Todd McClanahan
Park Superintendent
Bastrop and Buescher state parks

“April showers bring May flowers.”

If that is true, then I wonder what we have in store for this spring and summer since it’s been raining non-stop since September? More park visitors!

Every February and March, when the temperatures begin to slowly creep (or in some years jump directly) into the 70s and 80s, we see a change take place in the parks.  No, it’s not the new sprouts of wildflowers or pine pollen blanketing everything in sight or even the trills of the pine warblers.  It’s the sound of laughing children around the campfire and tent stakes being hammered into the ground.  It’s the smell of hamburgers on the grill and lots and lots of people. Bastrop County benefits directly from these park visitors.

Our county is unique in that there are two state parks within the boundaries, which generates direct revenue for Bastrop County residents and businesses.

An economic impact study was published in 2005 for over 80 state parks in the Texas.  Bastrop State Park was included in the study and was shown to have a profound impact on the economy of Bastrop County.  The study only surveyed park visitors whose primary destination was Bastrop State Park.  Any park visitors who lived within the county or were visiting the park for other reasons (car show, festival, visiting family, etc) were excluded from the study.  This identified only “new money” being brought into the county because of the state park. Just think what the economic impact is for the county from both Bastrop and Buescher state parks.

A revenue bonanza

Together, Bastrop and Buescher state parks generate around $1.15 Million in annual revenue and attract over 200,000 visitors each year. Do you think these folks only stay within the state park boundaries?

Absolutely not. Fifty percent of all park visitors visit local attractions such as historic districts, restaurants, antique stores, gas stations and grocery stores. Over the past four years Bastrop and Buescher have seen an average increase in annual revenue of 7 percent.  This shows that even during tough economic times, people still come to state parks to recreate.  These park visitors keep the economic engine rolling along in Bastrop County.  I receive emails on a regular basis about state parks across the nation, which are closing their gates because of tough economic times.  This is sad news, because, for a majority of Americans, state parks are the only place where people can truly connect with nature.  In Texas, 97 percent of land is privately owned, however, there are over 600,000 acres of state parks, natural areas and historic sites open for public use.  Bastrop and Buescher state parks offer a variety of recreational opportunities to meet the needs and desires of most anyone.  When is the last time you visited your local state park?  Your state parks are an intangible resource, which provide the opportunity for you to create special memories to pass on to your children and grandchildren.  Don’t forget your state parks are also good business for Bastrop County.”

I have more specific information on the economic impacts of Bastrop and Buescher state parks and why you should become an active supporter.  Please contact me if you would like a short presentation about importance of your local state parks.  Feel free to give me a call at 512-321-1673 or by email at todd.mcclanahan@tpwd.state.tx.us.  Thanks for your support!