Recreation Inventory

Introduction

One Mile Pool.

Purpose

The overall purpose of this Recreation Inventory is to provide information that will help stakeholders evaluate the Big Chico Creek watershed and develop an Adaptive Management Plan.

Specifically, this Recreation Inventory provides a comprehensive summary of recreational use locations, the types of recreational use, and time period of use based on current studies. This inventory also describes possible impacts of recreation on fisheries, other environmental resources, economic resources, and private property rights based on current studies. The final purpose of this inventory is to identify gaps in the current data.

Organization

This Recreation Inventory is divided into five sections. Following the first section, which is an introduction of the study, the second section explains the recreational opportunities map and matrices, which cover 21 sites. The third section gives an overview of the same 21 sites plus nine additional sites. Recreational impacts or data gaps for each site are also identified. The fourth section addresses other impacts and studies, and the final section provides a summary.

Criteria for Selection of Recreational Sites

Only commonly used recreational sites with legitimate public access are included on the map and matrices in order not to encourage inappropriate use or trespassing. Some other recreational sites are presented in the text only.

In the Chico Urban Area, there are numerous recreation sites in the watershed managed by the City of Chico and the Chico Area Recreation and Park District (CARD). Only those sites adjacent to a creek are specifically referenced in this report. For example, Wildwood Park (adjacent to the Sycamore Creek Diversion Channel) and the CARD Community Center (adjacent to Big Chico Creek) are included, while Oak Way Park and the Pleasant Valley Recreation Center are not. For more information regarding all of the public recreational sites in the Chico Urban Area, readers are encouraged to contact City of Chico Park Department at 895-4972 and CARD at 895-4711.

Most private recreational facilities, such as sports clubs, are not included. Because of their size and locations along important streams, however, three private recreational sites outside of Bidwell Park are discussed. These exceptions are Camp Lassen and Springs of Living Waters at Richardson Springs, both managed by nonprofit organizations, and the Musty Buck Preserve, a private membership facility. In Bidwell Park, five sites leased from the City or managed by other groups are listed separately from the Park: Bidwell Park Golf Course, Chico Rod & Gun Club, Hooker Oak Recreation Area, Chico Creek Nature Center, and Sycamore Field.

Assumptions/Limitations of Methods Used to Determine

Possible Impacts

This Recreation Study is limited primarily to the review of existing studies on recreation in the Big Chico Creek Watershed, interviews of recreation site representatives, and field observations. Formal new research regarding specific sites or impacts is outside the scope of this study. Conclusions of previous studies and the statements of representatives for the recreation sites are assumed to be accurate. For most sites, current studies regarding the impacts of recreation are not available.

Acknowledgment

Parts of this recreation study were modeled after the Recreation Opportunities Report prepared for the Butte Creek Watershed Project by Steve Dennis, Ph.D.; Lisa Jorgensen, B.S.; of the Department of Recreation and Parks Management, California State University, Chico and Kamie Polo, M.R.T.P., Department of Geology and Planning, California State University, Chico. The Big Chico Creek Watershed Alliance is especially grateful to Steve Dennis for his advice regarding this study.

Recreational Opportunities Map and Matrices

A Recreational Opportunities Map is presented showing the locations of the recreational sites presented in the matrices (Figure 1). Two recreational matrices were prepared: a Facilities Matrix (Table 1) and an Activities Matrix (Table 2). Each matrix lists selected recreational sites within the watershed as well as their corresponding Map Identification Numbers. The Facilities Matrix

Table 2. Activities Matrix.

identifies the management and types of developed or constructed facilities that are located at that particular site. The Activities Matrix identifies the various types of recreational opportunities that can be found at a particular site. Interviews, secondary data and field observation identified the activities that occur at a site. It should be noted that each site is not limited to the types of activities indicated on the matrix. It is possible that recreational users may partake in other forms of recreation or depreciative behavior. The matrix identifies the types of activities that were commonly identified to occur at that particular site.

Overview of Recreational Opportunities

This section provides additional information on each of the recreational sites identified in the matrices and several sites not included in the matrices. Each site description is followed by information regarding the impacts of recreation at that site.

Recreation Sites on Matrices

These are commonly used recreational sites with legitimate public access. They are numbered to correspond to the matrices and Recreational Opportunities Map.

1. Colby Mountain Lookout

Managed by Lassen National Forest, the primary function of Colby Mountain Lookout (6,200 feet) is fire protection. The site is accessible to vehicular traffic and is popular with cyclists in summer, and skiers and snowmobilers in winter. The lookout commands exceptional views of the Big Chico Creek, Butte Creek and Deer Creek watersheds.

Impacts: No studies were found regarding impacts from recreational use of the Colby Mountain Lookout.

2. Camp Lassen

This is a private nonprofit recreational site operated by the Boy Scouts of America in lower Chico Meadows near the headwaters of Big Chico Creek. The land is leased from Sierra Pacific Industries and the camp is used for Boy Scout camps during six weeks in the summer, and is available for rental by other groups throughout the rest of the year. Some of the groups that have used the camp include the Girl Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, church organizations, Butte County Sheriff’s Posse, Chico Unified School District, and California State University, Chico (Wakefield, 1998, p101-102). Facilities include a lodge, cabins, three-story wall climbing center, a rifle range, and a small (3-4 acres) lake formed by a dam across Big Chico Creek.

Impacts: No studies were found regarding impacts from recreational use of Camp Lassen. A possible impact is the obstacle presented by the dam, which may block native trout from moving upstream and interfere with the movement of other creek organisms (Maslin, 1998). Other potential impacts include disease transmission from planted hatchery fish to native fish, construction impacts from the dam, and general trampling and erosion impacts resulting from heavy use of the area (Taylor, 1998).

