Left shows the unaffected Pine Trees & right shows the trees burnt in the Bastrop fire 2011.

 

by Elizabeth Eguia-Garcia

CEO/President, GtoG+

On Nov. 24, 2011, I took a tour of the Bastrop State Park where 96% of the pine trees burned during the 2011 Bastrop fires. I found the extent of damage severe with clear implications for the ecosystem.

My tour guide said that the seeds of the pine trees are unique to the region; therefore, they have to wait for the existing trees that remain to drop their seedlings in order to preserve their existence.

I found several homes in the rebuilding process and FEMA trailers as temporary homes for others. In my photo journal, you will find photographs of the burnt pine trees and some untouched natural habitat to compare the state of the situation.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to news reports, the fire originated from an electrical short. The conditions in the dry atmosphere, the long drought in the region along with the high winds created the perfect conditions for this devastation.

On my visit to Bastrop, Texas, I took time to listen to some of the stories about the ways people came together as community to help one another. Over all, I found the people in Bastrop determined to rebuild and to protect the natural habitat surrounding their homes. They are a model of the strength of the human spirit.

This short clip made available by the Texas Parks and Wildlife shows how rapid the fire spread with the dry conditions and wind experienced in Bastrop, Texas.

If you are interested in supporting the rebuilding efforts, here are some charities you might consider giving toward.*

http://www.givingcityaustin.com/2011/09/06/how-to-help-victims-of-central-texas-fires/

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Guide to Grants Plus (c) 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

*GtoG+ does not endorse any one charity but is merely making this information available.