Candidates pledge to protect trees and public access to lakes and parks

Candidates said preserving mature trees and public access to lakes are priorities for Orono’s parks.

John Schwengler described a completed drainage project at Hackberry Park, an ash-tree inventory and use of grants for removals. Maggie Ahrens said she was saddened by the removal of large oak trees at Hackberry Park and emphasized preservation of healthy trees while efficiently removing dead ones. Scott Wellman suggested exploring preferred vendor lists and relief programs used by other cities to manage large-scale tree issues.

Candidates connected park preservation to broader uses—trails, a proposed bike park discussed previously, and ensuring community access to lakes as part of long-term stewardship.