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 State Park to reopen in December

When September wildfires whipped though the plains east of Austin, more than 1,500 homes vanished. What else was lost? The famed, "Lost Pines," of Bastrop State Park. Genetically different that your average Texas pine, these loblolly pines were part of an ancient forest that has been shrinking for centuries.

The pines, like much of the of the 5,900 acre park, could not withstand the fierce firestorm that visited the area, reducing much of the park to what some describe as a moonscape. Estimates say 70% of the parks trees are gone.

Yet park officials and volunteers are not giving up.

Roads are being cleared, debris removed, and on December 1, park officials say they will begin reopening campgrounds to visitors. At the park's center, a green oasis still remains where firefighters made a stand to save 13 historical cabins.

Campers may find things somewhat challenging. Ongoing demolition and replacement of two restrooms may re-route facility users to alternative restrooms and showers that will be made available. Campers will find resealed or new roads, parking areas and RV pads being paved by the Texas Department of Transportation.

“Bastrop will soon reopen and in many ways will be like a new park,” Park Superintendent Todd McClanahan adds. “Park management asks for its customers’ continued patience as we work to restore this national landmark.”

Daingerfield State Park reopens with new RV improvements

Daingerfield State Park, northeast of Dallas is holding a "Grand Reopening" after being shut down since July for renovations. The park was originally a Civilian Conservation Corps project right out of the 1930s. Park officials say they're happy with the renovation project, which took the three original CCC buildings and put them back on their feet.

John Thomas, Daingerfield's park superintendent told the local paper, the Longview News Journal, "The neat thing about the renovations is that this is an opportunity for us to take the CCC structures, renovate them, and have an improved facility. This is putting them back into the original condition it was built for and designed back in the 1930s. The roofs on the buildings are made from wooden cedar shake, like the ones in 1938."

Other improvements include bringing the park's fishing lodge up to ADA compliance to make it accessible for those with disabilities. But of particular interest to RVers are the addition of 30 new full hookup sites, and the addition of sewer hookups to 20 other existing sites. What do folks do at Daingerfield? Try picnicking, camping, slow-speed boating (5 MPH limit), fishing, swimming, hiking, and nature study. A seasonal concession (March - October) rents pedal boats and canoes.

photo: Texas Parks and Wildlife. Map: wikipedia.org