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Most Popular Texas State Parks

joanie7 — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 18:00:35 +0000

2011 Texas State Park Visitation Stats Released

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Swimming at Inks Lake State Park

Despite record-breaking heat, a relentless drought and wildfires that struck several parks, overall visitation to Texas state parks increased slightly to 7.7 million during the fiscal year that ended on Aug. 31, according to a report from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s State Parks Division. Once again, Garner State Park near Concan topped the list with 370,369 visits. Rounding out the Top 10 most visited state parks were: Cedar Hill (282,133), Ray Roberts Lake’s Isle du Bois unit (278,204), Palo Duro Canyon (271,445), Battleship TEXAS (254,250), Brazos Bend (236,037), Enchanted Rock (218,084), Huntsville (208,912), Lake Casa Blanca (190,774) and Inks Lake (177,907). Ray Roberts Greenbelt, a non-revenue-generating park, recorded 352,116 visits.

Buescher State Park

joanie7 — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:00:36 +0000

Texas Parks & Wildlife News Release
‘Lost Pines’ Experience Lives on at Buescher State Park

BASTROP – State park fans reeling from the closure of Bastrop State Park due to destruction caused by the recent wildfire that blackened all but 100 acres of the park can still enjoy a fall outing in the “Lost Pines” by visiting its nearby sister state park that escaped unscathed and reopened this week.

Buescher State Park, a 1,017-acre park just 13 miles east of better-known Bastrop State Park, opened to campers, picnickers, hikers and anglers on Tuesday after being closed since Sept. 4 due to the threatening wildfires. Its scenic loblolly pine and mixed hardwood woodlands, as well as all of its facilities, were untouched by the conflagration that swept through the county.

Outdoor lovers who may have been planning a visit to Bastrop State Park during the cooler autumn months should know that Buescher State Park, situated two miles northwest of Smithville, offers a similar quality outdoor experience amid the iconic “Lost Pines” and Post Oak Savannah ecological region. Like Bastrop, Buescher (pronounced Bish-er) also reflects the enduring craftsmanship of the Civilian Conservation Corps companies who in 1933 built its stone culverts, park entrance, spacious group pavilion and recreation hall, which is currently undergoing extensive renovations.

“The reason most people come here is that it’s a little quieter and slower-paced than Bastrop,” says park superintendent Cullen Sartor. “If people still want to experience the Lost Pines, they can come here and see our sizeable stand of the giant loblollies. We also have campgrounds and a popular 25-acre lake that offers great fishing and non-motorized boating opportunities.”

Buescher State Park offers a variety of camping and recreational choices. Overnight guests can choose from among three distinct camping areas offering everything from mini-cabins and screened shelters to 65 campsites geared toward tent campers and RV users as well. Persons 13 and older pay a $4 entry fee; children 12 and under get in free.

The park’s three climate-controlled, limited use cabins (they don’t have restrooms) prove popular with those seeking some creature comforts and greater privacy. Renting for $75 a night, the cabins come equipped with a ceiling fan, mini-refrigerator, microwave, breakfast table and chairs, and double bunk beds that sleep four. They are located in the Oak Haven Camping Area, which features restrooms with showers.

When the weather is mild, some Buescher customers opt for one of the four screened shelters overlooking Park Lake in the Day Use Area. The shelters rent for $25 or $45 a night, depending on the amenities.

The handsome, rock CCC-constructed group picnic pavilion, which has a large fireplace and can accommodate 35, rents daily for $40. Built in 1936 for $646, the pavilion anchors the Lakeview Camping Area. The park’s historic Recreation Hall remains closed for extensive renovations made possible by voter-approved Proposition 4 park bonds.

Reservations for accommodations and campsites can be made by calling the reservations center in Austin at (512) 389-8900 or online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website: www.tpwd.state.tx.us.

In addition to camping and fishing, birding and hiking prove popular at Buescher. More than 250 bird species have been documented, including pileated woodpeckers and green kingfishers. Hikers can trek portions of a multi-loop hiking trail built by the local Sierra Club in the northern reaches of the park or tackle the entire 7.5 miles that wind through the hilltop pineywoods and bottomland deciduous forests.

