Riparian wetlands and visitor use management in Big Bend National Park, Texas

Abstract

Wetlands and riparian habitats constitute a small, but nonetheless vital component in the Chihuahuan Desert. Big Bend National Park, 801,000 acres, contains about 27,000 acres of wetland. The park has riparian or wetland habitat distributed around 315 water sources, some perennial streams, and along 118 miles of the Rio Grande. These areas contain unique vegetation components, which provide habitat for wildlife, including resident and migratory birds, and support other wildlife. The same habitats have become increasingly popular as overnight campsites for rafters and boaters on the Rio Grande, or serve as water stops and destination points for backcountry hikers and campers.

Parent Publication

• Desired future conditions for Southwestern riparian ecosystems: Bringing interests and concerns together

Citation

Fleming, C. M.; Kunkle, S. H.; Flora, M. D. 1996. Riparian wetlands and visitor use management in Big Bend National Park, Texas. In: Shaw, Douglas W.; Finch, Deborah M., tech coords. Desired future conditions for Southwestern riparian ecosystems: Bringing interests and concerns together. 1995 Sept. 18-22, 1995; Albuquerque, NM. General Technical Report RM-GTR-272. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. p. 212-215.