3. Musty Buck Preserve

Musty Buck is privately owned and managed primarily as a hunting club. Memberships are required and are available for public purchase. The club operates under certain preserve-specific hunting permits and seasons in exchange for managing the property in a manner that enhances its wildlife habitat, especially for deer. Permits are available for hunting deer, upland birds, turkey, and bear. Hunting in the preserve is not permitted below the north rim of Big Chico Creek canyon (Owens, 1998). This area has historically been used for grazing, a use that continues today.

Impacts: No studies were found regarding the impacts of recreational use of the Musty Buck Preserve.

4. Springs of Living Water at Richardson Springs

This conference center is owned and managed by Youth With a Mission/Springs of Living Water, Inc. as a nondenominational nonprofit Christian conference center. The facilities can be rented by anyone willing to abide by contract to Christian standards, for example, no alcohol. The facility includes a hotel that can be rented by groups and cabins that can be rented by individuals. It is commonly used by churches and organizations for retreats, conferences and a variety of programs. Summer camps are held for children ages 8-18. Day-use picnicking is permitted with advance permission (Plunk, 1998).

Impacts: No studies were found regarding the impacts of recreational use of the Springs of Living Water at Richardson Springs.

5. Upper Bidwell Park

Upper Bidwell Park in the City of Chico experiences extensive recreational use and has received the most study regarding the impacts of recreation. Jones & Stokes Associates, Inc. prepared an Assessment of Visitor Use on the Natural Resources of Upper Bidwell Park for the City of Chico in March 1997. That report’s “Overview of Park Facilities and Use” is presented here:

The Upper Park contains few facilities. Upper Park Road, a two-lane gravel road, provides access to the Upper Park area from the gate at the Horseshoe Lake parking area and runs approximately 4 miles along the length of the Big Chico Creek corridor. On Sunday and Monday of each week, the road is closed to vehicles and open only to hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians. The rest of the week this road provides the only public vehicle access to the Upper Park area.

Several unimproved dirt-parking areas are located along Upper Park Road, primarily next to creek pools. Parking areas have a dirt surface and do not have defined parking stalls or perimeters. They range in size from small pullouts that accommodate only a few vehicles to extensive areas that can accommodate 40 or more vehicles. The larger parking areas are provided at Alligator, Bear, Salmon, and Brown’s Holes, which are locations along the creek corridor where the water is deep and therefore attracts users.

The only other road in the Upper Park area is the North Rim Trail. Although it is not open to public vehicle access, it is used for maintenance access by park rangers. It is also a popular route for hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians.

The Yahi Trail runs the length of the Upper Park area between Big Chico Creek and the Upper Park Road. Only foot traffic is permitted on this trail. The Lower, Middle, and Upper Trails, open to hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians, also run the length of the park along the south-facing slope of the canyon, between Upper Park Road and the North Rim Trail. Upper Trail is also open to hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians. The Live Oak and Ishi Trails connect the Upper Park Road and the North Rim Trail at the far end of the canyon. Together, these primary trails form loop trail systems that offer a variety of distances and terrain to trail users.

Levels of use of Upper Park facilities vary by day of week and time of year. As expected, summer brings the highest use levels, especially along the Upper Park Road corridor, by groups and individuals that visit the pools along Big Chico Creek. On some weekends and holidays, parking areas along the road are filled to capacity. If the entrance gate is closed, the parking area at Horseshoe Lake reaches capacity. Use levels at the creek pools can remain high in fall and spring. Students from California State University, Chico, many of who leave during summer, frequently use the park during warm days in the spring and fall months.

It is expected that use of the trails by joggers, hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians is relatively consistent throughout the year although somewhat higher in the warmer months. An analysis of vehicle trip counts taken in summer 1995 suggests that most vehicles enter the Upper Park area in the warmer afternoon hours and peak use by hikers and bicyclists occurs in the cooler morning hours.

In 1993, a graduate student from California State University, Chico, studied trail use in the Upper Park for a master’s thesis (Maser, 1993). Over 600 trail users were surveyed at four sites throughout the Upper Park area. Most trail users were hikers (53%), followed by bicyclists (39%), then, runners and joggers (7%), and finally, equestrians (1%). Almost 90% of recreational users were from the City and its surrounding urban area. The average age of park users was 30 years (data was not collected for individuals under 15 years of age). Over 70% of the trail users were male. Recreation users visited Upper Park an average of 8 days per month. The average duration of use was 1 hour and 50 minutes. The largest party of trail users was 17 people; however, over 80% of the trail users come alone or in pairs. (Jones & Stokes, 1997, p9-10)

Impacts: The Assessment of Visitor Use study also discusses impacts to natural resources in each of the five management zones within the Upper Park area. Figure 2 illustrates the locations of these management zones, while Table 3 provides a summary of park use assessment by management zones.

There are several equestrian trails throughout Bidwell Park.
From the City of Chico Park Department.

Following are excerpts from the study’s discussion of these impacts:

Upper Rim (Management Zone 28)

Overall, damage to resources by park use in this area is not excessive. However, additional management efforts are needed in specific areas to avoid damage to sensitive resources.

Soils in this zone, which have developed over volcanic mudflow formations, are thin and prone to erosion. Several special-status plant populations, which are sensitive to disturbance, have been identified near the North Rim Trail. The rocky conditions along the road cause bicyclists to seek smoother, less-eroded routes that are easier to pass over; thus, the dirt road is gradually being widened, which is resulting in the loss of the thin soil layer and sensitive vegetation.

South Facing Slope (Management Zone 29)

Overall, the damage to resources by park use in this zone is not excessive. However, additional management efforts are needed in specific areas to avoid further damage to resources.

The primary resource issues in this area are soil erosion on existing trails and the creation of bootleg trails. Downhill mountain bike travel has the greatest potential for impact on existing trails (caused by skidding and poorly executed braking). However, the most substantial impacts result from the creation of new non-designated trails. Vegetation has difficulty reestablishing in areas where use has compacted and eroded soils on the steep slopes within this zone. Soils are especially prone to compaction when they are wet.

