Texans respond to call for help for state's parks

After facing wildfires, heat, and drought, by year's end a $4.6 million revenue shortfall plagued the Texas State Park system. When officials put out the word that parks needed financial help, the question was, would the public respond? It seems the answer is clear.

More than $335,000 came rolling in after the December call for tax-deductable donations prior to the end of 2011 tax year. "We are tremendously encouraged and very grateful that we’ve received upwards of $335,000 in barely three weeks, with steady donations continuing to come in," said Carter Smith, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department executive director. "That includes a single generous gift of $250,000, and we’re hopeful that with more like that, we will reach our $4.6 million goal. But every donation, no matter the size, is important and appreciated."

From December 6 through 27, people had donated $64,826 online. Another $20,685 had been mailed in, including one check for $10,000. And officials said a steady stream of donations continues to come in each day. To make donations easier, park officials point out ways the public can help:

• Go to http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/helpparks to make a tax-deductible donation.
• Make a donation when you renew your motor vehicle registration.
• Finally, because visitor fees pay for about half of park system operating costs, visit state parks often with family and friends.

Texas parks are feeling more than just financial relief: All but about 10 of the 94 Texas State Parks have lifted burn bans, a big change since nearly two-thirds of the parks were not allowing ground campfires this fall because of drought and wildfire danger. Check each park’s web page online for the latest information. 



Brazos Bend State Park, Theodore Scott on flickr.com

Bastrop just backdrop for Texas park woes

After being seriously charred by wildfires earlier this year, Bastrop State Park is trying hard to rise from the ashes, Phoenix-style. Early this month, as rangers re-opened park gates, they probably gazed longingly up a distant--and empty--road. As bad as it is for Bastrop, it's just a 6,000 acre example of what's happening to many of Texas' parks. Now the agency's executive director has taken up the tin cup.

"We need to raise $4.6 million to keep state parks operating," says Carter Smith, and adds this plea, "We can't do it without you." Earlier this week, Smith went before media cameras at Government Canyon State Natural Area. Like scores of other state park agencies across the country, Texas State Parks are cash-starved, and looking for relief among state lawmakers is like a fruitless rain dance.

Bucking the trend of other states, however, Texas has yet to resort to closing park gates for lack of funding. Not yet, anyway. But after lengthy drought and vociferous wildfires, natural attractions at many parks have been dried up or burnt up. The resulting drop-off in visitation rates is killing the park system budget. Park generated revenues from gate receipts and activity fees account for half the system's budget are drying up.

With nearly 96% of the park charred by wildfire and closed to the public for months, it isn't surprising that revenues from the park have nosedived by almost 90%. With the park re-opening, will the revenue begin to rebound? It's a big question. Meanwhile, park land management isn't taking time off to see. Log onto any Texas State Park website and you'll find a picture of Carter Smith, begging for help. What's to be done? Give. Outright donations. Increase your visits.