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Texas Wildfire Restoration—Hope and Healing Brings Life Back
The 2011 Bastrop County Complex Fire devastated 32,400 acres in Texas, but restoration efforts, with support from the Arbor Day Foundation and partners, have reintroduced over 4 million loblolly pines to revive the Lost Pines Forest and Bastrop State Park.
June 5, 2020
The Bastrop County Complex Fire quickly spread across drought-stricken central Texas in September of 2011.
By the time flames were finally extinguished, approximately 95% of Bastrop State Park and 32,400 acres of the Lost Pines Forest ecosystem had been severely damaged. Over 1,600 homes were destroyed. It was the single most destructive fire in Texas’ history.
Restoration efforts at Bastrop State Park spanned five years. The fire-ravaged forest is now repopulated with majestic loblolly pine, on its way to restoring it to its original state as one of the most beautiful, unique landscapes in the world. Plans to replant more than 4 million new loblolly pine trees on public and private lands were fulfilled in Bastrop by 2016. Residents and tourists alike are now able to enjoy this unique landscape once more.
Partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation, FedEx played a major role in recovery efforts. Community Tree Recovery is an Arbor Day Foundation initiative that is nationally sponsored by FedEx. The Lost Pines Forest Recovery campaign is in partnership with the Lost Pines Recovery Team, Texas Parks & Wildlife, and Texas A&M Forest Service.