BASTROP (AP) — State parks officials have kicked off a campaign to raise money to replace millions of the signature trees that were lost a year ago when wildfires tore through the Lost Pines State Park and surrounding areas in Central Texas.

The devastating blazes last Labor Day weekend scorched 95 percent of one of the most popular state parks in Texas.

The campaign announced Tuesday is intended to replace 4 million trees on 16,000 acres less than an hour east of Austin.

Foresters say it will be at least 30 years before the loblolly pine seedlings grow to resemble a forest. Two million trees will be planted in the park and another two million outside the park.

The more than $4 million fundraising effort will be led by the Arbor Day Foundation.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Also Check Out:

• Texas Judge Preparing For ‘Civil War’ If Obama Re-Elected
• Health Officials: No Need To Call 911 For Mosquito Bites
• Randy Travis’ Truck Found Abandoned In North Texas Field
• Billboard Controversy Comes To North Texas
• Texas Woman Aims For Skunk, Shoots Husband