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Defining Terms |
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Biodiversity "Species richness" or the number of species in any given area. Biodiversity is the sum total of all the plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms that make up the fabric of the plane, allowing it to function as it does, by capturing energy from the sun and using it to drive all of life's processes. Natural systems generally have greater biodiversity, while disturbed systems show reduced biodiversity or fewer species. Ecosystem The combination of interrelated life forms which share a geographic area. The interacting of components of air, land water and living organisms essential to life within a defined area. The area may be as small as a drop of water or as large as a whole planet. Riparian Area The transition zone between the flowing waters and terrestrial ecosystems, possessing its own distinctive organisms and ecosystems. Interrelated with both the aquatic and terrestrial systems, riparian areas are integral parts of a riverine-riparian ecosystem. Watershed The entire physical area or basin drained by a distinct stream-physically separated from other watersheds by ridge top boundaries. |
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Rio Grande: A River Thirsting for Itself |
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Page 2 |
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Like so many rivers of the American West, the Rio Grande's water resources are fully appropriated, but unequally distributed. Its unpredictable and variable flows are so often used up, that in four segments totaling almost 300 miles of river, it virtually disappears at the end of many irrigation seasons. Throughout its length, toxic waste streams still overwhelm the river's ability to remove the waste products of increasing human activity. The Year 2001 witnessed more new problems: • At Albuquerque: In July, a study was released revealing the presence of prescription drugs and synthetic hormones in river water |
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• At Big Bend, midpoint of its 1960 mile journey: In June, the Rio Grande reached its historic low flow, just 25 cfs. This figure is lower than at any time during the extended drought of the 1950. • At Boca Chica, where the river meets the Gulf of Mexico: In March, the river was disconnected from the sea when a new sandbar formed, blocking the entire river. The year 2001 is also a year of new hope for the river: • Officials of Mexico and the US begin to meet with environmental groups to implement a "Binational Declaration on the Rio Grande". • To provide flows for aquatic species protection, the Rio Grande Compact Commission approves an innovative plan for storing and releasing water on more natural schedules. • The Bureau of Reclamation and Army Corps of Engineers begin a study of new, more river friendly ways of operating the basin's reservoirs. • Several Pueblo nations continue working on tribal projects to lower the riverbanks, widen active channels, eliminate exotic species and replant native vegetation. • Landowner-agency groups begin major reach-wide restoration projects in Alamosa, Colorado and Socorro, New Mexico. • A local environmental group in Las Cruces induces the International Boundary and Water Commission to consider ways of restoring a sixty-year-old levee project to more natural conditions. • The Alliance for the Rio Grande, a coalition of citizen groups, initiates a campaign to garner wide-spread support for the Rio Grande. |
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With leadership from ordinary citizens, responsible agencies are summoning the will and the resources to address the Rio Grande's trend toward degradation. You can become part of the solution, too. To help in your community, contact Rio Grande Restoration. |
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State of the River (continued) |
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Photo by Basia Irland, 2000 |
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RGR Photo-/2001 |