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Butte Heritage Line Revival | Restoring the Chico to Paradise Railway for Tourism & Community Growth


Progress

Contact

General Public Proposal

Phase 1

Press Releases and Updates

RECRUITMENT

<h3>PRESS RELEASE: 7/21/25</h3>We’re honored by the growing interest in the Butte Heritage Line project-including inquiriesfrom local media and residents about which locomotive might one day lead the restoredheritage route.While no formal outreach has occurred yet, one locomotive frequently mentioned bycommunity members is Western Pacific #164, currently displayed in Hewitt Park, Oroville. Itshistoric value and symbolic presence make it a compelling candidate for future evaluation.Current Status:The Butte Heritage Line is in Phase 1: Foundation &amp; Feasibility. This includes:Public engagement and community story collection Legal groundwork and land useassessments Technical and environmental feasibility research Locomotive selection orrestoration decisions will be based on historical alignment, community input, and engineeringfeasibility.We are excited by the public’s passion and support; and we welcome volunteers, advisors,and anyone who wants to be part of this historical revival.MEDIA CONTACT:Kevin Sorrels, Founder – Butte Heritage LineEmail: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Hello@butteridgelinerevival.com">Hello@butteridgelinerevival.com</a>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://butteridgelinerevival.com">https://butteridgelinerevival.com</a>Let’s get this train moving-together.

LOCOMOTIVE INTEREST FOR THE BUTTE HERITAGE LINE

Help Restore the Ridge-One Rail at a TimeBe part of a grassroots movement to revive the historic Butte County Railroad line-linking Chico, Paradise, Magalia, and Sterling City. This is more than just tracks and trains. It’s about reconnecting our communities through stories, faith, and shared history. Together, we’re breathing new life into the Ridge-preserving its legacy and creating something beautiful for future generations. (Image: Historic Paradise Depot – Credit: Gold Nugget Days, Inc.)

 Revive the Ridge Rail Community Project

Ramsey Bar RR Logging Camp; about 1913. Diamond Match Company photo. (Photo credit to Stirling City Historical Society)

(Image credit to Stirling City Historical Society)

Pictures to Prove it (cred. to original owners)

There's something calming about train tracks to me, plus they remind me of anime, especially 5 centimeters per second.

Indian Head's last wooden elevator is now gone...

Vintage train Central to Springwood, people alighting at Knapsack Title: Vintage train Central to Springwood, people alighting at Knapsack Dated: 19/01/1963 Digital ID: NRS21573_2_PR005038_c Series: NRS 21573 Glass plate and acetate negatives with ‘PR’ [Public Relations] prefix [State Rail] Rights: No known copyright restrictions www.records.nsw.gov.au/about-us/rights-and-permissions We'd love to hear from you if you use our photos/documents. Many other photos in our collection are available to view and browse on our website.

