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Malabar Trails Committee schedules Fish & Wildlife site visit, raises concerns about oak removals and parking plan
Summary
The Malabar Trails and Greenways Committee set a May 26 site visit with Fish & Wildlife Commission staff to review the Cameron Preserve management plan and voiced concerns about a proposed Briar Creek parking lot and the removal of oak trees in the restoration area.
The Malabar Trails and Greenways Committee on May 11 scheduled a May 26 site visit with Protected Species coordinators from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission to review proposed changes to the Cameron Preserve management plan and the nearby Malabar Scrub restoration work.
Committee members said the EELs program’s draft plan includes a new parking lot on Briar Creek Boulevard and asked staff to review safety because the proposed location is on a curve. Clerk Richard Kohler reported the parking proposal and said the town would ask the Fish & Wildlife staff to consider safety and access during the May 26 visit.
Members also flagged tree removals tied to earlier restoration work: Vice-Chair Murray Hann said the EELs project removed nine of the 12 oak trees that had been slated for preservation. Committee members described the oak removals as a concern for the site’s habitat goals and said they will raise the issue with state coordinators during the site inspection.
The committee discussed walking routes for the May 26 visit so the FWC Protected Species coordinators can review proposed firebreaks and restoration units; members recommended focusing on units 1–4 and showing the firebreak north of Country Cove to illustrate areas intended for scrub habitat conversion.
Staff told the committee the RFQ for engineering services is in the final phase of contract negotiations. The top-ranked firm indicated it can provide an environmental survey using a drone; upon contract completion the firm will provide a final cost estimate and a work plan for committee review.
Chair Drew Thompson said he has requested a guideline or template from Florida Communities Trust and has begun reviewing the Sebastian Preserve management plan as a starting point for Cameron Preserve documents. Clerk Kohler confirmed a May 26 site visit will include town staff and FWC coordinators.
Next steps: the committee will host the site visit on May 26, review the engineer’s proposal and drone survey when available, and discuss specific preservation measures for oak trees during follow-up meetings.
