Study: Texas park threatened by pollution
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Big Bend is one of the nation's largest and least visited national parks.
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Air pollution, a dwindling water supply and staff shortages threaten the health of Big Bend National Park in West Texas, a study shows.
Known for its scenic vistas, massive canyons and vast desert expanses, Big Bend is the oldest and largest national park in Texas. Its wildlife inhabitants include more than 450 species of birds, 40 species of fish and 75 species of mammals.
But in recent years, haze increasingly has clouded the spectacular views. The Rio Grande ran dry this summer for the first time since the 1950s. And budgetary shortfalls have made it difficult for officials to explore and maintain the park's cultural resources, the Washington-based National Parks Conservation Association said in a report released Thursday.
"These are things that we can fix," said Jim Nations, vice president of an association program that evaluates the condition of national parks. "We just have to focus on it and remind ourselves how important Big Bend is ... and just do the work that needs to be done."
The increase in air pollution is one of the 800,000-acre park's most pressing concerns, Nations said. While visitors can see for up to 200 miles on clear days, haze severely hinders that view 20 percent of the time.
Early results from an air quality study conducted by state and federal agencies says a significant amount of the pollution comes from coal-fired plants in the eastern United States.
"That used to be one of the prime draws for a place like this -- unlimited vistas," said Mike Boren, executive director of the Big Bend Natural History Association.
The report said the reduced flow of the Rio Grande is a serious problem. Increasing numbers of people living along the river are placing unprecedented demands on its water, and agricultural runoff and industrial and municipal wastes are affecting its quality, the report said.
That has had devastating consequences on the fish and plants that live in and near the river. Four of 36 known native fish species have disappeared and another one is critically endangered, according to the report.
Heavy rain has restored the river's flow for now, Nations said. But its current is one-sixth as strong as it historically has been, making it difficult for people to raft or canoe on it.
Big Bend spokesman David Elkowitz said the report gives an accurate picture of the park's health. But he stressed that Big Bend is still a beautiful place to visit.
"We have incredible bird and animal life, incredible wildlife, and people can use the Rio Grande," Elkowitz said. The park "just has needs, and we hope to see some of those needs addressed."
The conservation association said federal and state officials could help improve Big Bend's air quality by aggressively enforcing existing pollution laws. It said those officials should talk with leaders from neighboring states and Mexico about improving the health of the Rio Grande.
The report asked Congress to add $6.1 million to the park's $5 million annual budget so more staff members can be hired and facilities can be built or maintained.
Copyright 2003 The
Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
