Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT), a statewide land conservation organization, is seeing an increase in visitors to its Erickson Fields Preserve (located at 164 West Street in Rockport) and is changing its policy regarding dogs and leashes to ensure the health and safety of everyone who visits the Preserve.

 

The 1.4-mile trail that loops through field and forest was designed to be an easy walking trail wide enough to accommodate groups. MCHT staff regularly see families with young children, running groups, and dog walkers on the trail year-round. We are glad we can help meet our community’s need for outdoor recreation, especially during this time when the CDC recommends gathering outdoors to reduce the risk of spreading Coronavirus.

 

Unfortunately, there have recently been reported instances of unfriendly dogs off-leash, so we are changing our policy and are now requiring dogs to be leashed at all times. Keeping pets leashed will also help ensure safe social distancing recommended by the CDC.

 

Erickson Fields and other Maine Coast Heritage Trust preserves remain open and we welcome their safe use. Up-to-date information including guidelines for safely getting outside are available on MCHT’s website at mcht.org/covid-19-update.

 

We are grateful to all the visitors who do their part to keep Erickson Fields a safe place open for all (humans and dogs) to enjoy.

 

Sincerely,

 

Maine Coast Heritage Trust Staff at Erickson Fields Preserve