Erosion: The erosion of creek banks and along roads and trails is a serious problem in the park. More photos of trail erosion impacts can be seen on this page. The park has a wet weather management plan [pdf].
Fire in Upper Park: In August 1999, the entire area north of Upper Park Road was backfired to prevent the spread of an approaching wildfire. The long-term effect of this fire on park vegetation has never been studied. Most of the foothill pines and many of the oaks in the path of the fire have since died. There were several fires of undetermined origin during the summers of 2003 and 2004 in the Upper Park.
Invasive Vegetation Control: Much of the vegetation in the park is non-native. Some is very invasive, smothering out vegetation that is more beneficial for wildlife. Funding for removal of these invasive plants is very limited. See our vegetation management page for more information.
Olive Grove: There is an old olive grove south of the golf course in Upper Park. These olive trees are starting to spread up the watershed. Also, Butte County is facing a serious olive fruit fly problem and may require spraying or removal of these non-maintained trees.
Protected Species: Bidwell Park is known to contain a number of federal and state protected and threatened wildlife and plant species, and species of special concern. There are no comprehensive lists of plant and wildlife species in the park, except for a plant survey on the south side of Upper Park. No areas in the park have been designated as protected habitat.
Raptor Study: Several endangered raptor species are known to use Bidwell Park, but a comprehensive study of raptors in the park has never been done.
Regeneration of Oak and Sycamore Trees: Except for a few small areas, oak and sycamore trees are not regenerating in the park. Many of the large trees are approaching the end of their life spans.
Walnut Orchard in Lower Park: Until a few years ago, this area was mowed annually. Now that mowing has been stopped, this has become one of the few areas of the park where large-scale oak tree regeneration is occurring. However, because the walnut trees are still very visible (although declining in health and number), community members have occasionally proposed using this area for their pet project, such as a rose garden or a disc golf course.