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URL: http://bald-eagles-of-broward-county-florida.17.s1.nabble.com/FDOT-No-observation-of-nest-from-south-side-of-Pines-Boulevard-tp3668573.html
On September 9, 2009, representatives from the Pembroke Pines Bald Eagle Sanctuary Steering Committee met with David Bogardus, Senior Environmental Specialist, FDOT District 4 Planning & Environmental Management and other senior Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) staff. We discussed our common concerns about the dangers to eagle nest watchers who gather along the south shoulder of the 20800 block of Pines Boulevard.
The full text of the Steering Committee's position may be found at this link. The Committee requested that FDOT consider several measuers, including:
1. Placement of a temporary hard barrier along the south (eastbound) side of the highway, to separate pedestrians from vehicular traffic.
2. Improve “No Parking” signage so that the signs on the south side of the 20800 block of Pines Boulevard face oncoming traffic.
3. Add temporary warning traffic signs recommending that motorists exercise caution and reduce speed along that stretch of roadway during the months of January through May.
4. Develop, in cooperation with the City of Pembroke Pines, durable temporary signs that instruct pedestrian observers to utilize crosswalks at signal lights (at corners of 209th and 208th Avenues) and provide additional information to increase observer safety, such as advising pedestrians to stay off the shoulder or roadway, control children and pets, avoid littering, (etc).
5. Construction of a pedestrian sidewalk on the south side of the block, in view of the increased pedestrian traffic at all times of the year
6. Consultation with the City as to alternative parking areas other than the south side of the 20800 block of Pines Boulevard, such as use of side streets and soft road shoulders located on the FDOT right-of-way.
Mr. Bogardus
provided us with a report (view it at this link) of the meeting that summarizes FDOT's position. The good news is that it is clear that FDOT intends to institute measures to improve the safety of observers on the south side of the highway. The bad news is that the time frame for developing and implementing these measures means that such action will not be completed until after the 2011 nesting season. In the meantime, eagle nest observers (and all pedestrians) will be prohibited from entering the south side of Pines Boulevard. Further, there is no practical solution to the lack of safe and suitable parking. The following are key excerpts from Mr. Bogardus' report:
FDOT stated that it does not wish to facilitate any pedestrian gathering on the south side of Pines Blvd due to safety concerns. Instead protective measures would focus on restricting pedestrians to the north side of Pines Blvd. where there is a sidewalk.
The Department will post signs on the corner of 209th Avenue stating pedestrians must cross Pines Blvd. on 208th Avenue. No crosswalk exists on 209th Avenue.
FDOT signage would be corrected to face oncoming traffic and additional signage would also be added including – “No Pedestrians” and “No Parking” on the south side of the road.
FDOT does not wish to accommodate or encourage parking on its right of way along Pines Blvd due to safety concerns.
The City has erected a fence to keep people from approaching the nest tree. However, the view near the fence is not ideal due to the dense forest. Instead people back up towards Pines Blvd. and the road island where the view is better, but dangerous to vehicle traffic. FDOT Planning and Environmental Management will coordinate with the design Project Manager, Henry Oaikhena to see if some type of viewing platform/elevated sidewalk can be incorporated into his Pines Blvd resurfacing project (construction is scheduled to begin in June 2011).
A pedestrian sidewalk is planned for the south side of Pines Blvd. from US 27th to 208th Ave. The project timeframe is June 2011, depending on approval of environmental concerns (wetland & eagle) with the agencies (SFWMD, USFWS, and FWC).
The Department’s plans for the sidewalk should be re-evaluated to see if any opportunities exist in terms of the eagles and pedestrian safety.
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In summary, eagle nest observers will be restricted to the north side of Pines Boulevard for the next two breeding seasons. We expressed our disappointment that FDOT was unable to come up with a solution that was more accomodating to the needs of the many citizens who will surely continue to seek views of the birds during the peak observation season during the months of February through April. Veteran nest watchers probably share my belief that enforcement of the restrictions will place a burden upon local police. Volunteer watchers should not be expected enforce the traffic laws, but rather provide information to the public and notify the police department of any violations. I believe we should actively discourage media attention, as it has been very effective in increasing the numbers of observers. Until FDOT actually approves and implements these changes, provision of additional legal parking may actually worsen the situation.