Overview
The Battle Creek Wildlife Area is 582 acres of riparian forests, marshes, and oak woodland that support a diverse variety of migratory and resident bird species, as well as aquatic and terrestrial mammals. Bald eagles and osprey nest here in spring. California quail, wood ducks, beaver, river otter, bobcat, and coyote may also be viewed.
Land use activities that altered the original area’s habitat since the 1860s included residences, water diversions and irrigation ditches, irrigated permanent pasture, nonirrigated seasonal pasture, hay fields, vegetable crops and walnut orchards. The property was designated as a wildlife area by the Fish and Game Commission in 1983.
Location
Northern Region (Region 1)
Shasta and Tehama Counties
approximately 16 miles north of Red Bluff and 1 mile west of Coleman Fish Hatchery
Directions: From Interstate 5 east through Cottonwood, take Balls Ferry Road to Ash Creek Road to Gover Road to Coleman Fish Hatchery Road.
Northern Region Redding Office: (530) 225-2300
Activities
Wildlife Viewing
Hiking Trails
Facilities
None.
Area History
Past land use in the area of Batiquitos Lagoon included ranching and, more recently, recreation. Batiquitos Lagoon was acquired to preserve, protect and maintain the improved coastal wetland habitat and associated species. The property was designated as an Ecological Reserve by the Fish and Game Commission in 1983.
For more information, call the Northern Region Redding office at (530) 225-2300.