Big Chico Creek Ecological Preserve Dedication
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2000
Kathleen McPartland
530-898-4260
Suzanne Gibbs, Big Chico Watershed Alliance
530-342-3429
Phil Wallin, River Network
503- 241-3506
Big Chico Creek Ecological Preserve Dedication
WHO: Research Foundation, California State University, Chico Big Chico
Creek Watershed Alliance River Network’s River Conservancy
Program
WHAT: Dedication of the Big Chico Creek Ecological Preserve
WHEN: Thursday, October 26, 11 a.m. (Meet at 10:15 at Chico Park &
Ride on Highway 32 where Highway 99 crosses for shuttle
service.)
WHERE: Canyon Overlook, Highway 32. (Please call Suzanne Gibbs at the
Big Chico Watershed Alliance, 530-342-3429.)
The Big Chico Creek Ecological Preserve will be dedicated on October 26 at a canyon overlook on Highway 32 which provides a sweeping view of the property.
Mary D. Nichols, California’s Secretary for Resources and member of the governorÕs cabinet, will represent Governor Gray Davis at the ceremony. Nichols said, “Big Chico Creek Ecological Preserve is historic, not only because it is the first acquisition made under the landmark Parks Bond 2000, but because it is a worthy example of private and public partnership to preserve California’s priceless landscape for the future.”
The Simmons Ranch, 2,724 acres along 2.5 miles of Big Chico Creek, was purchased in July 2000 from Chico residents Dan Drake and Ed and Darwin Simmons by River Network’s River Conservancy program, then sold to the California State University, Chico Research Foundation to create a nature preserve.
The Research Foundation, along with River Network based in Portland, Oregon, and the Big Chico Creek Watershed Alliance, has worked cooperatively to acquire the Simmons Ranch for more than two years. River Network facilitated purchase of the land with funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Wildlife Conservation Board and the Packard Foundation.
Phil Wallin, director of the River Conservancy, said, “For the River Conservancy, this is a chance to protect an ecosystem that is home to a whole array of at-risk species, from Chinook salmon to Swainson’s hawk. Big Chico Creek is a California treasure that is just beginning to be appreciated fully.”
“Acquisition of this property demonstrates the power of partnerships,” said Mike Spear, manager of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s California/Nevada Operations Office. “Together we were able to accomplish so much more than we could have individually, and the end result is the protection of this unique parcel that supports more than 140 native animals.”
The preserve will not only protect the habitat for native animals, it will provide the cornerstone for research by faculty and students at CSU, Chico. Butte College and local schools will also use the preserve as an outdoor classroom.
There will be limited space for car and van parking so a shuttle service will be provided. There is no electricity available at the dedication site. Call Suzanne Gibbs, 530-342-3429, for more information.
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