PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • August 13, 2022
We chose a modest home in Portland for the dog-friendly beaches and trails. When COVID-19 hit, Baxter Woods became a refuge. A thoughtful community of dog walkers there greeted us every morning. Then, three years ago, some in positions of power decided this urban oasis was far more valuable as a backyard to luxury condos. The development of these enormous buildings coincided with some “forest management” that would have Percival Baxter rolling in his grave. Governor Baxter, a dog lover, donated the woods to the people of Portland. Non-native trees have been planted, logging and chipping of trees is happening, sanding and salting of trails is evident, repetitive and misleading signage has been anchored to tree roots with drilled rebar and, worst, a push to ban off-leash dogs has resulted in a claim that dogs somehow threaten “migrating ground-nesting birds.” The off-leash ban is unjustified and unjust. ~ Lori Uhland, Portland