ACTIVITIES
How can our actions make a difference?
Water quality within much of the Pecos River, but particularly within our forgotten reach, is challenged by natural salinity, human impacts, and lack of flow. The Pecos contributes 7% of the water in Lake Amistad on the Rio Grande. And it’s also responsible for 17% of the lake’s salinity which is on the threshold of exceeding drinking water standards.
Here’s what we are doing.
In addition to nurturing STEM education and recreation opportunities within our defined stretch, we are focused on responsible rangeland and riparian restoration practices as proven methods to improve water quality. We are committed to the following activities and partnerships.
Rangeland & Riparian Restoration and Stewardship
One of the best things we can do to revive the river is to nurture the lands that support it. We are identifying programs and sources of funding for restoration on public and private lands.
The Borderlands Research Institute at Sul Ross State University has an active Regional Conservation Partnership Program that provides funding ready to deploy in our region. We hope to expand that focus to the Pecos River later this year. We are building relationships with landowners to identify those interested in working collaboratively on strategies such as brush control, riparian plantings, invasive removal, and regenerative ranching and agriculture practices.
Partners for Pecos River stewardship programs can include: NRCS, TPWD, Rio Grande Joint Venture, Borderlands Research Institute at Sul Ross State University, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, and others.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Fishing, Paddling, Research, Restoration, and Community Building
Friends of the Pecos River supported the Pecos County application for the Habitat and Angler Access Program (HAAP) which was submitted in April of 2023. This opportunity was presented by TPWD staff who are prioritizing our stretch of the Pecos River for aquatic habitat improvement. We are working directly with Pecos County Commissioner Mickey Jack Perry, who established the Iraan Pecos River Park, to help him accomplish the county’s goal of enhancing river access and facilities for community recreation.
A second opportunity with TPWD could be the creation of a Pecos River Paddling Trail. Paddle Trails provide education for paddlers about river conditions, access points, and respect for private landowners while on the river.
Other opportunities with TPWD could include landowner workshops, science, and incentive programs for rangeland and riparian restoration.
River Rangers Program (TPWD)
FPR could mirror the Presidio River Ranger program, designed to engage students in the environment, outdoor activities, and help preserve natural resources for future generations. Students hear from guest speakers about environmental science and take field trips to monitor the water quality. This program is currently being implemented by Big Bend Conservation Alliance and is made possible by the TPWD Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO-OP).
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)
The NFWF Southwest Rivers Program includes the Pecos Watershed Conservation Initiative. This program funds conservation projects that improve stream corridors, riparian systems, and associated habitats from headwaters to mainstem rivers.
STEM Education in Local Schools (grades 6–12)
Working with local school districts in our region, Friends of the Pecos River brings educational opportunities to the community with a focus on the Pecos River, river health, and the stories of this unique river system. We have identified partnership opportunities with the Science Mill, based in Johnson City and Sul Ross University based in Alpine.
The Science Mill offers a “Lab on the Go” program for students in 6th through 8th grades. This is a "plug and play" option for readymade curriculum that teachers can deploy in their classrooms.
Sul Ross University, also working with the Science Mill, offers a “mobile STEM lab.” A van outfitted with hands-on learning products, is used to teach adults and children about things like renewable energy, technology in agriculture and climate change with robotics, drones and 3D printing.
Pecos River Watershed Protection Program
“Watershed Protection Plans (WPPs) are community-developed documents that identify potential sources of waterbody impairment throughout a watershed and provide a framework for implementing strategies to reduce pollution and improve overall water quality in Texas streams and rivers” – Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Once approved, WPP’s bring Federal Clean Water Act funding to accomplish the goals set forth in the plan.
In 2021, Friends of the Pecos River commissioned a study with the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment based at Texas State University, to evaluate a “path forward.” The study concluded that for a WPP to succeed, a subsection of the river should be targeted and that community relationships needed to be deepened. READ: A Path Forward for the Pecos River Watershed Protection Plan
Data Collection and Research
Our “forgotten reach” of the Pecos is lacking water quality and flow data. We are exploring options to work with landowners as well as public and private sector partners to define and deploy a scope of work to gather data and monitor the river over time.
To start we are carefully examining what’s already been studied, past reports, and previously recommended strategies.
We know there are springs along here, however we don’t yet know their composition or source. Elements of a future study could include: A watershed characterization, water chemistry analyses, gain-loss study, spring sampling, spring-shed analysis and the deployment of ongoing monitoring equipment and protocols. All of this with an eye towards better understanding strategies for improving water quality and flow. We are currently seeking funding and partnerships to make this possible.
Water quality data can also be collected by volunteer students and citizens through the Texas Stream Team. This data is important citizen science and can contribute to our overall data and science efforts.
Community Event Participation
Alley Oop Day – Iraan-Sheffield Chamber of Commerce community event (June)
Horsehead Crossing Celebration – Historic Goodnight Loving Trail (October)
“It’s been in my blood since probably before I was born. I can’t get it out.”
—Michael McCulloch, DVM, Pecos River landowner, excerpted from Bitter Waters: The Struggles of the Pecos River