Maine Audubon cautions added parking could increase trail erosion at nearby sanctuary

Judy Camuso, president of Maine Audubon, told the council the sanctuary adjacent to the Lester B. Orcutt area covers roughly 24–25 acres and is among the organization's busiest sites. "It's currently our 3rd most visited sanctuary," she said, and the property has recorded about 4,000–5,000 monthly walkers in July and August and roughly 27,000 visits in a year. Camuso warned that adding parking that increases visitation could accelerate erosion and proliferate informal off‑trail paths that damage the bluff and vegetation.

Camuso said Audubon is willing to work with the city and neighborhood groups on mitigation and can provide detailed visitor data: "We can absolutely share the use data that we have with the council." Councilors asked for that data and for clarification on whether Audubon planned closure or rerouting; Camuso said the sanctuary is not slated for closure but that rerouting trails and addressing 'sneak trails' may be part of long‑term stewardship.