Burned Aeration System at Bastrop State Park Replaced Through Vertex Donation

Media Contact: Roger Dolle, Bastrop State Park site manager, Cell: 512-581-8946; Marcos J. De Jesus, Inland Fisheries biologist, Cell: 512-216-9133, Office: 512-353-0072; Sue Cruz, Vertex Water Features, Cell: 954-977-7863

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AUSTIN — State Parks and Inland Fisheries staff of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) are applauding donation of a replacement aeration system to improve water quality in Bastrop State Park pond. A previously installed aeration system purchased with TPWD restitution funds was burned by wildfires that scorched most of Bastrop State Park.

The system installed back on Aug. 24 replaced an old system that helped de-stratify the pond for several years before it broke down. Pond de-stratification helps maintain uniform oxygen levels throughout the water column during hot summer months, thus increasing suitable habitat conditions for fish and other aquatic organisms. Before the previous system was able to fully acclimate to the de-stratification cycle, the massive wildfire burned the pump house, along with the newly purchased aeration system, valued at over $5,000.

Learning about the devastation caused by the Texas wildfires and the loss of the aeration system, Vertex Water Features of Pompano Beach, Florida, vendors of the burned system, offered to donate a brand new system as a replacement. The company values conservation efforts and understands the role the aerators play towards this management goal. The donation of this new system should benefit the park and its fish and wildlife for years.

The new system will be an upgraded model, scheduled to be installed immediately at the restored park site. Soon after the acclimation process, this system will serve in enhancing pond habitat, which is home to diverse aquatic wildlife. This exemplifies how generous contributions can have a huge impact on conservation.

News reporters may contact Roger Dolle at the park to arrange a visit to see the aeration system in operation. Call Marcos J. De Jesus for details about biological implications of the aeration system. Call Sue Cruz for information regarding Vertex Water Features.