There are several organized groups doing watershed work in the Butte Creek Watershed. Protect our Watershed was formed in 1994 to develop a grassroots effort to reduce runoff and sediment pollution of Paradise Lake and Magalia Reservoirs. The Butte Creek Watershed Conservancy was formed in 1995 and has evolved to represent primarily lartge landowners and industry in the watershed. Cherokee Watershed Group was formed in 1998 and is focused on the Dry Creek tributary of Butte Creek, often referred to as Cherokee, due to the fact that mine runoff from the Cherokee area is channeled into the Cherokee Canal through the valley. Little Chico Creek Watershed Group was formed in 1998 to address specific issues of the Little Chico Creek Watershed, a tributray that connects to Butte Creek in the valley south of Chico, primarily through what are now agricultural drains. In high water the creek runs freely into Butte Creek through Angel Slough. The Friends of Butte Creek was formed in 2000 to represent conservation and environmental interests. Formed by several of the original founders of the Conservancy, the Friends focuses on enhancing the fishery and ensuring sportfishing opportunities. They are conducting citizen monitoring of fish populations and water quality.
Collaborative Efforts Pay
Dividends for Everyone Working together collaboratively has paid significant dividends for many interests in the Butte Creek Watershed. Fears of losing these magnificient fish and fears of losing water and property rights brought most parties to the table. What the agencies, agricultural interests, environmental interests, and wildlife groups found was that were many things that everyone could agree on. With support from private and public funding sources these activities were expedited and the results are clear. Fish are back and we have a catch and release steelhead fishing season. We can work together and we can recover threatened and endangered species and their habitats. The extraordinary efforts of all groups and the agency partners has made a difference. That’s what it’s all about! A final note to this is that the current run of salmon returning to Butte Creek appears to be another record buster. Stay tuned!