Live Railroad Tracks and remains of demo-ed old tracks

🔷 Our Commitment to Transparency This page is a living record of our journey-from the moment the idea sparked to every milestone reached and every challenge ahead. We believe in full transparency, community-driven progress, and honest accountability. Below is a checklist of our progress so far, what we're actively working on, and what’s next. It will be updated regularly so Ridge residents and supporters can track exactly where things stand.🚨NOTE: Project handbooks available upon request to ensure transparency (handbooks may be updated regularly/check dates on handbook to ensure you have latest version)🚨✅ Completed<ul><li>June 25, 2025 – Visited the Paradise Train Depot during Concert in the Park; inspiration sparked</li><li>June 26, 2025 – Posted public interest poll on Nextdoor • <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://nextdoor.com/p/pn-7RLwYk_LS?utm_source=share&amp;extras=MTA1MTcxODU3&amp;ne_link_preview_links=&amp;utm_campaign=1751498316145&amp;share_action_id=ebb9c8fe-2ded-471e-891e-efe40f42f4f0">View the original poll »</a></li><li>June 27, 2025 – Official website launched: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://butteridgelinerevival.com/">https://butteridgelinerevival.com/</a></li><li>June 28, 2025 – Vision email sent to Paradise, Chico, and Butte County officials and community partners</li><li>June 29th, 2025-Drafted full project concept, route outline, and phased funding plan</li><li>July 4th, 2025-Submitted Citizen Reporting article to Action News Now <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.actionnewsnow.com/news/citizen-journalism/#/rounds/1/gallery/496706905">https://www.actionnewsnow.com/news/citizen-journalism/#/rounds/1/gallery/496706905</a></li><li>July 13th, 2025-Defined core mission: community reconnection, historic preservation, economic revival handbook.</li><li>July14th, 2025-Created branding, messaging, and public-facing overview handbook.</li><li>July 15th, 2025-Official poll launches-closes 1/12/26-<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.allcounted.com/s?did=3oamx968ud5oa&amp;lang=en_US">https://www.allcounted.com/s?did=3oamx968ud5oa&amp;lang=en_US</a></li><li>July 17th, 2025-Initial media and public outreach-<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.actionnewsnow.com/news/butte-heritage-line-revival-seeks-to-bring-back-railroad-connection-from-chico-to-paradise-and/article_00a0f55b-09b6-401b-85e5-21f4a3fd4a29.html">https://www.actionnewsnow.com/news/butte-heritage-line-revival-seeks-to-bring-back-railroad-connection-from-chico-to-paradise-and/article_00a0f55b-09b6-401b-85e5-21f4a3fd4a29.html</a></li><li>🚨July 18th, 2025-Located potential static locomotive WPS #164 at Hewitt Park, Oroville, CA🚨</li><li>July 20th, 2025-Updated project email: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Hello@butteridgelinerevival.com">Hello@butteridgelinerevival.com</a></li><li>July 20th. 2025-Added Recruitment function for project team development</li></ul>🟡 In Progress<ul><li>Gathering Letters of Support from local leaders, small businesses, schools, and community members</li><li>Recruiting core volunteer team (grant writing, outreach, event planning, technical research)</li><li>Conducting initial feasibility study on route grading and right-of-way</li><li>Preparing paperwork for nonprofit status or fiscal sponsorship</li><li>Planning Phase 1 fundraising launch (sponsor-a-cross-tie, naming rights, merchandise)</li><li>Scheduling the first community event at Paradise Depot</li><li>Researching applicable grants and funding opportunities (CalFire, FEMA, cultural restoration)</li><li>Coordinating with local schools, trades programs, and museums for education/partnerships</li><li>Developing historical archive with interviews, Ridge rail photos, and survivor stories</li><li>Adding volunteer and donation features to the website</li></ul>🔲 Future Steps<ul><li>Host “Rail Revival Day” with live music, history exhibits, and public engagement</li><li>Secure experienced rail engineers and environmental consultants</li><li>Launch coordinated press campaign and social content calendar</li><li>Build mobile educational displays and launch Ridge Rail History program</li><li>Apply for state/federal recognition and agency partnerships</li><li>Finalize legal, permit, and regulatory roadmap with Town and County</li><li>Scale Phase 1 based on available funding and community readiness</li><li>Begin track preparation and visual site enhancements for Depot area</li></ul>

Project Progress – Butte Heritage Line

Email address

Name

Phone number

Message

Skill to volunteer?