Upper Park Road/Parking Corridor (Management Zone 30)

This zone is one of the most heavily visited areas within the Upper Park. The only vehicle access in the Upper Park (Upper Park Road and its associated parking areas) is located within this zone. Some of the park’s most sensitive habitat types, including mixed oak woodlands, perennial grasslands, wetlands, and riparian forests are found within this zone. Sensitive resources are being damaged by heavy use. Because of the extent of damage to resources that is occurring in this area, more intensive management efforts are needed.

The poor condition of the road and parking areas and the high level of use they receive is resulting in excessive dust generation and runoff from these areas. The poor condition of the road also restricts emergency vehicle access. Because parking area limits are not well defined, motorists park beyond already established areas, further disturbing vegetation and compacting soils.

North-Facing Slope (Management Zone 31)

Overall, the damage to resources by existing park use in this zone is not excessive. However, additional management efforts are needed to avoid damage to sensitive resources.

The primary issues in this area include soil erosion on existing trails, the creation of bootleg trails, and the increased wildfire danger because of the dense vegetation and difficulty of emergency vehicle access to this area. Various trails in the north slope area, including the area of the new addition, are highly eroded. The Police Pistol Range Trail, a popular trail to access the new addition, is in very poor condition; it is highly eroded, steep and rocky along its entire length.

Big Chico Creek (Management Zone 32)

This zone is the most heavily visited area within Upper Park. Riparian vegetation along the creek is highly sensitive to trampling and erosion, especially on steep creek banks. Sensitive resources are being damaged by heavy use in this zone. Because of the extent of damage to resources that is occurring in this area, more intensive management efforts are needed.

Access trails from parking areas to creek-side use areas are currently unmarked. In many areas, park users have established multiple access routes, which is damaging vegetation and causing soil erosion, especially on steep slopes. Additionally, vegetation loss, soil erosion, and soil compaction is occurring in areas where park use is concentrated around creek pools. Creek-bank erosion resulting from trampling of vegetation increases sedimentation in the creek and could affect the water quality, especially in the lower reaches of the Upper Park area. (Jones & Stokes, 1997, p15-17)

A group led by the Chico Creek Nature Center explores a rock shelter in Upper Bidwell Park.
Source: Chico Creek Nature Center

Other Studies of use and Impacts in Upper Bidwell Park

A 1993 thesis by a California State University Geography student investigated The Effects of Use Patterns on Trail Impacts in Chico’s Upper Bidwell Park (Maser, 1993). The study, which included use surveys, found erosion impacts and concluded that lack of trail planning, designation and maintenance, combined with unclear use regulation and limited enforcement capability had more influence on trail impacts than the patterns of usage (frequency, numbers of people, etc).

A 1994 thesis, The Environmental Effects of All-Terrain Bicycles on Chico’s Upper Bidwell Park, counted trail use by bicyclists, hikers and equestrians and found significant erosion and trampling of vegetation in numerous areas of the Upper Park (St. Sure, 1994). The author also concluded that a lack of restrictions on hikers, especially when the ground is wet, has resulted in serious damage to the terrain.

A 1996 CSU, Chico class study, Bidwell Park Acquisition Site Analysis & Recommendations included a survey of users of the 1995 park acquisition (Site Planning Class, 1998). Objectives of the survey included determining the environmental qualities and characteristics that are important to users of the new park addition and determining the physical needs of the various recreational user groups. The study recommended that the Police Pistol Range Trail off Centennial Avenue eventually be closed and returned to a natural state, partly because of the massive erosion impacts on the trail (Site Planning Class, 1998, p.23, 27).

A 1998 Upper Park Road Visitation Study gathered baseline data on the use and user patterns of Upper Park Road (Wilson, 1998). The report noted extensive rule violations, including dogs in swimming holes, smoking during the non-smoking period, speeding, alcohol consumption, and broken glass and other litter around swimming holes. The report also stated that the “physical area surrounding Upper Park Road and the swimming holes show signs of physical deterioration caused by overuse and misuse. Fragile wetlands areas at Bear Hole have been trampled, causing erosion and potential loss of species” (Wilson, 1998, p iv).

Impacts from Swimming in Upper Park

Swimmers may significantly impact salmon health. A California Department of Fish and Game warden identified swimming in Bidwell Park as the single biggest impact to fisheries from recreational use of Big Chico Creek (Bishop, 1998). This can be a major factor during drought years when water levels and the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water available to fish are low. Disturbance of the fish by swimmers (see Aquatic/Biotic chapter) may cause the fish to be much more active, using up their limited supply of dissolved oxygen (Bishop, 1998). Stress from disturbance by swimmers can cause the release of hormones that cause disease or reduced fertility among salmon (Hill, 1998).

Trespassing

A California State University, Chico class study of the 1995 Upper Park acquisition identified trespass through Canyon Oaks, a private gated community south of the park, as a concern. A survey of users of the new section of the park found that five percent had entered through Canyon Oaks (Site Planning Class, 1996, p28). Interviews with landowners in Big Chico Creek canyon above Bidwell Park indicated only a few trespassing problems. One of the owners of the property immediately upstream from Bidwell Park said there have been very few problems with trespassing. The only ones using the road regularly, he said, seem to be bicyclists who throw their bikes over the locked gates, but they don’t seem to be disturbing anything else (Source 1, 1998). Higher in the canyon, another property owner said there have been occasional problems, including an incident at Higgins Hole in October 1996 involving about eight people poaching salmon and using a large grill with a raging fire during the height of the fire season. There have also been some mountain bikers, she added, but they have not been a major concern (Source 2, 1998). Higher still, in the canyon below Forest Ranch, a landowner reported that the closing of Ponderosa Way approximately 4-5 years ago has pretty much eliminated trespassing problems. She said the road was closed after it was washed out and became impassable. The county did not continue maintenance, and private property owners in the area paid to make it passable and gated it off (Source 3, 1998).

