Park Fire Restoration Project: Protecting Big Chico Creek and the Future Landscape

The Park Fire Restoration Project uses post-fire erosion control to safeguard Big Chico Creek's water and habitat.

Co-funded by the Sierra Nevada Conservancy and CAL FIRE's CCI WUI Wide Grant, and implemented in the Big Chico Creek Canyon, the Park Fire Restoration Project successfully treated approximately 186 acres. This work focused on preventing post-fire sediment erosion from reaching Big Chico Creek at the base of the canyon.

Big Chico Creek is one of the last remaining habitats for Chinook salmon and a vital water source for the City of Chico and the millions of people downstream who rely on the Sacramento River.

Following the fire, crews felled and bucked hazard trees along the slope to slow erosion and protect water quality. As rain returned to the region, these measures proved effective. Large amounts of sediment were captured by contour-felled trees, preventing it from entering the creek and helping preserve topsoil and habitat.

The success of this project underscores the importance of timely post-fire stewardship in supporting healthier ecosystems and safer communities. By stabilizing the landscape and protecting water resources, this work laid the foundation for long-term recovery following wildfire.

Project Funders

This project was made possible through the support of:

• Sierra Nevada Conservancy
• CAL FIRE
• California Climate Investments
• Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve