Beginning on Labor Day, 2011, a fierce wildfire, driven by 40 mph winds, swept through Bastrop State park. The fire burned approximately 95% of the park, and seriously threatened all the historic structures built by the CCC in the mid 1930’s. Thanks to a heroic effort of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department fire fighters, working night and day, all of the main structures were saved from damage.

This gallery shows some of the damage to the Loblolly pine forest, how close the fire came to the CCC structures, the beginning of re-growth of the forest, a few surprising things, like the Historic Road, which were exposed by the fire, and logging activity to salvage good wood from burned trees.

Part of the park was reopened on December 2, 2011. The cabins and the rest of the park will reopen soon. The cabin area and two of the camp grounds were untouched by the fire and remain green, with the tall pine trees intact. And for your golfers and swimmers, neither the golf course nor swimming pool was harmed by the fire. The park is still a pleasant place to visit.

Check the Bastrop State Park website below for current information:

www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/bastrop/

With the severe state budget cutbacks to the park department, plus a $4.6 million shortfall due to reduced visitation in the State Parks because of record high heat, extreme drought, and fires, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department needs help to restore and maintain our great parks.

If you would like to help, it can be as easy and fun as simply visiting a park, or to learn how you can help the Texas State Parks, please visit: http://bit.ly/sVdilb


Thank you,

--John Chandler, Freelance photographer.


Please click on photos for a larger images.