6. Bidwell Park Golf Course

The Bidwell Park Golf Course site in Bidwell Park is leased from the City of Chico by the Bidwell Park Golf Club, Inc., a nonprofit organization. The Club contracts with American Golf Corporation for the maintenance and operation of the golf course facilities, which are open to the general public for a fee.

Bidwell Golf Course.
From City of Chico Park Department

Impacts: The golf course once obtained water from pumps eight feet below the streambed of the creek but now uses a 1,000-foot well that has eliminated impacts to the creek (Boza, 1998). Water quality in the creek is tested three times a year above and below the golf course. The tests are currently showing no impacts from the golf course (Boza, 1998).

7. Chico Rod & Gun Club

An indoor pistol range is located next to Horseshoe Lake in Middle Bidwell Park. This building was funded and constructed by the Chico Rod and Gun Club, a nonprofit organization that leases the land from the City of Chico. The building has a lobby, a kitchen for use by members, and a pay telephone. The range is open for use by the general public for a fee (Jones, 1998). The Bidwell Park Master Management Plan calls for the phasing out of the pistol range in the long term (Hardesty Associates, 1990, p146).

Impacts: No studies were found regarding the impacts of recreational use of the Chico Rod & Gun Club facility.

8. Middle and Lower Bidwell Park

Middle Park, from Horseshoe Lake down to the Hooker Oak Recreation Area, is the location of substantial recreational activity. The parking lot on the upper side of Horseshoe Lake serves as a staging point for hikers and bicyclists entering the Upper Park, especially when the gate on the road is closed. The area around Horseshoe Lake is a popular location for picnicking, fishing, feeding ducks, and hiking. An annual “Hooked on Fishing Not Drugs” event for kids is held here. Downstream from the golf course is the Five-Mile Dam Area, where water used to be backed up each summer to form a large swimming pool. The area is still used for shallow-water swimming and wading and receives extensive use from picnickers, walkers and bicyclists. A group picnic area here can be reserved for a fee. Between the Sycamore Creek Diversion Channel and Manzanita Avenue is a horse-riding arena.

The following description of Lower Park is taken from the Bidwell Park Master Management Plan:

Lower Park is a narrow, predominantly Oak/Sycamore riparian corridor along Big Chico Creek. Lower Park is accessible from several streets along its perimeter. The magnificent woodlands, alluvial meadows and occasional turf areas are actively used for recreation and constitute a 400-acre ‘front yard’ for park users. Lower Park is divided into two sections by the Mangrove Avenue Bridge across the creek. The western end (Lower Park West) includes narrow areas on both sides of the creek. Lower Park East includes wider areas and receives much greater use intensity (Hardesty Associates, 1990, p11).

Recreational use of Lower Park is substantial. The highest concentration of use is in the One-Mile Dam Area. This area contains a swimming area on Big Chico Creek with cement floor and walls, a large children’s playground called Caper Acres, a group picnic area, horseshoe pits, walking and biking trails, Sycamore Ball Field, and large grassy areas used for picnicking and sunbathing. The Cedar Grove area of Lower Park receives episodic intense use when it is used for special events, including concerts, fairs, and theatrical performances. Adjacent to Cedar Grove is the World of Trees Nature Trail, a self-guided path with interpretive signs winding through the location of a former forestry station. This trail is wheelchair accessible and contains signs with Braille for people with visual impairments. The roads running along both sides of the creek in Lower Park receive extensive use from a varied collection of drivers, walkers, joggers, skaters, and bicyclists. South Park Drive is closed to automobiles from Caper Acres to Cedar Grove. On the north side of the creek are a Vita Course and numerous unpaved footpaths, picnic areas, and swimming holes. Sites that can be reserved for group activities are the One-Mile Picnic Area, Sycamore Grove, Council Ring and two Birthday Rings in Caper Acres. Lower Park is truly the hub of recreational activity in the Big Chico Creek Watershed.

Middle and Lower Bidwell Park Impacts: Extensive recreational activity in this part of the watershed has had significant impacts upon the natural environment. The 1990 Bidwell Park Master Management Plan identified some of these impacts:

• Existing uses and management are causing significant impacts to mature oaks and sycamores and natural conditions (soil compaction, dust, over-watering, etc.)
• The riparian corridor of Big Chico Creek is one of the primary attractions of Bidwell Park. Shaded picnic sites close to the creek provide relief from afternoon heat. However, intensive use of sensitive riparian areas is causing soil compaction, loss of vegetation, encroachment by invasive plants, creek-bank erosion, siltation, and wildlife habitat degradation.
• Invasive plants such as Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus) and Himalayan Blackberry are displacing and disrupting native plant communities in Bidwell Park.
• Intensive use of recreation areas and corresponding maintenance activities such as irrigation, mowing and installation of improved surfaces have disrupted natural germination and development of oaks, native grasses and other plants in Bidwell Park. Long term perpetuation of natural vegetation characteristics is threatened.
• The frequency, duration and extent of natural fires have been reduced as a response to protect the facilities and resources that have been introduced into Bidwell Park. Habitat responses to altered fire conditions are changing the visual and biological character of Lower, Middle and Upper Park.
• The wildlife habitats of Bidwell Park have been influenced by a variety of factors. Human intrusion and facility development is the primary cause of habitat degradation, but no reliable data exist to demonstrate neither what changes have occurred nor what such changes could mean.
• Hydrologic and geologic conditions in Bidwell Park have been disrupted by flood control activities, irrigation practices and park uses.
• The aquatic habitat of Big Chico Creek has been altered by flood control facilities, swimming facilities and disruption of creek banks and water quality degradation. (Hardesty Associates, 1990, p54-56, 107)

Other problems include littering and human waste. The impacts described above are the target of management recommendations in the Bidwell Park Master Management Plan and continue to be addressed by the Park and Playground Commission and Park Department.

