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State Parks explores possible futures for Bidwell Mansion, arson still under investigation

The Bidwell Mansion in Chico, Calif. on December 11th, 2024.
Anthony
/
Vasek
The Bidwell Mansion in Chico, Calif. on December 11th, 2024.

The fire that engulfed Bidwell Mansion in flames is still under investigation. However, several organizations are now discussing the future of the grounds.

The mansion’s property is in California State Parks’ jurisdiction. The agency says it is working with local organizations to figure out what’s next for the mansion and its park.

Some of those organizations include Chico State, the Mechoopda Indian Tribe, the City of Chico and the Bidwell Mansion Association.

The agency says it’s assessing what’s left of the mansion to determine whether or not the area can still be deemed a historic site, and what changes could be made.

California State Parks says decisions about the future of grounds will rely on community input and engagement.

Investigators determined about two weeks ago that arson caused the fire. California State Parks told NSPR that the arson investigation is ongoing and that there are no further updates to provide.

The agency says the site is self-insured, meaning recovery costs come from the state budget.

Erik began his role as NSPR's Butte County government reporter in September of 2023 as part of UC Berkeley's California Local News Fellowship. He received his bachelor's degree in Journalism from Cal State LA earlier that year.