Have you noticed the caution tapes and signs  stretching along SMCC’s seaside walk and the Greenbelt Trail? They mark more than just restricted area. They signal a quiet crisis unfolding at the heart of our campus. Fort Preble and the Greenbelt Trail, both cherished and historically significant, are deteriorating as relentless erosion and rising sea levels wear away at these landmarks.The Beacon spoke with SMCC Vice President Tiffany Bentley to understand the extent of the damage, the financial challenges, and what it would truly take to preserve these symbols of our coastal heritage.

The Beacon: Can you tell me about the Greenbelt Trail and Fort Preble? Why are there tapes around them?

Bentley: “The Greenbelt Trail and Fort Preble have been deteriorating for years due to rising sea levels and severe storms, which have worsened with climate change. The erosion has washed away a lot of the ground under the paved walkway, making it unstable in places. Recently, several storms caused additional damage, so we had to restrict access for safety reasons with tapes and fences.”

The Beacon: How bad is the damage to Fort Preble and the Greenbelt physically and historically?

Bentley: “Physically, the damage is extensive. The erosion has loosened fences, undermined stairways, and eroded the foundation around both the trail and Fort Preble. Historically, Fort Preble has value as it dates back to the 1800s and is a part of our community’s heritage.Sections of the bunker are visibly settling, and granite pieces have chipped off.

The Beacon: Is the current detour a temporary solution, or is a more permanent fix being planned?

Bentley: “The detour is temporary, but it may stay in place for a while. Right now, we don’t have the resources for a permanent fix. We’re conducting studies on erosion control methods, supported by a $5 million grant, but we’ll need much more funding for any permanent solution.”

The Beacon: Are there any plans to restore these areas? If so, how and when will the restoration take place?

Bentley: “Currently, we don’t have specific plans to restore these areas. We’re assessing the damage and exploring options, but our funding is very limited. Our priority has to be academic needs, so unless we get help from a philanthropic organization, a historical society, or government support, the Greenbelt and Fort Preble might stay as they are for the foreseeable future.”

The Beacon: How much will it cost to repair the damage, and has a budget been assigned for this?

Bentley: “We don’t have an exact cost for the repairs, and there’s no specific budget assigned for it. The $5 million we received is mainly for research, not for actual restoration. Any major repair efforts would require significant additional funding, which we don’t have right now.”

Bentley’s insights underscore the urgency of this preservation challenge and the need for collaborative efforts to safeguard these landmarks for future generations. Without significant funding or intervention, Fort Preble and the Greenbelt Trail may continue to deteriorate, leaving a profound void in SMCC’s historic coastal landscape. For now, their fate lies in the hands of potential supporters who can help turn hope into action.