Siltation Impacts from Cleaning of Sycamore Pool

The One-Mile Dam/Sycamore Pool Complex consists of a 700-foot long in-stream swimming pool and a flash-board dam fitted with a fish ladder. The dam is operated for swimming from Memorial Day through Labor Day and the pool is often used by hundreds of people daily. Past pool cleaning practices resulted in discharges of sediment downstream, violating state waste discharge requirements and adversely impacting fish habitat and other environmental quality factors (Mitchell Swanson, 1994, p19). In September 1995, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board issued a cease and desist order requiring the city to halt all pool cleaning or implement an approved alternative cleaning method. In 1997 a bypass culvert was constructed. The flow of the creek is now temporarily diverted through the culvert while the sediment is removed and the pool is cleaned. The new pool cleaning system appears to have helped the siltation problem, and the City is continuing siltation and coliform monitoring required by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board permit (Dykstra, 1998). A possible impact that has not been solved by the new cleaning procedure is the interception of gravel transport, which may reduce the amount of gravel available for downstream spawning areas (Maslin 1998). Please refer to Chapters on Water Quality, Hydrology and Aquatic/Biotic Inventories for additional information.

Five Mile Recreation Area.
From the City of Chico Park Department

Fish Passage at the One-Mile Dam

There is adequate fish passage at the One-Mile Dam as long as it is managed properly. Under very low flow conditions, the dam may cause some problems (Ward, 1998).

Impacts on Fecal Coliform Concentrations

Recreation may contribute to fecal coliform concentrations in Big Chico Creek. People swimming in the water, and dog and horse feces are possible sources. A 1997 report, prepared by the California State University, Chico Environmental Laboratory, found that from November 1995 through June 1997 concentrations of fecal coliform calculated as the monthly geometric mean exceeded standards in June 1996 and possibly during September 1996, although the data for this month are only based on two days of sampling over Labor Day weekend (Oakley, 1997, p54). The study (see Water Quality chapter) also found that fecal coliform concentration increases from the Five-Mile Recreation Area to the outflow below the One-Mile Dam throughout the year, and especially during the summer months. The relative role of animals or humans as contributing sources could not be ascertained (Oakley, 1997, p54-55). The City of Chico Park Department is conducting additional testing during the summer of 1998 (Beardsley, 1998).

Economic Impacts of Bidwell Park Runs

Although not documented by formal study, there is evidence of economic benefits from recreational running in Bidwell Park. Each year, there are approximately 20 organized runs in Bidwell Park. Most of the local runs are organized by local nonprofit charitable organizations, which use them as fund-raisers (Stearns, 1998). One of the largest races is the Bidwell Classic, a half marathon held annually on the first Saturday in March, attracting 800-1,300 participants. For bigger runs, about 30-40 percent of the participants come from out of town, usually staying in local motels and hotels and eating at local restaurants, especially in the downtown area (Berman, 1998).

Impact of Bidwell Park on Housing Values

No current studies were found regarding impacts of recreation in the watershed on housing values. Interviews with five local realtors and two real estate appraisers regarding the impact of Bidwell Park on housing values, indicated that although definitive studies have not been conducted, there is general agreement that the park positively affects housing values. One realtor stated that Bidwell Park is part of the overall quality of life in Chico and adds to the area’s value for homebuyers (Tichinin, 1998). An appraiser said there is no question that houses near the park bring higher sales prices than comparable houses elsewhere and that rentals near the park also go for a higher price (Granicher, 1998). Houses within walking distance of either side of the park, according to another realtor, not only sell for a higher price but also sell more quickly (Shelton, 1998). There is a group of homebuyers in the local market, often baby boomers, who will only buy homes near the park (Stephens, 1998). The significance of the park’s impact varies in different parts of the community, the supply and demand situation at the time of the sale, and the numerous other factors affecting the value of homes (Andrews, 1998; Gregoire, 1998; Bernedo, 1998).

9. Hooker Oak Recreation Area

This site is located in Bidwell Park but is managed and maintained by CARD. It contains a children’s playground, a picnic area, one lighted baseball field, two lighted softball fields, restrooms and a parking area.

Impacts: No studies were found regarding the impacts of recreational use of the Hooker Oak Recreation Area. This area is designed and maintained for high levels of recreational use.

10. Chico Creek Nature Center

The Chico Creek Nature Center location is leased from the City of Chico by a nonprofit organization of the same name. The Center’s programs include a Living Animal Museum and other educational exhibits, a native plant garden, environmental education programs, nature walks and activities, and Camp Chico Creek for children 5 to 12 years old. The Center functions as the interpretive and information center for Bidwell Park.

Impacts: No studies were found regarding the impacts of recreational use of the Chico Creek Nature Center.

11. Sycamore Field

Sycamore Field is a softball field in the One Mile Dam Area of Bidwell Park. The ballfield area, containing about 3.5 acres of land, is leased from the City of Chico and managed by CARD.

Impacts: No studies were found regarding the impacts of recreational use of Sycamore Field.

12. CARD Community Center

This site contains the Community Center Building, parking lot and some surrounding landscaping. A bike path runs along the creek. It is adjacent to Bidwell Park and is owned and managed by CARD. CARD’s Senior Program Office and Administration Office are located here. A variety of recreational programs are held here, and parts of the facility are available for rental, including a large main hall, kitchen and patio area, craft room, and one large meeting room that can be divided into two smaller rooms.

Impacts: No studies were found regarding impacts of recreational use of the CARD Community Center.

