The National Park Service preserves and protects free-flowing and natural and scenic conditions of the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River and its immediate environment for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.In 1978, Congress designated a
196-mile portion of the Rio Grande from the Chihuahua/Coahuila state line in Mexico to the Terrell/Val Verde county line in Texas as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 directs that designated rivers "be preserved in free-flowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of the present and future generations." The upper 69-mile section lies within
Big Bend National Park; Big Bend National Park administers the entire 196-mile Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River.
Wild or Scenic?The stretch of river is classified as either wild or scenic.
- Wild sections are defined as... those rivers or sections of river that are free of impoundments and generally inaccessible except by trail, with watershed or shorelines essentially primitive and water unpolluted...these represent vestiges of primitive America...
- Classified as wild: Talley to Solis, which includes Mariscal Canyon; the entrance to Boquillas Canyon to the exit of Boquillas Canyon; and Reagan Canyon to San Francisco Canyon (the bulk of the Lower Canyons).
- Scenic sections pertain to... those rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments, with shorelines or watersheds still largely primitive and shorelines largely undeveloped, but accessible in places by roads...
- The remainder of the river that is not classified as wild (see above) is scenic.
Purpose of Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River
- Preserve the free-flowing condition, except as provided by international treaties, and essentially primitive character of the river.
- Protect the scenic, geologic, fish and wildlife, recreational, scientific, and other similar values along the river way.
- Provide opportunities for river-oriented recreation, which is dependent upon the free-flowing condition of the river and consistent with the primitive character of the surroundings.
Significance of Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River
- It is a free-flowing river with a sufficient volume of water during normal years to permit full enjoyment of river recreational activities.
- It is part of a valuable ecological system that represents the major riparian and aquatic habitat associated with the Chihuahuan Desert. Its isolation has created an outpost for rapidly dwindling and irreplaceable natural resources.
- The spectacular river canyons, the primitive character of the river, and its international flavor provide a stimulating environment for a high quality recreational and scenic experience.
- A valuable opportunity exists for binational cooperation between the United States and Mexico to protect and manage this outstanding primitive resource.
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