This stretch of Butte Creek is spawning habitat for the largest population of Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon, an evolutionarily significant unit that is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

This unit has a high amount of non-native grasses (over 40 per cent) and several sensitive or rare plants, including California black walnut (Juglans hindsii) and shield-bracted monkey flower (Mimulus glaucescens).

This unit is managed by Chico State University Research Foundation in cooperation with other agencies and is located within the Butte Creek canyon proper.

The project was stopped by concerned local citizens with a successful ballot initiative that overturned the Butte County decision.

Forested areas include pure stands of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and red fir (Abies magnifica).

[7] The restoration efforts of the Butte Creek watershed by environmental groups, together with private landowners and state and federal agencies is showing results.

[8] Other restoration work has been the removal of invasive plant species including star thistle, scotch broom and Himalayan blackberry.

Non-native plants can displace the native species, which may decrease biodiversity and cause a loss of habitat that provide nest sites and food sources.