So, while Bastrop State Park recovers, come discover one of the Texas State Park system’s lesser-known treasures less than an hour’s drive from the state capital.

Buescher State Park is located two miles northwest of Smithville, off Farm Road 153, just north of State Highway 71. For more information about the park, call (512) 237-2241.

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Bastrop State Park Wildfire Damage

joanie7 — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 18:00:32 +0000

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department News Release as of Sep 15, 2011
Bastrop State Park will be closed through at least October as Texas Parks and Wildlife Department personnel continue to douse hot spots on the mostly-burned property and begin assessing damage as well as developing a plan to get the park reopened to the public.

Tuesday, a week after the fire situation at the park reached its worst point, TPWD firefighters and other personnel were working to put out lingering hot spots from the wildfire that first began threatening the park on Sept. 4. Crews also were busy cutting and mulching additional potential fuel sources on the 6,500-acre park.

“The park will be closed at least through October,” says Todd McClanahan, superintendent of the park and nearby Buescher State Park, which so far has escaped any damage from the 34,000-acre Bastrop Complex fire, which claimed two lives and destroyed some 1,500 residences in the area. “First we are going to make the park safe, then we will concentrate on what needs to be done to get the park back open.”

Latest satellite imagery shows that the fire covered slightly less acreage than earlier believed, he said.

“Initially, we though only about 100 acres of the park were left unburned, which would be 99 percent,” McClanahan said. “But the most recent satellite data shows only 95 percent coverage and the severity of that varies.”

He said around-the-clock work by firefighters saved all of the major historic structures on the park. The red sandstone and pine structures on the park, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, are a National Historic Landmark district. The park is one of only six state parks in the nation with that designation.

“We did lose the wooden cover of a CCC-built scenic overlook, but a Depression-era rain shelter in the Copperas Creek camp site on the park that we had been worried about did make it,” McClanahan said. “We saved all the cabins, the refectory (large meeting hall), bath house, maintenance building and sign shop.”

Not only did stopping the fire save the park’s infrastructure, it helped keep the fire from reaching the heart of Bastrop.

“The park was a good stronghold to keep the fire from going into town,” McClanahan said. “That was very much in the back of our minds…doing anything we could to stop it in the park and keep it from getting into Bastrop. I couldn’t be more proud of our firefighters and all the others who helped.”

McClanahan said he remains concerned about the fate of the endangered Houston toad.

“Because of the drought, the last two or three years have been horrible for the Houston toad,” he said. “They require water to bred, and this spring they did not have a successful season. The overall impact on them from the fire is unknown at this point, but we are worried about them.”

Federally protected since 1972, the Houston toad once ranged over 14 counties. Loss of habitat had constricted that area to mostly Bastrop State Park.

“We ask that anyone wanting to volunteer to just give us a chance to evaluate the severity of damage and we will be calling on assistance once a plan is in place,” McClanahan said.

“Otherwise, we are asking that visitors heed the closed status of the park as it is unsafe at this time.”

What the park needs most is what the rest of the state also needs – rain.

“Our best case scenario is some sustained rain to cool things down,” McClanahan said. “We need steady moisture that will soak in, not a heavy rain that will cause runoff and erosion. Worst case scenario is what’s being forecast, more of the same.”

While Bastrop State Park and nearby Buescher State Park are closed, all other area parks remain open, including nearby Palmetto State Park and Monument Hill State Historic Site.

Bastrop State Park Wildfire Update

joanie7 — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 20:27:00 +0000

The following is a news brief dated September 8th, 2011 from Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

Texas Parks and Wildlife fire-fighting personnel were continuing with clean up work at Bastrop State Park Thursday, having saved almost all the historic Depression-era structures on the 6,000-acre park just east of fire-ravaged Bastrop. The number of firefighters and equipment involved has been scaled down, but personnel were still working with assorted hotspots on the park and keeping a wary eye on the wind speed as a weak cold front passed through the area.

