Wild Texas Newsletter -- October/November 1998

*** THE "GREAT FLOOD OF '98"

The weekend of October 16-17 will not soon be forgotten by South Texans. Within the span of twenty-four hours, many areas of the region received as much as twenty inches of rain. Roads turned into rivers, long-dry creek beds turned into miniature Mississippi flood plains, and cars and houses turned into boats...or, in some cases, submarines. The flooding claimed the lives of twenty-nine people throughout Texas, and resulted in approximately $500 million of property damage.

*** PARKS AFFECTED BY FLOODING

Although information on the post-flood condition of our Texas State Park facilities is hard to come by without a first-hand visit, the following gives a glimpse at the devastation:

From: Texas Parks & Wildlife News
URL: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/news/news/981023a.htm

Dateline: October 23, 1998
Re: Palmetto State Park

"Preliminary damage estimates are about $100,000 and could go as high as $150,000. The park's restroom with showers suffered significant structural damage.... A small section of the park will be reopened for overnight and day use on Oct. 30, but the main areas of the park will be closed for at least three months."

*** FALL FOLIAGE VIEWING IN TEXAS

It's that time again! Within just a few short weeks, the foliage at Lost Maples State Natural Area could be putting on a spectacular display. Check the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department's fall foliage report regularly to keep tabs on the status of the color change.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/lostmap/foliage.htm

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