13. Bidwell Ranch

The City of Chico purchased this 750-acre property adjacent to Bidwell Park in 1997 following citizen protests over proposed development and the threat of a lawsuit from the developer should development be denied. The Chico City Council has not made a final decision about what to do with the property. There has also been no decision regarding general public access. The City Council approved the use of the property during the spring of 1998 only for field trips for school classes and for guided public wildflower tours led by Stop Bidwell Ranch, Sierra Club and Butte Environmental Council. Because of the history of this piece of property, its proximity to Bidwell Park, and the presence of vernal pool wetlands and the endangered species Butte County Meadowfoam, parts of the property are likely to remain open to public use even if some development occurs. For the purposes of this report, nature study/birding is considered the only recreational activity because it is the only activity that has been approved by the City Council.

Impacts: No studies were found regarding impacts from recreational use of the Bidwell Ranch property.

14. Wildwood Park

This is a 19-acre City of Chico community park on Wildwood Avenue across the street from Bidwell Park. It includes facilities for active recreation as well as vernal pool nature preserve areas. It is adjacent to the Sycamore Creek Diversion Channel and has a short trail that connects to a longer trail on the Diversion Channel’s levee.

Impacts: No studies were found regarding impacts from recreational use of Wildwood Park.

15. Lindo Channel Section of Bidwell River Park

Lindo Channel and its banks, from Bidwell Park to where it rejoins Big Chico Creek, are part of Bidwell River Park, established as a result of Annie Bidwell’s deed of 1908. From Manzanita Avenue to the City’s western sphere of influence line, just west of Highway 32, the park is now owned by the City of Chico. From the City’s sphere of influence until Lindo Channel rejoins Big Chico Creek, the park is owned by Butte County. The CARD Comprehensive Park and Recreation Plan identifies the channel as a recommended lineal park, and the City of Chico General Plan identifies the section within the City’s sphere of influence as a Creekside Greenway. Recreational activities on Lindo Channel are dispersed and informal, varying in intensity based upon access. Activities include hiking, biking and horseback riding. A seasonal waterway, it also receives some use for fishing and wading. Bike paths cross the channel at a number of locations in Chico.

Impacts: No studies were found regarding impacts from recreational use of Lindo Channel.

16. First Avenue and Verbena Lane Future Park Site

The City of Chico has acquired a parcel at this location along Lindo Channel for the future development of a neighborhood park. Although plans have not been finalized, it will probably be used for passive recreational facilities (Boza, 1998).

Impacts: No studies were found regarding the impacts of recreational use of the First Avenue and Verbena Lane Future Park Site.

Bidwell Mansion on The Esplanade.

Bidwell Mansion was the home of John and Annie Bidwell from 1868 until the end of their lives in 1900 and 1918 respectively. Now a state historic park, it receives about 30,000 visitors a year. The park includes the mansion itself, a visitor center, a carriage shed displaying carriages owned by the Bidwells, and surrounding grounds. The area along the bank of Big Chico Creek is the site of a native plant restoration project. The mansion and its grounds are being restored to the 1868-1900 historic period. Visitors may tour the visitor center and grounds on their own and receive a guided tour of the mansion. A gazebo area is often rented for weddings.

Impacts: No studies were found regarding impacts from recreational use of Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park.

18. Children’s Playground

Along Big Chico Creek across a footbridge from Bidwell Mansion and adjacent to California State University, Chico and Bidwell Memorial Presbyterian Church is the Children’s Playground. This 2.7-acre urban park has a playground, picnic tables, turf area and bicycle paths.

Impacts: No studies were found regarding impacts from recreational use of Children’s Playground.

19. Bidwell Bowl Amphitheater

This amphitheater straddling Big Chico Creek is owned and managed by the City of Chico. It seats approximately 300-350 people. The seating area is on the south side of the creek, and the small stage area is on the north side. The amphitheater is rented primarily for weddings, graduation ceremonies, orientations and similar activities. The area is rarely used for live performances because of amplification restrictions (Tobin, 1998).

Impacts: No studies were found regarding impacts from recreational use of Bidwell Bowl. The amphitheater itself has displaced riparian habitat, and the portion of the creek passing through the amphitheater has been channelized.

20. California State University, Chico

California State University, Chico has more than 14,000 students and offers a full range of recreational opportunities on campus and off campus, many of which are available to the general public. For more information regarding the university’s recreational facilities and activities, contact the Recreational Sports office at 898-5170 or Adventure Outings at 898-4011.

Impacts: No studies were found regarding impacts from recreational use of California State University, Chico.

21. Big Chico Creek Riparian Area and Peterson Property

Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park

The Big Chico Creek Riparian Area consists of approximately 45 acres of land located between River Road, the Sacramento River, and Big Chico Creek. This park area preserves an especially lush riparian habitat, representative of what once dominated the rivers and streams of California. In 1997, an adjacent 58.5-acre parcel known as the Peterson Property, north of where River Road crosses Big Chico Creek, was added to the park. This new addition to the park includes the right bank of Mud Creek at its confluence with Big Chico Creek. The gravel bar at the Big Chico Creek Riparian Area was for many years a boat launching area and popular takeout location for Sacramento River “tubers,” most of whom began their inner-tube float down the Sacramento at Irvine Finch Day Use Area. Tubing on this section of the river was extremely popular, sometimes drawing in excess of 10,000 people on summer holidays (Hearne, 1998).

Use of the area by tubers and motorized boats has substantially declined, however, due to colder river temperatures from release changes at Shasta Dam, new restrictions prohibiting alcohol consumption and open containers in the park, and the elimination of vehicle access to the gravel bar after the Sacramento River eroded away the dirt road. The combination of cold water, strong currents, and alcohol consumption on the river make recreational safety on the water an important issue here. In addition, a nearby stretch of River Road has been one of the most dangerous roads in all of Butte County (Hearne, 1998).

Impacts: Vehicular use of the gravel bar interrupts the natural cycle as the gravel bar provides environment for fish fry, fry feeders, ground nesting birds, and pioneer forests (Stewart et. al, 1997; Hearne 1998). Impacts to the gravel bar have been reduced since vehicle access was lost but could return in the future if a gravel bar returns to the end of the dirt road. Park personnel estimated that during the height of tubing popularity, one Chico business alone may have been making $200,000 a year on the sale of tubes, alcohol and food to tubers (Hearne, 1998).

