The Paisano Volume 27, Number 2
Total Page:16
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National Park Service Park News and Visit Planner U.S. Department of the Interior The offi cial newspaper of Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River The Paisano Volume 27, number 2 Ranch foreman’s home at Blue Creek A Checkered Past What’s Inside Backcountry Planning. 13 WELCOME TO BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK AND THE RIO GRANDE WILD This issue of the Big Bend Paisano explores the complex history of Dayhikes. 9 and Scenic River! Big Bend is one of the largest and least visited of the Big Bend. This desert borderland brought people of diff erent Desert Sanctuary . 6 America’s national parks. Over 800,000 acres await your exploration cultures and diff erent countries together, an often volatile mixture General Info & Services. 12 and enjoyment. From an elevation of less than 2,000 feet along the in an often harsh environment. While most visitors come here to Important Phone Numbers . .16 Rio Grande to nearly 8,000 feet in the Chisos Mountains, Big Bend experience the recreational opportunities the Chihuahuan Desert Keeping Wildlife Wild . 11 includes massive canyons, vast desert expanses, and the entire provides, the history of the region is never far away—from decaying Park Maps . 16 Chisos Mountain range. adobe homes, to remnants of ranch fences or roads. During your Park News. 4 visit, take a soak in the historic and healing waters at Hot Springs, Park Partners . 3 Here, you can explore one of the last remaining wild corners of seek out the sites of ranchers and soldiers along the Ross Maxwell Pets in the Park. 14 the United States, and experience unmatched sights, sounds, and Scenic Drive, or wander the more remote corners of the park and be Safety. 15 solitude. amazed at the traces of the human story that still persist. Weather and Climate. 15 What can Kids Do here?. 14 Superintendent’s Welcome What to See and Do. 8 Features Welcome to Big Bend National Park and of the natural and cultural resources of the Archeological Survey . 4 the Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River, two of park has been adopted, resulting in eff orts Birds & Birdwatching . 10 THE most special places administered by the to stabilize many historic structures and The Last Cottonwood . 5 National Park Service. We trust that you will an increased emphasis on interpreting the Night Skies . 10 have a wonderful time as you explore and often-overlooked stories of Big Bend’s past. Story of a Badge . 5 experience these great parks. The exhibits at the Castolon visitor center Unintended Consequences . 7 provide an excellent introduction to the What History is Worth Saving? . 7 In the early years of Big Bend National Park, complex and often confl icting stories of the historic structures were either destroyed region. or allowed to deteriorate because they What is a Paisano? Paisano is a Spanish word meaning were not considered to belong as part of National parks like Big Bend belong to us all, countryman or peasant that is used a natural landscape. Many of the tangible and as such we have a shared stewardship throughout the American remnants of Big Bend’s past were lost role. Please be mindful of that as you spend southwest as a nickname for through this process. In recent years a time in YOUR national park. Leave only the greater roadrunner. more balanced approach to preserving all footprints and take only memories. Remember: • The speed limit on all park roads is Superintendent William E. Wellman 45 MPH, unless posted slower. Visitor Information • Resource collecting is prohibited. Take only pictures, and leave only memories. 8 What to See & Do 9 Day Hikes 16 Park Map Big Bend on the Internet Find out how to make the most of your time in Find descriptions of many of the most popular Don’t know where you are? The park map can Plan your next trip, or learn more about the the park. Recommendations and suggested trip easy and moderate hiking trails here. Detailed help. This page also includes a list of useful fantastic resources of the Big Bend by visiting itineraries for one day, three day, or week long descriptions of each trail include length, average phone numbers for services both in and outside the offi cial National Park websites. These are visits can be found here. time required, diffi culty, and location. the park. your best source of information for weather conditions, river levels, research, park news, ........................................ ........................................ trip planning, and more. Big Bend National Park: EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA YOUR EXPERIENCE ™ http://www.nps.gov/bibe/ Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River: http://www.nps.gov/rigr/ Got Water? Carry and drink plenty of water—at least 1 gallon per person per day. Big Bend National Park, TX 79834 TX Park, National Bend Big PO Box 129 Box PO Emergencies Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River Scenic & Wild Grande Rio Big Bend National Park National Bend Big Call 911 or 432-477-2251 24-hours a day or contact a Park Ranger. U.S. Department of the Interior the of Department U.S. National Park Service Park National National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Big Bend and the Border Big Bend National Park Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River The Big Bend Paisano is published by the National Park Service for the orientation and education of visitors to Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River. National Park Service Editor, Eric Leonard, Park Ranger Chief Naturalist, David Elkowitz Superintendent, William E. Wellman The National Park Service was established on August 25, 1916. “to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife. and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” Authorized by congress in 1935, and established in June 1944, Big Bend National Park preserves the most representative example of the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem in the United States. As conservation educators, the park’s Division of Interpretation and Visitor Services provides guided walks, talks, evening slide programs, workshops, and other educational activities as well as D. Leavitt written materials such as this newspaper. Viewing the sun set against the Sierra del Carmen mountains is Increased border restrictions following the 2001 terrorist attacks have Big Bend Natural History Association a sublime Big Bend experience, underlined by the irony that the led to a number of important changes that aff ect the international Executive Director, Mike Boren mountains aren’t a part of the National Park; in fact, they aren’t even boundary in Big Bend. A visit to Big Bend is a wonderful experience located in the United States. In addition to defi ning the curve that to learn about the park’s history and to experience a wide variety The Big Bend Natural forms the Big Bend, the Rio Grande also serves as the international of natural history and recreation options. The park’s border with History Association, boundary between the United States and Mexico. Throughout Mexico is part of our shared landscape and a chance to experience established in 1956 as much of its history the border along the Rio Grande has often been and learn about our neighbors. A few simple steps can help keep the a private, non-profi t fl uid, allowing people of both countries to come and go as needed. park safe for everyone who is here. organization, champions However, the border is an artifi cial boundary imposed on the natural the mission of the National Park Service in facilitating popular interpretation of environment, and as such is subject to political and social pressures. the scenic, scientifi c, and historic values of Big Bend and encourages research When Visiting A Border Park Crossings Remain Closed Border Merchants related to those values. The Association Big Bend National Park shares the border As a result of a 2002 US Customs and Border Mexican Nationals may approach you from conducts seminars and publishes, prints, with Mexico for 118 miles. This is a remote Protection decision, there are NO authorized across the river to purchase souvenir items or otherwise provides books, maps, and region. Visitors should be aware that drug crossings in Big Bend National Park. Crossing (walking sticks, bracelets, crafts, etc.). If you interpretive materials on the Big Bend smuggling routes pass through the park. at Boquillas, Santa Elena, or other locations agree to look at/or purchase their items and region. Proceeds fund exhibits, fi lms, along the Rio Grande is prohibited. The the Mexicans cross the river, they may be interpretive programs, seminars, museum If you see any activity which looks illegal, closest legal ports of entry are Del Rio and arrested for being in the U.S. illegally. They activities, and research. suspicious, or out of place, please do not Presidio, Texas. will be held until deported back to Mexico intervene. Note your location. Call 911 or through Presidio (100 miles away). Mexican Photograph Credits When possible The Paisano proudly uses report it to a ranger as quickly as possible. The U.S. Attorney’s Offi ce has indicated merchants will be arrested for illegal photographs of the park taken by visitors that it will prosecute any criminal violations commercial operations which may result in and submitted to the website visitor Each year hundreds of people travel north regarding any illegal crossings. If you re- a fi ne and/or additional incarceration while photo gallery. These photographs bear through the park seeking to enter the United enter the United States at any point within awaiting adjudication prior to deportation.