Location: CCW Rock Dam Removal
Project Leader: Burchett, Andrew (email)
Volunteers Needed: 40
Volunteers YTD: 25

Project Description
Rock Dam Removal and Trash Clean Up from Big Chico Creek (4 teams of 10) Volunteer teams should move east along the creek on both the north and south sides of Big Chico Creek. Some gung ho volunteers are needed to take down rock dams in the creek while others concentrate on trash along the creek, picnic areas and trails (closed-toed shoes or swim shoes necessary and potentially waders). The creek work will require some muscles, so children will not be permitted on this part of the project. Kids can however pickup trash along the creek, but will need supervision. Special attention needs to be given to leaving the beaver dam at picnic site 34 in tact!!! (Beaver dam also located at Five Mile and should also be left alone). If two groups could start at Manzanita Avenue bridge walking west on the north and south sides of Big Chico Creek and the other two groups begin at the Camellia Way Bridge on north and south sides at Annie’s Glen walk east. Throughout the summer, swimmers build rock dams in the creek to create swimming holes. These rock dams hamper the fall migration of salmon and other fish that swim up stream to spawn. Rocks may be placed to the side of the creek bank. I can get maps of Bidwell park to you all. Pick up any trash in the creek, trails and along the creek bed and trash can be put in park trash cans. Recycle where possible. Tools Needed: garbage bags, work gloves or latex gloves.

Project Leader Notes
Hi Andrew, Looks like Big Chico Creek is going to be low enough this year to perform the rock dam removal. It is extremely important that all Bidwell Park volunteers sign the attached release forms prior to working in the Park. I have attached two forms — a single page is for minor volunteers to sign with a line underneath for their parents/guardians to sign and then the other group sign-in sheet can be used by adults. I would like to get the release forms on the work day — a Ranger can probably pick them up from you in the event our paths don't cross or perhaps before the workday. Your numbers and hours devoted to this project will be published in my Bidwell Park Volunteer Report to the Park Commission. Please let me know if you have any questions on this project. Many of the rocks used as you remember are large and so definitely need strong teens and adults for that part of the project. Rocks should be left to the side of the creek in the water. Reachers, nitril or latex gloves and safety lessons for the kiddos doing trash clean up at the picnic sites. We encourage recycling too!! Please be in touch with me and I will try and get you a list of where the rock dams are located — there are some favorite, popular sites! Thanks for your help with this project. Sincerely, Lise Lise Smith-Peters Management Analyst/Volunteer Coordinator

Project Needs