Butte Creek Ecological Preserve

Rules and Guidelines

Use of the BCEP will be allowed if the proposed activity and level of use are deemed to be consistent with the mission, use guidelines, and management plan of the reserve. Activities that may be determined harmful to the natural values, ecosystem, functions, and native bio-diversity of the reserve, or preclude its possible future use for University-level research or instruction, will not be allowed. Use will be limited so that natural and cultural values are not adversely affected.

  • Entry is walk-in only without prior authorization
  • No fires, camping or parking after daylight hours
  • No automobiles, ATVs, dirt bikes, bicycles, or horses
  • No collecting of plants, animals, rocks, fossils, or artifacts (including gold mining)
  • Alcohol use is not permitted on the BCEP
  • The use of illicit drugs on the BCEP is prohibited

Violations will be prosecuted under Title 14, Section 630 of the California Code of Regulations.

NATURAL HAZARDS. Anyone planning to use the reserve should be aware of the natural hazards that exist in this remote, rugged environment: Due to the limited number and exits of roads, becoming trapped by a rapidly advancing wildfire is a serious possibility. Other natural hazards include high, cold winter and spring flows of Butte Creek, sheer cliffs and the falling rocks or landslides they generate. In hot weather, sun stroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration are significant hazards. Poison oak, wildlife (bear, mountain lion, rattlesnake), wasps, and lyme disease (tick transmitted) are among additional hazards.

Warning: Cell phones will not work in most parts of the preserve.