CAPE ELIZABETH – Dog walkers who visit the 143-acre Robinson Woods property off Shore Road in Cape Elizabeth are questioning a new rule that requires their dogs to be kept on a leash after 9 a.m.

In the wake of at least five incidents on the popular trail system where people were bitten, chased or attacked by off-leash dogs, the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust, which owns the property, began implementing the new leash law Dec. 1.

“The number of incidents over the last six months pushed the issue over the edge,” said Christopher Franklin, the land trust’s executive director.

Robinson Woods is a popular destination for bikers, runners, bird watchers and dog walkers. Franklin estimated that 50 to 100 people visit the property on a daily basis.

Franklin said because of the increasing number of off-leash dog walkers, however, some visitors reported that they feel intimidated, while others avoid it altogether, he said.

“We’ve heard from a number of people who say they’ve given up on going to the property because they are tired of having interactions with dogs that make them feel uncomfortable,” Franklin said.

Carrie Chapin, a Cape Elizabeth resident and former land trust volunteer, said the new requirement is inconvenient for residents and other visitors who are unable to get to the trail before 9 a.m.

“What I’d like to see is a compromise,” said Chapin, who brings her 7-year-old dog, Bodie, to the woods to exercise every day. “I am not against restricted hours, but I think a lot of people are looking for a little more time to get into the woods.”

She said the 9 a.m. leash requirement should only be in effect during the school day, until 2 p.m., or on the weekends when the property attracts many dog walkers.

“Really, the only time I see animals in here is on the weekends,” said Chapin.

For several days during the year, Cape school groups, including the eighth-grade stewardship program, also use the property, she said.

Chapin added that there are several other areas in Cape Elizabeth where dog owners can bring their dogs for an off-leash walk, including Fort Williams.

In addition to aggressive dogs, another common complaint is the increase in the amount of dog waste on the trails, Franklin said. Robinson Woods users are required to clean up after their dogs, keep them under voice control and ensure that they do not chase wildlife, he said.

According to a sign at the property’s entrance, foraging of wildflowers, mushrooms, lichens or other natural materials for personal or commercial use is also prohibited. The land trust also does not allow hunting or trapping, bike racing, motorized vehicles or fires on the property.

Franklin called the new leash law an “unfortunate” situation where the actions of a few have an impact on the wider community.

“We’ve been down there on a daily basis trying to talk to the walkers,” he said. “The majority of users have been using it without incident, are good stewards of the land, love the property and use it responsibly.”

Throughout September and October, land trust board members, many of whom walk their dogs in Robinson Woods regularly, met with local police and residents to get feedback on how to address the safety concerns. The board voted unanimously at its October meeting to limit off-leash use daily after 9 a.m.

“Some say that they have (walked) there for 10 years and never had an incident. Others say they’ve had so many incidents they don’t want to go back,” said Franklin. “A vast majority of people are saying that it’s a bummer, and they wish it didn’t happen. (Some) feel our reaction is too strong and too severe given the limited number of incidents.”

According to the land trust’s board president, Anne Carney, unleashed dogs can also have an impact on significant wildlife resources within Robinson Woods.

As part of the new requirement, the land trust has provided plastic bags and trash containers at the Robinson Woods trailhead for dog walkers to dispose of any dog waste. Recently installed signs on the property publicize the new policy and remind users to be good stewards of the land.

“We are hoping to create a culture of cooperation, especially in picking up the dog waste,” said Carney, who had spent an hour in the woods on Friday cleaning up dog waste. According to Carney, she filled about 20 small plastic bags with dog waste that day and “two-thirds of it was fresh from this morning.”

“For the fourth-grade walk, teachers, volunteers and students all stepped in dog poop,” said Carney. “Then they have to get on the bus, walk through the school and into their classrooms. People can get giardia (and other diseases) from dog poop. It’s a pretty serious issue.”

The land trust has the responsibility to address safety and health issues, Carney said, and to consider the ecological values of the property, which is protected by conservation easements. She said the easements prohibit disposal of any kind of waste, including dog waste.

In addition, she said, “We’ve seen a decrease in some of our wildlife populations like the salamander. When dogs romp through any kind of water feature, they disturb it. If there are salamander eggs in there, they are simply destroyed,” said Carney.

The land trust is planning to hold community-wide forums in January where it can gather more feedback from residents and provide additional details regarding the recent policy change. The land trust has recruited so-called volunteer “dog ambassadors” who will visit the property on a daily basis to monitor the trails and remind users of the new leash requirements, said Carney. She said the goal is to come up with a use plan for the property that balances everyone’s needs.

“The key to protecting Robinson Woods is for everybody – dog walkers, bird watchers, nature lovers and people with conservation expertise – to get together and understand the use of Robinson Woods from every perspective,” Carney said.

Longtime resident Andy Geoghegan said it’s a shame that some pet owners aren’t taking responsibility and cleaning up after their animals while using the property. While he understands the need for the new leash requirement, he’d also like to be able to let his 12-week-old puppy, Scout, off his leash to get proper exercise any time of the day.

On the other hand, Geoghegan said, he could also see how allowing dogs off leash at all times could be dangerous and intimidate those who aren’t dog lovers.

“It’s a tough situation,” he said. “It’s a shame we need more rules. I think common sense and courtesy ought to be enough here.”

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A CLOSER LOOK

The Cape Elizabeth Land Trust will be hosting community meetings on Tuesday, Jan. 20, and Thursday, Jan. 22, from 7-9 p.m. at Cape Elizabeth Community Services regarding the use of Robinson Woods. More information and resources are available on the land trust’s website, www.capelandtrust.org. If you feel threatened by a dog in Robinson Woods contact the Cape Elizabeth Police Department at 767-3323.

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Cape Elizabeth Land Trust board president Anne Carney, left, with her dog, Moxie, and another resident, Carrie Chapin, with her dog, Bodie, take a walk in Robinson Woods last week.  Plastic bags are available at the Robinson Woods trailhead in Cape Elizabeth for dog walkers to use when visiting the property.