Commissioner, a City Council member and City Staff.

Although hikers have always been welcome, the temporary 3 year easement from the Luce Line Trail expired in the mid 2000s leaving the path under private ownership. Further damage to the Lowry Woods Nature Conservation Area has been halted for the time being, however, Orono Council member Victoria Seals, and Orono Park Commissioner Rick Carter continue to try to gain access to the Lowry Woods for development. Apparently these actions are without informing the neighborhood nor the public.