The fire began Sunday afternoon, and through Tuesday afternoon, TPWD remained very concerned about the Civilian Conservation Corps cabins and other buildings on the park. Some firefighters worked 30 hours straight without rest or sleep in battling the blaze.

The park and nearby Buescher State Park remain closed to the public until further notice.

Birding at the South Llano River State Park

joanie7 — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 17:14:08 +0000

South Llano River State Park is a bird watcher’s paradise. As you drive along the entrance road into the park you will pass the first of many bird viewing blinds that are scattered throughout the park.

All of the bird blinds are well maintained and equipped with comfortable seating, a log book where you may record the birds you have observed and a bird identification book as well as bird posters on the inside walls. Outside, birds flock to the various feeders and bird baths. The observation glass offers a crystal clear view of our feathered friends comings and goings. 220 species of birds are found in the park.

The Painted Bunting, a native Texan, makes it’s summer home here at the South Llano River State Park. This beautiful, colorful songbird retreats to Mexico in the winter months however returns to the South Llano River State Park each spring. The rare and endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler establishes breeding territories at the South Llano River Park in early spring.Another rare and endangered bird, the Black-capped Vireo is also found at the South Llano River State Park. At present the Black-capped Vireo breeds in only a few isolated areas of Oklahoma, Central Texas, and Coahuilla.

The old-growth Juniper-oak woodlands at the South Llano River State Park also attract hummingbirds. They hunt the many small insects in the riverside (riparian) areas of the spring-fed South Llano River.

The South Llano River State Park is at the eastern edge of the range of the black-chinned hummingbird and at the western edge of the ruby-throated hummingbird’s range. When you come out to camp at the South Llano River State Park hang a hummingbird feeder at your site, fill it with a mixture of sugar water (1 part sugar dissolved in 4 parts water) and you will be viewing the hummers right from your campsite. Dozens of these minuscule birds will congregate just after dawn and right before dark to feed, inserting their long beaks as they slurp the nectar with tiny forked tongues.

An interesting fact about the black-chinned humming bird is that it makes it’s nest with spider webs. The webs stretch as the chicks grow.

The Acorn Bird Blind on the east side of the camping loop is the location for ranger talks at the South Llano River State Park on summer weekend evenings. The bird blind adjacent to the walk-in camping area is named Falcon. Nearby is the Falcon trailhead.

(See related blog post on the Falcon Trail hike.)

The South Llano River State Park is located approximated 6 miles outside the town of Junction, Texas in Texas Hill Country.

Be sure to secure a camping reservation in advance before you head to the South Llano River State Park or any of the Texas Hill Country State Parks for a summer weekends.

www.tpwd.state.us/parks

325-446-3994

The Scenic Overlook at South Llano River State Park, Junction Texas

joanie7 — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 17:47:19 +0000

The scenic overlook is a 1.2 mile round-trip hike from the walk-in camping area at South Llano River State Park. The path is actually a one lane paved road to the top. The original intent was to allow vehicles to drive up to the scenic overlook, however, once completed it was discovered that the road itself was not built wide enough to allow traffic in both directions, and with no safe pull-outs the decision was made to open to pedestrian traffic only. Part of the walk up requires navigating a fairly steep grade. The ascent is approximately 500 feet.
As with any walk or hike in Texas, head to the trail-head early, in the cool of the morning, and be sure to carry water. You will be rewarded at the top with expansive views of the Walter Buck Wildlife Management Area. A picnic table is strategically situated to take in the lovely view of Texas Hill Country. If you are visiting the park for the day only the day-use fee is $3 per adult or waived if you are the holder of an annual Texas State Parks Pass. Day use permits expire at 10PM.

South Llano River State Park is located at 1927 Park Road 73, approximately 6 miles outside of the town of Junction, Texas.