22. Bike Ways (not on map)

In addition to the many bicycling opportunities in Bidwell Park, there are also official bike paths and bridges, bike lanes and bike routes throughout the Chico urban area as well as popular bicycle rides on roads throughout the watershed. Many of these local bikeways run alongside or cross creeks in the watershed and provide excellent views of creeks and their canyons. For more information, Chico Area Bike Maps provided by Butte County Rideshare can be picked up at most local bike shops and the Chico Chamber of Commerce.

Impacts: Other than the previously discussed Bidwell Park studies, no current studies were found regarding impacts on natural resources from recreational bicycling in the watershed. As discussed in another section of this chapter, bicyclists not using official roads and bike routes do contribute to incidents of trespassing. Although there are no formal studies regarding economic impacts, there are approximately a dozen bicycle shops listed in the Pacific Bell Smart Yellow Pages for the Chico area. Bidwell Park in particular acts as a destination point for bicyclists from around the area and is beneficial to local bike business (O’Bryan, 1998). The largest local bike ride is the annual Chico Wildflower Century, which draws approximately 3,000 participants in a typical year, about half from out of the area. Demand for local lodging has been so high that cyclists have had to use motels in Glenn and Tehama counties (McLaughlin, 1998).

Sites Not on Matrices

These are sites that are dispersed, not commonly used for recreation, do not have legitimate public access, or have other concerns associated with their use. The numbering continues from the previous section, but these sites have not been included on the matrices and map in order not to encourage inappropriate use or trespassing.

23. Soda Springs Area

Although the Soda Springs site receives recreational use, it has been omitted from the Facilities and Activities matrices because of problems in the area. This recreation site is part of the Lassen National Forest. Formerly a developed campground site, this area is still frequently used as an unofficial dispersed campground with no facilities. The Forest Service allows dispersed camping in most areas of the National Forest for up to 14 days.

Impacts: The area is heavily impacted by vehicle usage with substantial erosion of a steep hillside as a result of the use of off-road vehicles. Although no official studies have been conducted regarding the impacts at this location, it faces some of the problems common to heavily used areas without facilities. These problems include negative impacts from fire wood collection, littering, and improper disposal of human waste. Because of the isolated nature of this 40-acre parcel, it has been proposed for exchange with Sierra Pacific Industries.

24. Other Lassen National Forest Lands

In addition to the Colby Mountain Lookout and the Soda Springs parcel, other small sections of the Big Chico Creek Watershed are within the boundaries of Lassen National Forest. They include additional land on Colby Mountain, land that borders the Deer Creek Watershed, and several scattered parcels along Web Hollow, Big Chico, Cascade and Smoky creeks. Because of limited or difficult access, they receive relatively little recreational use. Most of the scattered parcels are proposed for land exchange with Sierra Pacific Industries.

Impacts: No studies were found regarding impacts from recreational use of these National Forest lands in the watershed.

25. Unpaved Roads

In areas with substantial public lands, especially national forest lands, unpaved roads can provide significant dispersed recreational opportunities. These roads provide access for activities such as driving trucks and off-road vehicles, and hiking, picnicking, fishing, and hunting.

Impacts: In the Big Chico Creek Watershed, most of the unpaved roads and surrounding lands are privately owned, most by Sierra Pacific Industries. Therefore, dispersed recreation in these areas often involves trespassing. Inappropriate recreational use of trucks, four-wheel-drive and off-road vehicles on unpaved roads has resulted in road damage and increased erosion. Such damage to Sierra Pacific’s H-Line road, which runs from Ponderosa Way north of Cohasset to Highway 32 near Soda Springs, has increased the company’s cost of maintaining the road, and as a result Sierra Pacific will be increasing the use of gates to prevent access (Bean, 1998). Sierra Pacific and other private property owners have reported similar problems elsewhere. In addition to the economic impacts, road erosion may have fisheries and environmental resource impacts by reducing the water quality of watershed streams.

Other problems have occurred in some of these remote areas, including illegal hunting and fishing, dumping of trash, the growing of marijuana, and methamphetamine production. All of these problems, combined with what is perceived as a lack of road maintenance and law enforcement by public agencies, has led Sierra Pacific and other private landowners to gate off access to some of these roads. This, in turn, has generated concern from area residents who were not the source of the problems but who have now lost their traditional access to the area. Some have questioned the legality of some of the road closings, claiming that some of the roads are public and that legal public access has been established on others. Evaluation of the legal issues involved is beyond the scope of this study.

26. BLM Properties

BLM properties have been left off the recreation matrices because most of the properties are scattered with poor access and because BLM is planning to dispose of most of the properties. Some minor recreational activities probably do occur on some of these properties, but the BLM does not regularly monitor such use. If the stretch of Big Chico Creek between Campbell Creek and Ponderosa Way, which has been preliminarily classified as eligible, is added to the National Wild and Scenic River System by Congress, demands for recreational use could increase in the future.

Impacts: No studies were found regarding impacts of recreational use of BLM property in the watershed. There have been some problems with the dumping of trash on the parcels off of Highway 32, but it is uncertain whether this problem is related to recreational use of those properties.

27. Old Trapshooting Range next to Horseshoe Lake

An area next to Horseshoe Lake in Bidwell Park was formerly used as an outdoor trapshooting range.

Impacts: There has been some concern expressed about possible impacts to Horseshoe Lake and the surrounding area resulting from lead shot remaining in the area. Studies have not been conducted to evaluate potential impacts (Boza, 1998).

