Press release from River Partners
Today, a major milestone in the revitalization of Battle Creek was 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.
These awards mark a concrete step toward restoring one of California’s most important salmon-bearing waterways—an effort three decades in the making thanks to a coalition of California natural-resource agencies, conservation nonprofits, and local leaders.
The acquisition will conserve the last unprotected lands along lower Battle Creek, completing a decades-long effort to conserve all properties along the waterway’s entire 7.5-mile lower reach. The 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’s Battle Creek Wildlife Area.
The ranch has historically diverted over 20,000 acre-feet of water annually from Battle Creek (roughly 6.5 million gallons). 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 is the most important salmon and steelhead stream in the Sacramento River watershed. It supports all four runs of salmon and its restoration is critical to the long-term survival of endangered winter-run populations. The property’s protection and eventual restoration will reconnect fragmented habitats and complete a multi-decade conservation vision to safeguard the full length of lower Battle Creek. In addition to its proximity to the Battle Creek Wildlife Area, the newly acquired property lies adjacent to the Sacramento River Bend Area of Critical Environmental Concern and other conserved lands, forming a contiguous corridor for native species and beneficial ecological processes and impacts.
“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.”
Following acquisition, 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, allowing 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.
“The acquisition of the historic Battle Creek Ranch in Tehama County represents a transformative step in restoring the health of one of California’s most critical salmon-bearing streams, returning vital water to the river and reconnecting habitats essential for building back endangered fish populations,” said River Partners President Julie Rentner. “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.”
The Battle Creek Ranch restoration advances the goals of many state and federal conservation initiatives, including 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. Additionally, revitalization of the ranch 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.
The Holdfast Collective—a grant-making nonprofit established by Patagonia, Inc. to support climate action, land conservation, and environmental advocacy—provided leadership support for the acquisition of Battle Creek Ranch.
About the California Wildlife Conservation Board
Established in 1947, the Wildlife Conservation Board protects, restores, and enhances California’s spectacular natural resources for wildlife and the public’s use and enjoyment. WCB works in partnership with Tribes, conservation groups, government agencies and the people of California to safeguard biodiversity and expand access to nature.
About River Partners
River Partners brings life back to California’s rivers. Founded in 1998, the nonprofit harnesses the power of restored riverways to create a thriving future for the state’s environment and communities. Blending modern farming practices, cutting-edge science, and diverse alliances, River Partners reforests and reconnects entire river landscapes, critical wildlife corridors, and vast ecological regions at a bold pace and scale. The organization’s statewide efforts result in lasting, tangible wins for wildlife, flood safety, climate resiliency, water conservation, healthy communities, and local economies. River Partners has the largest on-the-ground restoration footprint of any nonprofit or firm in the western U.S., having led hundreds of large-scale projects across more than 20,000 acres throughout California. www.riverpartners.org | info@riverpartners.org
