Conservationists seek $70K for Leovich Landing.

Byline: Ellie Oleson

OXFORD - Families may be able to park cars and launch canoes or kayaks, hike, bike and picnic on more than 4 acres of easily accessible open space along the French River - if conservationists are able to raise about $70,000 in grants and donations by April 30.

Dudley Conservation Land Trust Treasurer Keith R. Kirkland, who is an Oxford resident and a commercial lender at Flagship Bank, said, "We are very excited about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

The 4.17 acres that the trust and French River Connection hope to purchase is located at 52 Dudley Road, next to the bridge that crosses the river. The land is owned by Worcester resident Peter J. Leovich, a bridge inspector for the Massachusetts Highway Department.

Last year, the parcel was assessed at $96,500, according to assessors' records. Mr. Kirkland said this year's assessment was $70,000.

"Mr. Leovich has agreed to sell it to us for $63,000. He gave us a break," Mr. Kirkland said.

Mr. Leovich said he bought the parcel 15 years ago. "My original intent was to replace a house that stood there, but I never built on it. It is a beautiful property, but we kept getting river-way and wetland restrictions, and construction would have impacted it a great deal. I'm glad they have such a good use for the land. Everybody will have a chance to use it, even if just for a walk or a ride on the bike path."

Ken A. Parker, president of the French River Connection, said the site is "one of very few places where a road, the river and the route of the proposed French River Greenway come together."

Mr. Kirkland said that grants to help fund the purchase of the property are available, but only if the Conservation Commission held a restriction on the property.

Judith A. Lochner, conservation assistant, said that, at the request of the Land Trust, the Conservation Commission has agreed to "hold a permanent restriction on the property. This will keep it in its natural state."

Plans are for a small gravel parking area, a trail system, picnic area, a launch site for canoes and kayaks and other conservation-friendly development.

Alice C. Shaw, chairwoman of the Open Space Committee, said, "The Open Space and Recreation Plan for Oxford opened up grants for the town. One goal of the plan is to help the town maintain its character and openness. The idea is to keep Oxford family-friendly and resident-friendly. Being able to picnic, hike, canoe and kayak in a beautiful spot on the river certainly helps us reach that goal."

Mr. Kirkland asked that donations to help purchase the land and create Leovich Landing on the French River be sent to: Dudley Conservation Land Trust, 169 Old Webster Road, Oxford, MA 01540.

ART: PHOTOS

CUTLINE: (1) The Leovich Landing site is at left in this photo of the French River as seen from the Dudley Road bridge. (2) The Leovich Landing site is at left in this photo of the French River as seen from the Dudley Road Bridge.

PHOTOG: T&G Staff Photos/PAUL KAPTEYN