28. Big Chico Creek Section of Bidwell River Park

In addition to Lindo Channel, another part of Bidwell River Park created by Annie Bidwell’s deed of 1908 is a strip of land from the Sacramento River to the Southern Pacific Railroad right of way along the north side of Big Chico Creek (Bidwell, 1908). Part of this is now in Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park, which was discussed above. This section of Bidwell River Park extends from the midpoint of the creek to approximately the top of the bank. Except for a stretch along Bidwell Avenue, the narrow boundaries and adjoining properties make it impractical for general public access. Therefore, it has not been included in the Recreation Facilities and Activities matrices.

Impacts: No studies were found regarding impacts from recreational use of the Big Chico Creek Section of Bidwell River Park.

29. Levees

Levees along the Sycamore Creek Diversion Channel, Sycamore Creek, Mud Creek, and the lower part of Big Chico Creek are owned by the Department of Water Resources and maintained by Butte County. Some parts of this levee system are commonly used for recreational activities such as walking and biking. The Chico General Plan designates these streams as creek-side greenways within the City’s sphere of influence while the CARD Comprehensive Park and Recreation Plan identifies them as recommended lineal parks. The county, however, does not manage them for recreation. They are gated and have signs prohibiting unauthorized vehicular use. The County has no plans to make these areas available for official recreation use; an issue that would have to be addressed would be keeping people off the levees during high-water events (Greenlaw, 1998).

Impacts: No studies were found regarding impacts from recreational use of the levees.

Fishing on the Sacramento River

30. Mud Creek

Mud Creek is not included separately on the recreation matrices because many portions are covered in other sections of this chapter and because the vast majority of Mud Creek is on private property. Parts of upper Mud Creek are used for dispersed recreation similar to that described above in Unpaved Roads and Sierra Pacific Industries Land. Mud Creek also flows through the Musty Buck Preserve and Springs of Living Waters at Richardson Springs, both of which are discussed elsewhere in this chapter. Lower portions of the creek are included in the Levees section above. The right bank of Mud Creek at its confluence with Big Chico Creek is now part of Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park. A significant amount of hunting occurs along the lower sections of the creek, mostly for pheasant and dove (Taylor, 1998).

Impacts: No studies were found regarding impacts from recreational use of Mud Creek. Potential impacts related to hunting include shooting of other species and other violations of hunting regulations (Taylor, 1998).

31. Rock Creek

Rock Creek is also not included on the recreation matrices because most of it is also on private property. In the upper watershed, it is subject to some of the same dispersed recreation uses described above in Unpaved Roads and Sierra Pacific Industries Land. Levees on Rock Creek are privately owned (Greenlaw, 1998). A significant amount of hunting, especially pheasant and dove, also occurs on Rock Creek (Taylor, 1998).

Impacts: No studies were found regarding impacts from recreational use of Rock Creek. Potential impacts related to hunting include shooting of other species and other violations of hunting regulations (Taylor, 1998).

Other Potential Impacts and Studies

Impacts from Illegal Fishing

In previous years, the impact from poaching has been significant on already low populations of salmon (Taylor, 1998). Grant funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other sources, however, have allowed expanded California Department of Fish and Game enforcement efforts in the salmon areas of Big Chico and Butte Creeks. This effort, which is funded until the year 2000, has been successful in deterring illegal fishing (Taylor, 1998). Illegal angling may be a problem in the Chico urban area because of easy access to streams by inexperienced fishers with little knowledge of applicable regulations (Brown, 1998). Fishing may also contribute to trespassing problems. There is some trespassing onto private property upstream of Bidwell Park from people fishing, but there have been few complaints from landowners (Bishop, 1998).

Introduction of Nonnative Species

Past planting of nonnative fish has impacted Big Chico Creek, creating competition for native species and altering the local ecosystem. Brown trout were planted directly into the creek in the past, and small mouth bass, originally introduced elsewhere in the state, have also made their way into the local stream (Maslin, 1998). The bullfrog, considered a game species and originally introduced into California as a food source, has also had impacts on the creek (Maslin, 1998). (see Appendix A in the Aquatic/Biotic Inventory chapter)

Tourism in Butte County

Tourism, most of which is related to recreation, is a $277 million a year industry in Butte County (Goodwin, 1998). Additional research would be necessary to determine what portion is attributable to recreation with the Big Chico Creek Watershed.

Miscellaneous Impacts

Numerous miscellaneous environmental impacts result from recreational use of creeks in the watershed, including changes in flows caused by people building small rock dams, trampling of vegetation and erosion caused by people walking up and down the creek banks, and mountain bikes eroding trails adjacent to the creeks. Other impacts include bank erosion and siltation caused by dogs jumping in and out of the streams fetching sticks, and litter and human waste from careless creek users (Maslin, 1998).

Miscellaneous Studies

A 1995 Opinion Survey for the City of Chico conducted by Regional and Economic Sciences gathered information regarding use and support of park and recreational facilities in the Chico area. The most frequently used facilities were 1) Lower Bidwell Park, 2) Upper Bidwell Park, 3) One-Mile Recreation Area, and 4) Hooker Oak Recreation Area (Ebeling et al, 1995, p8).

Summary

Although there are numerous recreational sites and activities in the Big Chico Creek watershed, Bidwell Park receives the heaviest use and is the location of most known impacts to fisheries and other natural resources. Bidwell Park should therefore be part of any plan to reduce these types of recreational impacts. Several studies have already been conducted for the City of Chico that partially address these issues.

Impacts and conflicts regarding the use of unpaved roads in the upper watershed appear to be significant and are worthy of further research or consideration in a watershed management plan. Private property impacts, i.e. trespassing, from recreational activities are also occurring upstream from Bidwell Park and in the Canyon Oaks area.

There are substantial gaps in the current data regarding the impacts of recreation in the watershed. Outside of Bidwell Park, there has been very little study of the impacts from recreation on fisheries and other natural resources. There has also been very little study anywhere in the watershed regarding recreation impacts on private property and economic resources. However, use levels, retail establishments for recreational equipment, community programs and special events indicate that there are probably substantial economic benefits resulting from recreation.

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