Feather River Land Trust reports improvements began last week at Olsen Barn Meadow in Chester. After many years of planning and fundraising, FRLT began work on public access improvements in the parking area. Further work, including repairs on the historic Olsen Barn, will be coming later this summer.
FRLT is adding a paved accessible parking space, and an accessible path and pad adjacent to the parking area, which will serve as an overlook for visitors. During construction portions of the parking area will be closed. FRLT asks visitors to be mindful of construction equipment.
Later this summer, the iconic barn itself will receive some much-needed work, say FRLT straff. This includes the removal and replacement of several structural members inside the barn, including a new sill — a large, solid, horizontal beam at the base of the barn — and the removal and replacement of siding that has fallen off or deteriorated.
This project is being funded in part with grant funds from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration’s American Rescue Plan: Travel, Tourism, & Outdoor Recreation Program. “We are also deeply grateful to several important donors who have generously contributed the matching funds required by the federal grant, and to our many committed land trust supporters who make all of our work possible,” said FRLT.
The Olsen Barn Meadow was protected with tremendous grassroots support in 2015, said FRLT. “Although privately owned since the 1800s, this landscape — with its sweeping views and historical relevance — has been used by locals for decades and is an important part of Chester’s identity,” said staff. In early 2015, FRLT joined forces with community members and led a campaign to purchase and protect the property.
More information about the work at Olsen Barn Meadow is available on the FRLT blog.
