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Public commenter urges temporary protections for pipeline swallowtail caterpillars in Bidwell Park
Summary
A resident urged the Bidwell Park and Playgrounds Commission to consider short‑term protections such as signage or temporary vehicle restrictions to reduce mortality of pipeline swallowtail caterpillars that cross park roadways during metamorphosis.
David Simmons, a Bidwell Park user, told the commission during the public‑comment period that the pipeline swallowtail — present in the park in its caterpillar stage — is vulnerable when many caterpillars cross pavement to pupate.
“I think we're kind of missing a couple items that maybe we should think about,” Simmons said, explaining he has observed many caterpillars get crushed on pavement and that they are only in the caterpillar stage for “about a week at the most.” He suggested options such as public signage and temporary traffic restrictions during the short pupation window to reduce mortality.
The commission heard that bicycle and pedestrian traffic also affect the insects and that rescuing caterpillars with leaves can move them out of harm’s way; a commissioner noted that vehicle traffic on North Park Drive has been shut down “at least this year,” and another commissioner said the Enterprise‑Record had been contacted and would likely publish a story. The commission did not take formal action on the suggestion during the meeting.
Because the suggestion came during general public comment, staff or the commission may choose to forward the request to appropriate staff or add the protection idea for future agenda consideration; no staff direction or commitment to specific measures was recorded on the transcript.
