Preservation of Historic Salt Pond Blueberry Barrens Advances in Blue Hill, Maine

Community Efforts and Sustainable Development Goals

The historic Salt Pond blueberry barrens in Blue Hill, Maine, are on track for preservation following a successful community campaign against a proposed housing development. This initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by protecting cultural and natural heritage within the community.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land – through the conservation of wildlife habitats and natural landscapes.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – demonstrated by collaboration between grassroots organizations, nonprofits, and local government.

Background and Community Response

• In 2023, a developer purchased the Salt Pond blueberry barrens property with plans to construct a nine-home subdivision.
• Local residents and members of the grassroots organization Save the Blueberry Barrens expressed strong opposition, emphasizing the site’s scenic, cultural, and ecological significance.
• Community members highlighted the importance of preserving the landscape for its natural beauty and wildlife habitat, reflecting a commitment to SDG 15.

Planning Board Decision and Preservation Agreement

• In April, the Blue Hill planning board voted against the housing development, citing the property’s value to the community and environment.
• Scott Miller, president of Blue Hill Community Development, confirmed that the subdivision was deemed inappropriate for the site.
• Following this decision, Blue Hill Community Development reached an agreement to purchase the property for $1.8 million.

Funding and Future Plans

• Funding for the purchase was secured through community donations and an interest-free loan from an anonymous foundation, showcasing effective partnerships (SDG 17).
• The nonprofit organization has an 18-month period to repay the loan.
• Once the loan is repaid, the property will be transferred to the Blue Hill Heritage Trust to be maintained as a public preserve.
• This plan supports SDG 11 by ensuring long-term community access and sustainable land use.

Community Impact and Sustainable Development

Leaders and community members have expressed deep gratitude for the collective effort, viewing the preservation as a “win-win outcome” that benefits both people and nature. This case exemplifies how local action can contribute to achieving the SDGs by:

1. Protecting biodiversity and natural habitats (SDG 15).
2. Promoting inclusive and sustainable community development (SDG 11).
3. Fostering partnerships and mobilizing resources for sustainable outcomes (SDG 17).

The preservation of the Salt Pond blueberry barrens stands as a model for balancing development pressures with environmental stewardship and community values.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses the preservation of a natural area to prevent inappropriate housing development, reflecting efforts to make communities more sustainable and preserve cultural and natural heritage.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The protection of the historic Salt Pond blueberry barrens highlights the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems, wildlife habitat, and biodiversity.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The collaboration between community members, nonprofits, and anonymous foundations to fund and preserve the land demonstrates partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified in the Article

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.4: Ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 11.4
   • Number of cultural and natural heritage sites preserved or protected (implied by the preservation of the Salt Pond blueberry barrens).
2. Indicator for SDG 11.7
   • Proportion of urban public spaces that are green, accessible, and open to the community (implied by plans to maintain the land as a public preserve).
3. Indicator for SDG 15.1 and 15.4
   • Area of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems protected (implied by the protection of wildlife habitat and blueberry barrens).
4. Indicator for SDG 17.17
   • Number and value of partnerships and collaborations for sustainable development (implied by the cooperation between community groups, nonprofits, and funding foundations).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: newscentermaine.com