325-446-3994

Tubing on the South Llano River at the South Llano River State Park

joanie7 — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:49:01 +0000

Texans love to float the rivers of the Texas Hill Country in summer and there is no better place to do it than South Llano River State Park. The park boasts 1 1/2 miles of river frontage. If you want to float the entire 1 1/2 miles the put-in is at the bridge as you enter the park. The take-out is clearly marked at the day-use area. Be sure to heed the signs here for if you stay on the river the next place to take-out is 8-10 hours downstream in your float or tube. You will truly know the feeling of a lazy summer day on the river as you float your way over the deep pools of dark blue water and the mini-rapids of swirling white foam. Anything that floats is fun, from inner tubes to air mattresses. You may rent a tube at the park headquarters for $5 per day. If you would like to kayak longer stretches of the river contact an outfitter for a shuttle (and rental if you need it) to Telegraph which will be an 8-10 hour float to the South Llano River State Park, or you may put-in at designated Crossing #2, then it is a 6-8 hour float to the South Llano River State Park. If you wish to float from the South Llano River State Park downstream to Flat Rock this is an 8-10 hour float. Again, be sure to arrange shuttle service or leave a second vehicle at Flat Rock for your return. Flat Rock does have parking available. Telegraph and Road Crossing #2 do not have parking.

South Llano River State Park is located at 1927 Park Road 73 approximately 6 miles outside the town of Junction, Texas.

325-446-3994

Catch number 500 in the Texas ShareLunker Program and make Big Bucks

joanie7 — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:20:36 +0000

Texas Parks and Wildlife has announced that the race to catch the 500th Toyota ShareLunker is on, and if you are the lucky angler the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation will pay out $500 per pound to you! ShareLunker number 490 was just caught at Lake Casa Blanca, near Laredo, Texas on March 24th starting the countdown to #500. It was caught in 8-10 feet of water with a seven-inch junebug Power Bait worm, setting a new record for Lake Casa Blanca at 14.79 pounds. You will need a Texas fishing license to try and snag the big one unless you are fishing from the banks of a Texas State Park where the license requirement is waived.

Gather your gear and head out for some fishing and a chance to make the big bucks!

Go to www.tpwd.state.tx.us/sharelunker for all the official rules.

A qualifying “Lunker” is a largemouth bass that is alive, weighs 13 pounds or more and is caught by April 30th, 2010.

International Exotic Animal Sanctuary

joanie7 — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 22:14:10 +0000

More than 60 exotic animals , including big cats and bears live in their natural habitats at the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary in Rhome, Texas. Gather the family together and head out to Wise County for a special adventure. Tours generally take about an hour and are led along a 6/10 of a mile gravel path winding around the habitats of 58 felines including bobcats, cougars, jaguars, leopards, lions and 8 rare white tigers. You will be able to observe these magnificent cats enjoying a wonderful quality of life even though they are in captivity. These rescued animals were formerly abused and neglected however have regained trust and are now living comfortably and well cared for.

This year 13 bears were rescued and taken into the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary including 4 European Grizzly’s and 3 sibling bears from Wyoming. They may be viewed by touring around the two five-acre tracts resembling their natural environment.

Tours are available to the public at 11AM most weekdays as well as twice a day on weekends. You may call or visit their website to set up your reservation. The donation fee is $20 per person for the tour. School groups and other children’s groups may visit at a discounted donation rate of $5 per child. The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary is known as one of the best kept secrets in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Please note that children under seven years of age are not permitted on the tours and that visitors will not be allowed to leave their pets in their vehicles.

The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary is located in Wise County. It is in Rhome, Texas which is near Boyd, Texas. 940-433-5091 bigcat.org

Dallas International Boat Show 2010, Dallas Texas

White Christmas Day 2009, Dallas Texas

joanie7 — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 16:16:15 +0000

The snow stuck overnight and it is indeed a White Chistmas in Dallas, Texas on December 25th, 2009. Official records show that we have not had a White Christmas in Dallas since December 25th, 1926, 83 years ago. So for most of us this is probably a once in a lifetime event! We have about 2 inches on the ground, however to the north and west they had half a foot or more with blizzard like conditions last night creating snow drifts of up to 5 feet. Our two Great Pyrenees dogs have been playing in the back yard all morning and you can tell they think this is about the best thing that ever happened in their world. Merry Christmas everyone!