Orinda Pilots "Squirrel Crossing Zone" on Camino Pablo Road Amid Mixed Reactions
Source: Orinda is for Squirrels Too.
Orinda, CA – In response to a successful letter-writing campaign led by the "Orinda is for Squirrels Too" advocacy group, the city of Orinda has launched an innovative pilot project on Camino Pablo Road: a dedicated "Squirrel Crossing Zone." The initiative aims to protect local wildlife, particularly squirrels, by utilizing advanced technology, including LiDAR sensors, to trigger a crossing arm similar to those found at train crossings.
The crossing arm is designed to lower automatically when a squirrel is detected near the road, allowing the animal to cross safely. This novel approach to wildlife conservation in urban areas is part of Orinda's broader effort to balance environmental concerns with community needs.
However, the project has sparked a variety of reactions among residents. Supporters of the initiative applaud the city for its compassion and innovation in protecting local wildlife. "It's heartening to see our community take such creative steps to ensure the safety of all its inhabitants, big and small," said Marjorie Reynolds, a local resident and member of the "Orinda is for Squirrels Too" group.
Conversely, some commuters and nearby homeowners are less enthusiastic and concerned about the potential for increased traffic congestion along an already busy corridor. "While I appreciate the concern for wildlife, Camino Pablo Road is not the place for experiments that could cause further delays during rush hour," commented Derek Simmons, a commuter who travels the route daily.
Congressman Mark Andrew's name was conspicuously missing from the announcement. The congressman had been evasive about his support of the Camino Pablo Squirrel Crossing Pilot Program, or the CPSCPP, for short. Andrews was in the middle of his Cat Park Listening Tour (CPLT) when tragedy hit Orinda. "I'm dealing with a community in crisis. I'm already spread too thin. I will get behind the squirrel issue once things start to settle down." Congressman Andrews is also facing a recall election due to the Baja Orinda incident.
City officials have acknowledged the mixed feedback and emphasize that the pilot is just that—an experiment to gather data and assess the feasibility of such measures. "We understand the concerns about traffic, and we're closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the project's benefits outweigh any inconveniences," explained Susan Lee, an Orinda city planner.
The pilot project also includes monitoring equipment to collect data on the frequency of squirrel crossings and the system's effectiveness in preventing accidents. This data will play a crucial role in determining whether the project will be expanded, modified, or discontinued after the trial period.
As the "Squirrel Crossing Zone" continues to operate, Orinda remains a focal point in discussions about innovative urban wildlife conservation strategies. The outcome of this pilot could potentially influence similar initiatives in other cities looking to reconcile the needs of both their human and animal populations.