Big Chico Creek Watershed Planning

Big Chico Creek Watershed Planning

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Project Goal:

Improve migratory fish passage for steelhead, spring-run Chinook salmon, and other native in the lower reaches of the Big Chico Creek watershed.


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Project Stages

Conceptual Design

Estimated Completion Date:
2027

Region:

Project Funders

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)

Will be pursuing additional funding for barrier removal once conceptual design is completed

Fish Affected:

Project Description

This project will scope potential fish passage improvements for two migratory barriers on Big Chico Creek – One Mile dam and Five Mile dam – and one migratory barrier on the Lindo Channel, a distributary and flood control channel to Big Chico Creek. This project will also identify other threats and limiting factors to native fish species including stream connectivity, water temperature, water quality, invasive species, stranding, and habitat suitability. The result of this project will be a Fish Passage Conditions Report and a watershed planning document that identifies next steps in the planning and design process. This project also supports capacity building for the Mechoopda Tribe’s growing fishery and watershed restoration program.

Project Partners:

Mechoopda Tribe

City of Chico

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Butte County

California Department of Water Resources

Yurok Tribe

Fishbio

Western Fishes

Dr. Parsa Safarinia

Gayland Taylor

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