When it first came to light, it was hard to find anything positive about the city’s building an allegedly unauthorized road across private property bordering the City Forest. The situation, however, may provide an opportunity for the landowners, the city and conservation groups to work together to protect an important parcel for recreational and wildlife purposes.

The landowners, Jay Smith and Doug Schmidt, say they want the land preserved. So, too, does the city of Bangor and groups affiliated with a plan to create a wildlife and recreation corridor stretching from Bangor to Hudson.

One issue, no doubt will be cost. Mr. Smith says he wants $2,000 an acre for the entire 750 acres he and Mr. Schmidt own adjacent to the City Forest. In the past, Mr. Schmidt has offered to donate or swap a portion of the parcel with the city. Mr. Smith may have to revise his expectations, but it also may be time for conservation groups, some of which have paid a hefty price per acre to acquire land along the coast, to help preserve an important piece of undeveloped land that could quickly be turned into a subdivision.

This opportunity came about because of a “misunderstanding,” according to city officials. It is not clear how the city could think it had the OK to cut trees, dump fill and build a road through the woods without written permission from the landowners. Because of the city’s work, the Schmidt-Smith property is now off-limits to the public who used to cross it while bicycling, skiing and walking along the Veazie rail bed.

Further complicating the matter is the quality of the fill used. Those who have walked the new road describe bottles, cans, chimney pieces, curbing and cell phone parts poking through the gravel. The fill is collected by city street sweepers and does contain some litter, but it has been used in other projects with the blessing of the Department of Environmental Protection. Whether it had permission or not, the city should not be dumping such materials in the woods. It has done the same in the Bangor City Forest, which should be treated as the prime recreational spot that it is, not the city’s dumping ground.

The owners say they want the land restored to its original condition. This would be difficult. A more productive course would be a serious discussion about how the parcel, the largest undeveloped plot in the city, fits into Bangor’s future. At the very least, every effort should be made to help Bangor acquire the strip that lies between the rail bed and the City Forest. This piece is likely not of strategic value to Mr. Smith and Mr. Schmidt or anyone else who may decide to build on the remaining land. If financial resources – both public and private – permit, there should be discussion of protecting the entire parcel.

“It would make a great park,” Mr. Smith says, adding that having recreational areas is “very positive for the city.” He’s right and he, Mr. Schmidt, city officials and corridor proponents should work together to see that this happens. Then, they must keep Bangor’s construction equipment out.