The Butte Creek Ecological Preserve (BCEP) is under the direction of the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria. The Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve will continue managing applications/reservations for activities at the BCEP.

93 Acres of Protected Riparian and Stream Habitats (www.csuchico.edu/bcep)
The BCEP is a 93-acre site along the middle section of Butte Creek. The site was formerly used for gold, sand and gravel mining, and is recovering from those activities. The property contains more than a mile of creek frontage, as well as habitat for many species of special status, including the Western Pond Turtle and Yellow-legged Frog. Butte Creek is critical salmon habitat and spawning grounds for the largest population of Central Valley Spring Run Chinook, a state and federal threatened evolutionarily significant unit (ESU).

Questions
For any questions regarding the BCEP or the RAMS application process, please contact us via e-mail at bccer@csuchico.edu, or by phone at 530-898-5010.