We’d Love to Hear From You

To my neighbors and fellow Ridge residents,My name is Kevin Sorrels, and this place has always been home. I grew up off Manhattan Drive, just off South Libby, in a two-story house my father, a locally retired Cal Fire captain, built with his own hands. I lived in Paradise from 1983 to 1999, spent over two decades in Chico, and now I’m back, rebuilding my life in Paradise since 2024.We didn’t own that old house anymore when the Camp Fire tore through, but watching it burn, knowing every memory that lived in those walls, was still devastating. I’ll never forget what that place meant to me or how much it hurts to see what’s gone.That’s why I’m writing to you, not as someone chasing a tourist gimmick, but as someone who deeply loves this Ridge. Someone who believes we can build something here that honors our past and lifts up our future.The Spark: A Night at the DepotLast Wednesday, I took my son to the Paradise Train Depot during the Concert in the Park. I noticed the depot wasn’t just a building, it was a museum. Curious, my son and I walked in. Inside, we met an older woman who loved to talk about the railroad. She lit up, until she didn’t. Her voice lowered, her tone shifted. She told me, quietly:“We lost everything.”The museum was nearly empty. (It’s still cute though, love the train set-up. Just count to 25 before pressing the button again, ha ha.) But the room felt frozen in time, quiet, still, maybe forgotten. Aside from the beautiful red caboose out back, it felt more like a relic than a landmark.I bought my son a toy whistle and walked out with something stirring in my gut: We can do more than this.Later that night, I posted a quick poll on Nextdoor, expecting to get shot down. I figured people would say, “Nice idea, but not realistic.” But instead, I was blown away. People shared memories, voiced hope, and encouraged the idea. It reminded me, this place still dreams.Introducing the Butte Heritage Line Revival Community Project (Working Title)This project proposes the development of a scenic, steam-powered heritage railroad running alongside the Skyway, following the old logging and mining railbed toward Paradise. It starts as a family-friendly experience, a ride through the trees with stories of our past, but becomes so much more:<ul><li>A living memorial to what was lost and what’s worth rebuilding</li><li>A community anchor that reconnects us to each other</li><li>A tourism driver to support local jobs and businesses</li><li>A symbol of healing, built on our history, by us, for us</li></ul>And while our initial focus is the Paradise route, we’re not ruling out the possibility of restoring the old spur line to the Chico Airport someday. That stretch would offer breathtaking views of Chico from a perspective that hasn’t been seen in decades.Can you imagine a steam train rolling through downtown Chico a couple times a month for special events? A festival weekend, a Christmas lights train, or a historical reenactment day?We’re not trying to get ahead of ourselves, first things first. But the long-term vision is worth dreaming about.The Initial Vision<ul><li>Route: A restored rail line running along or near the Skyway corridor with stops at historical and scenic sites, including the Paradise Depot.</li><li>Rolling Stock: A refurbished steam engine, vintage passenger cars, and the beloved caboose already displayed at the Depot.</li><li>Experience: Narrated rides telling the story of the Ridge, interactive history exhibits, seasonal events, youth conductor programs, and live experiences.</li></ul>Step by Step With the CommunityLet me be clear: there are many, many steps involved in making this dream real, from engineering and environmental permits to partnerships and funding. This won’t happen overnight.But here’s the promise:We’ll take it one step at a time, at a pace the community approves of. We’ll build this together, with transparency, feedback, and local involvement every mile of the way.Funding the DreamWe’ll pursue a mix of funding sources:<ul><li>Local and state grants for cultural heritage, wildfire recovery, rural infrastructure, and economic development</li><li>Private fundraising through early donations, sponsor-a-cross-tie campaigns, and naming rights for benches, stations, etc.</li><li>Community crowdfunding</li><li>Partnerships with museums, nonprofits, trades programs, schools, and local businesses</li></ul>Projected Costs &amp; TimelineWe’re designing this as a multi-phase project, beginning with grading, educational displays, and small-scale track restoration.<ul><li>Phase 1 Cost Estimate: $1.5 to $2 million</li><li>Timeline: 18 to 24 months for the first milestone</li><li>Long-Term Vision: Full scenic rides, rotating exhibits, and permanent rail operations</li></ul>Everything will be scaled to match funding and feasibility, with constant community input.If the long-term vision includes a full restoration of the original line from Chico to Sterling City, we estimate the cost would fall between $35 to $60 million, based on national averages and similar projects. This includes:<ul><li>Track grading and railbed prep</li><li>New track installation (approx. 35 miles)</li><li>Steam engine and rolling stock acquisition or restoration</li><li>Bridge and culvert repair</li><li>New station infrastructure and scenic stops</li><li>Permits, environmental reviews, and design planning</li></ul>This would be pursued in phases over many years, with funding through grants, donations, partnerships, and local reinvestment. The route would offer breathtaking views, historical significance, and could one day include special event steam runs through downtown Chico, reconnecting the Ridge to the Valley like never before.We’re designing this as a multi-phase project, beginning with grading, educational displays, and small-scale track restoration.<ul><li>Phase 1 Cost Estimate: $1.5 to $2 million</li><li>Timeline: 18 to 24 months for the first milestone</li><li>Long-Term Vision: Full scenic rides, rotating exhibits, and permanent rail operations</li></ul>Everything will be scaled to match funding and feasibility, with constant community input.Regional Impact<ul><li>Tourism Boost: Draws visitors to Paradise and the Ridge for a one-of-a-kind family experience</li><li>Local Jobs: New opportunities in trades, hospitality, history, maintenance, education, and operations</li><li>Youth Engagement: Hands-on programs that teach history, responsibility, and pride in our home</li><li>Cultural Restoration: A symbol of hope rising from the ashes, not a corporate attraction, but a community-built legacy</li></ul>Roadblocks &amp; Reality ChecksYes, there will be challenges:<ul><li>Environmental reviews</li><li>Permitting</li><li>Rights-of-way</li><li>Equipment sourcing</li><li>Long-term sustainability</li></ul>But if Paradise could rise from the devastation of 2018, we can rebuild a rail line. Not because it’s easy, but because it’s worth it.We won’t let bureaucracy or doubt stop us.We don’t take “no” for an answer when it comes to our future.What’s Next?This proposal is just the beginning. Right now, I’m:<ul><li>Gathering feedback and volunteers</li><li>Documenting interest and location options</li><li>Researching costs, grant pathways, and project stages</li><li>Looking for passionate partners who care about the Ridge and its legacy</li></ul>If this project speaks to you, reach out. Share your ideas. Lend your voice. This isn’t just about trains.It’s about reconnecting the Ridge, to its history, to each other, and to a better future.Let’s do this together.With hope, purpose and about 35 miles of freshly laid tracks!Thank you for your time, Kevin Sorrels Founder, Butte Heritage Line (Working Title) Paradise, CA

