Working together to rebuild bridge

When you visit the Honey Run Covered Bridge Park these days, you will be greeted by a new flag and beautiful flagpole, recently donated by local businessman Tom Dauterman and installed by volunteers, mostly from Butte Creek Canyon.

To your right, you will see the new Caretaker Cottage, thanks to the construction work of Prof. Chris Souder and his colleagues and students from Chico State’s Construction Management Department — and many local companies who donated materials and labor.

As you walk onto the new abutment, you might strike up a conversation with another visitor, eager to share personal memories of the old bridge and to take photos of what has been accomplished to rebuild the Covered Bridge.

This is a report about progress in rebuilding the Honey Run Covered Bridge and plans and needs for completing the job.

Background: At about 8 p.m. on November 8, 2018, the Camp Fire destroyed a historic 131-year-old icon: the Honey Run Covered Bridge.

This was a painful loss. It was not only a bridge. Since 1965, it had been a pedestrianonly site with emotional memories for thousands — weddings, wedding proposals, family picnics, swimming nearby, photo ops, the annual Pancake Breakfast, and more.

In January 2019, the nonprofit Honey Run Covered Bridge Association (HRCBA) convened a meeting of 25 public and private stakeholders who reached a consensus that all efforts should be made to rebuild the Covered Bridge. It soon became apparent there were no public funds available for the rebuild.

The county and HRCBA then agreed that Butte County would transfer bridge ownership to HRCBA, and HRCBA would raise private funds to pay for the rebuild. This ownership transfer was completed on condition that the county can recover ownership if the rebuild is not completed within seven years.

What is the overall plan for the Covered Bridge rebuild? Plans are to replicate the size, shape and coverings of the Covered Bridge which will remain pedestrian-only, with construction upgraded to meet modern building standards, including CalTrans standards for vehicular use if needed. Estimated cost for the total rebuild is about $3.2 million, though that figure might increase with rising lumber and labor costs.

There will be three rebuild phases — Phase I ($1.2 million: foundations, abutments, columns, slope protection); Phase II ($1.3 million: deck, trusses); Phase III ($700,000: siding, roof).

What has been accomplished? First has been fundraising. Outpouring of public support has been heartwarming. Hundreds of citizens have contributed through donations, purchases of photos, Christmas ornaments, and other items created by local citizens from bridge materials recovered after the Camp Fire, and fundraisers such as the upcoming 2nd annual golf tournament, May 23, at Canyon Oaks Country Club.

Especially helpful were grants from the North Valley Community Foundation’s Butte Strong Fund, the Foor Foundation, and the Rotary Clubs of Paradise, Chico, and Durham. Substantial donations also came from three out-of-town post-Camp Fire debris removal companies and from several local families.

A number of businesses have held fundraisers and have donated funds from sales of Covered Bridge clothing, local whiskey and other items. Deer Creek Broadcasting, local TV stations, and the Chico Enterprise-Record have been helpful in publicizing fundraising efforts.

These efforts raised $1.2 million for Phase I, all completed in November 2020.

This widespread support is a model of shared purpose in these divisive times. Citizens are transcending differences for a common goal — rebuilding the revered Covered Bridge.

What are future plans and needs? Before each phase, all funds must be raised in order for construction to begin. Looking ahead, plan design and construction companies are in place for Phase II. Pending funding ($1.3 million), Phase II construction could begin in summer 2022. Phase III ($700,000) hopefully will follow in 2023, pending funding.

HRCBA welcomes donations of any size. The reality is that if the rebuild is to succeed, substantial donations are needed. HRCBA is hopeful that citizens, especially those with considerable means, will continue to give.

As a 501(c)3 non-profit, HRCBA continues its dedication to rebuild the Honey Run Covered Bridge. Success will not only be a new Covered Bridge but a testament to this area’s unity, determination, and resilience.

For more information or to donate, go to http://www. hrcoveredbridge.org.