Caption: Giant cane dominates the muddy banks of the Rio Grande in many places., Credit: Megan Wilde
Image by: Megan Wilde 
Giant cane dominates the muddy banks of the Rio Grande in many places. 

The Troubled Rio Grande

Series: Nature Notes
From: Marfa Public Radio
Length: 00:04:30

Sediment is slowly choking the Rio Grande in the Big Bend region of Texas, causing more frequent floods and making it easier for invasive plants to take over its banks. What’s causing this unusual problem? Read the full description.

Colorado-canyon2_small On a sunny November day in Big Bend Ranch State Park, the Rio Grande roils swiftly around a muddy bend into Colorado Canyon. Dragonflies bask on rocks, and a breeze ripples through giant cane on the banks. Looking at this idyllic scene, you might not think anything’s wrong with the Rio Grande. But in the Big Bend region, the river isn’t really doing its job. What’s going on?

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Piece Description

On a sunny November day in Big Bend Ranch State Park, the Rio Grande roils swiftly around a muddy bend into Colorado Canyon. Dragonflies bask on rocks, and a breeze ripples through giant cane on the banks. Looking at this idyllic scene, you might not think anything’s wrong with the Rio Grande. But in the Big Bend region, the river isn’t really doing its job. What’s going on?

Musical Works

Title Artist Album Label Year Length
Big Sky (Reprise) Dan Gibson, Bill Brennan, Rob Piltch Country Retreat. Solitudes 2000 00:00

Additional Credits

Host Dallas Baxter. Interview with Big Bend National Park hydrologist Jeff Bennett.

Related Website

http://cdri.org/nature-notes/water/the-troubled-rio-grande/