New life budding in Bastrop State Park

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) - Just a few weeks away from the one-year anniversary of the Bastrop wildfires, the area's biggest tourist draw is starting to see life again.

The fire, then a flood forced Bastrop State Park to close twice during the past year. Flames touched 96 percent of the park. Now, visitors are starting to return to see nature at work.

"The park is a lot more scenic now, so you can see off the roadways and see a lot of the topography we have in the park,” said Roger Dolle, Bastrop State Park site manager. “It's also started a whole new generation of vegetation out there, which is very palatable and nutritious to the wildlife."

It is too soon to see a trend in the number of visitors, though park officials said the numbers are on an upward trend.

On Saturday, September 1, the park is holding an event called Rediscover Bastrop State Park . There will be free park entry for the event. Visitors can find out what the future of the pines looks like through guided hikes and exhibits.