Foundation

Goal: Lay the groundwork for a sustainable, community-backed heritage rail project by focusing on public engagement, legal groundwork, feasibility studies, and strategic team building.🚨Note: Objectives are not listed in priority order and may evolve based on public input. This is a non-exhaustive outline🚨TRANSPARENCY KEY: - = Pending work✅= Done🟡= In works/active 🛑=Troubleshooting obstacle OBJECTIVES1. Community Engagement &amp; Public Input✅Launch and promote a 6-month public interest poll (July 15th, 2025) ➡️ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.allcounted.com/s?did=3oamx968ud5oa&amp;lang=en_US">https://www.allcounted.com/s?did=3oamx968ud5oa&amp;lang=en_US</a>-Host 3–5 local listening sessions or town halls (Paradise, Magalia, Stirling City)🟡Collect stories, feedback, concerns, and volunteer interest✅Launch a recruitment/volunteer sign-up portal2. Legal, Permitting &amp; Land Assessment-Identify key land parcels and right-of-way status-Begin conversations with willing property owners-Compile a list of required permits and review CEQA implications-Secure a legal advisor or planning consultant (volunteer or pro bono if possible)3. Feasibility &amp; Technical Research-Conduct historical and structural assessments of existing corridor-Evaluate current trail conditions, crossings, and bridgework-Draft a technical pre-feasibility report with recommendations-Identify environmental impact concerns and opportunities for mitigation4. Team Building &amp; Board Formation🟡Recruit core advisors with expertise in: Law, planning, grant writing, nonprofit management,-rail operations-Create roles for working groups (e.g., History, Engineering, Grants, PR)-Plan and host a community meet-and-greet or workshop-Begin the process of establishing a formal board of directors5. Branding, Communication &amp; Outreach🟡-Finalize core messaging and visual identity-Grow social media and newsletter subscriber base🟡-Secure 2–3 local media interviews or feature articles🟡-Continue outreach to city, county, and regional leadership6. Fundraising &amp; Budgeting-Raise $100,000 target for Phase 1 via:-Online fundraising-Private donations-Mini-grants (Cal Nonprofit Kickstart, PG&amp;E; Community, local heritage funds)-Set up transparent expense tracking and public reporting-Prepare grant templates and timelines for Phase 2DELIVERABLES-Published Phase 1 Summary Report-Initial route analysis and permit matrix-Signed letters of support from community leaders🟡-Volunteer roster with confirmed skill sets-Draft organizational structure and board candidates-Fundraising dashboard and first $100K raised or pledged

Ridge Line Revival – Phase 1 Plan (2025–2026)

To Mayor Crowder and the residents of Paradise,Thank you for your honesty and thoughtful remarks regarding the Ridge Line Revival project. I appreciate your leadership and your commitment to protecting the well-being of our community during this critical period of recovery.I want to be clear: this project is not about rushing construction or tearing up more streets-it's about planting a long-term vision that grows from the values we all share: resilience, community pride, and honoring the history that made Paradise what it is, as outlined in our public plan. That means:We are not proposing bulldozers tomorrow. Our current focus is Phase 1: Listening, Learning, and Feasibility,- Hosting community forums, not laying track- Documenting stories, not disturbing roads- Building partnerships with local historians, educators, veterans, and families-not forcing decisions from the top downMayor Crowder, I hear you: after six and a half years of rebuilding, many people are exhausted. That's exactly why this project must move slowly, transparently, and in sync with what the Ridge needs most-not just what looks good on paper.If and when we move into construction, we are committed to:- Using existing right-of-way and exploring hybrid "rail-with-trail" designs to protect pedestrian use- Avoiding residential disruption by planning phased segments that preserve access- Securing full environmental and land-use review in accordance with CEQA and CPUC rules- And above all, ensuring that the residents of Paradise have the final sayTo our neighbors: this isn't just about trains. It's about telling our story as a town that refused to disappear. Imagine future generations stepping onto a scenic car at the Paradise Depot-not for tourism alone, but for memory, for art, and for healing.As a father, veteran, and long-time Ridge resident, I believe that with care, collaboration, and Faith-we can build something worth passing on.Let's move forward together, not faster.With respect and gratitude,(Signed)Kevin Sorrels Founder, Butte Heritage Line / Ridge Line Revival<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:butteridgelinerevival@gmail.com">hello@butteridgelinerevival.com</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://butteridgelinerevival.com">https://butteridgelinerevival.com</a>