Committee flags missing bollard, e-bike activity and gopher-tortoise signage for Malabar trails

At its May 11 meeting, the Malabar Trails and Greenways Committee discussed trail safety concerns including a missing bollard at the southern end of Briar Creek Boulevard, e-bike use after dark, and wildlife signage following a gopher-tortoise sighting.

CM Mark Gunter reported the bollard at the southern end of Briar Creek Blvd is missing, allowing motor-vehicle access, and staff said they will request that a new bollard be installed. Vice-Chair Murray Hann and Chair Drew Thompson discussed more durable options such as concrete or other security measures for vulnerable trail entrances.

VC Hann said recent rain left the trails in good condition but noted that committee members encountered kids riding e-bikes on the trails; Liaison Craig Smith escorted those riders to the road. VC Hann identified vehicle backing-out behavior in trail parking areas as another significant safety issue and said he will ask the Turkey Creek land manager if she can place signs or donate signs to the town.

CM Gunter said he had found a dead gopher tortoise near the Briar Creek kayak launch and asked whether signage warning about gopher tortoises could be installed to increase awareness; CM Cameron supported installing similar signage at the north end of Corey Road where she had observed two large gopher tortoises.

Other operational items noted: the Briar Creek crosswalk signs have been installed but the westernmost sign needs replacement; the committee discussed bench placement and rough conditions on the blue trail in MSS West. The committee set follow-up actions for staff and will schedule a materials-distribution field event at the Swallow-Tailed Kite Trailhead with Liaison Craig Smith in attendance.

The meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m.