TEHAMA COUNTY Efforts to improve the revitalization of Battle Creek were recently achieved through River Partners’ acquisition of the historic 1, 721-acre Battle Creek Ranch in Tehama County. The acquisition was made possible through a $15. 05 million grant approved by the California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB), which also awarded nearly $600,000 to retire a water-right diversion associated with the property. The goal is to restore one of California’s most important salmon-bearing waterways, according to WCB. The acquisition will conserve the last unprotected lands along lower Battle Creek, which would complete a nearly three-decade-long effort to preserve all properties along the waterway’s 7. 5-mile lower reach. River Partners President Julie Rentner said, “By supporting water conservation and salmon recovery in the Sacramento River watershed, this project exemplifies how strategic and timely conservation investments safeguard California’s environmental and economic resources while supporting long-term climate and biodiversity resilience.” Battle Creek Ranch spans nearly two miles along the west bank of Battle Creek, from its confluence with the Sacramento River upstream to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Battle Creek Wildlife Area. The ranch has diverted more than 20, 000 acre-feet of water annually from Battle Creek. River Partners plans to return this water to the creek to improve flows, water temperature, and habitat essential for endangered salmon and other native wildlife. Battle Creek supports all four runs of salmon, which makes restoration critical to the long-term survival of endangered winter-run populations. “By dedicating water to the creek and restoring this land to its natural function, we’re improving river health, strengthening salmon runs and creating long-term benefits for surrounding communities,” said Jennifer Norris, WCB Executive Director. “This project reflects WCB’s mission in action: investing in partnerships that safeguard California’s environmental resources and deliver real climate resilience where it’s needed most.” River Partners will seek funds to implement a multi-phase restoration plan to transition irrigated pasture into native habitats and cease all water diversions by the end of 2027. The actions allow water to remain instream to benefit fish migration and spawning. Restoration will include invasive species removal and management, native grassland and oak woodland establishment and the enhancement of riparian corridors along portions of Battle Creek that border the ranch. The work will create habitat for salmonids, raptors, songbirds and mammals while improving floodplain function and biodiversity, according to the WCB. The Battle Creek Ranch restoration advances the goals of state and federal conservation initiatives, which include WCB’s Strategic Plan, California’s 30×30 initiative, and the National Marine Fisheries Service’s Salmon Recovery Plan. The restoration also supports the goals of California’s Salmon Strategy, the state’s plan to revive salmon in a hotter, drier climate through key actions to restore habitat and improve water quality and connectivity. It also complements the ongoing removal of numerous upstream hydroelectric dams along Battle Creek that have prevented salmon from accessing their historic range and which will improve natural flow and stream conditions. River Partners is collaborating with the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, Winnemum Wintu Tribe, and Redding Rancheria to explore opportunities for Tribal co-management and cultural access. The property is located within a state-designated disadvantaged area, and the planned restoration effort could generate up to $10 million in local economic activity through contracting, restoration work and ongoing stewardship. Potential long-term management partners include the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and U. S. Bureau of Land Management, ensuring the property’s continued protection and public benefit through the establishment of public walking and hiking trails. Leadership support was provided by The Holdfast Collective, which is a grant-making nonprofit established by Patagonia, Inc. to support climate action, land conservation and environmental advocacy.
https://www.redbluffdailynews.com/2025/11/25/saving-the-salmon/
Saving the salmon
