The FWC has finished the gopher tortoise survey for Phase 2. It looks a lot like Phase 1 in that the top of the hill is pretty well covered by tortoises and the slopes less so. So to me that means some of the trail has got to be relocated/removed. I talked to David Creamer about it yesterday and he pretty much agreed. We did discuss utilizing an area I had neglected that has quite a bit of area and some good terrain. East of the railroad bed going towards the primitive area was left unused due to the contours not reflecting much. When I was out there last, I was suprised at the grade change. David said we were free to use this area as long as we stayed away from the primitive area camp ground and away from the wetlands. Doing all of this might actually increase the length of the trail so I’m all for it.
The PORC Elders met with Bill Huth last night to discuss the UWF trails. Bill is an instructor and a member of the Environmental and Beautification Committee. He rides at UWF on occasion and likes what we have. He was looking for input so he can carry it back to the committe and make suggestions and recommendations. I think he’s going to push for a new bridge based on student usage and safety. Go Bill.
