We are off the river now, and I spent my day taking Drew and Brooks back to the Airport, dropping off the kayaks and gear at T G Canoes and Kayaks in San Marcos, and then made the long drive back home. Being in the truck alone for that long a time gave me plenty of time to reflect on the Devils River and think about Conservation. How have they worked together, how will they work together in the future.
The Devils River is an interesting mix. Remote wilderness with nobody around, and private property heavily guarded by those who own the land. Why are those who own the surrounding land so protective of it? Why is it that nobody is allowed to have access allowed what is required by State Law? If the water could be owned or if Texas did not allow those paddling the river to portage, nobody would be able to access and experience this truly amazing landscape. I am sure both sides will argue back and forth about the issue forever.
The only valid reason that I could see for not wanting paddlers on the Devils River conservation. To conserve and preserve the rugged, natural, remoteness, that is the Devils River. However, as I went down the river this time, I only saw one piece of trash, and I stopped to pick it up.
I know not everyone who kayaks or canoes takes care of the environment, but most do! Especially those who are willing to travel so far out of cell phone range for their 3 or 4 day trip. If I were a landowner, I would allow camping on my property. I would set up a designated spot on my property that had flat areas for tents, a ring for campfires, a trash can with a lid, and a box for "donations" to keep the camp site open. Obviously you would have to post signs that say "Camp at your own risk. The landowner is not responsible for anything dumb you do," but it would keep people from pitching a tent and starting a fire in areas that you really wouldn't want them to. It would also give them a place to dump their trash and prevent it from winding up in the river.
That's how I would help conserve the river. Because what is conservation if nobody even knows why it needs to be protected? Experience is the best way to learn.
Other posts of interest:
The Plight of the Guadalupe Bass
Fishing Artwork
Devils River Trip
As a wildlife biologist, paddler, fisherman, and Devils River landowner, I'd like to agree with you on your view that conservation is one reason landowners are protective of Devils. But you should consider another fact- that the end result has been the most pristine water experience available in Texas. While it would still be special, would you get the same feeling of isolation and wilderness if the gates were thrown open to the masses like other rivers? That viewshed for the paddlers and riverside owners is a huge aspect of the appeal of Devils river. Granted, the Blue Sage area challenges that notion, but it can only get worse as more blogs, TV shows, and population growth adds more pressure to this precious jewel. Thanks for your thoughtfulness.
ReplyDeleteYou are awesome! First of all, I would like to thank you for reading the blog. I truly appreciate thoughtful, legitimate comments. I don't read those too often. You are more than correct about the Devils being pristine water. There is no doubt about that. But I wonder to myself if that has been the result of the landowners or the distance that is needed to travel to paddle the Devils that has kept the riverbed the way it is. To me, the majority of the paddlers on the Devils are very protective of the pristine nature of the river.
DeleteI have conflict within my own thoughts about promoting the river for paddling. I was debating when I was asked to help in the filming of this TV show recently. Texas Parks and Wildlife also seems to be conflicted like myself. On one hand they promote the river for paddling, and on the other hand they prevent access to the river. It is a tough situation.
I understand and respect the rights of the landowners, however if access to the river remains completely private, paddlers and anglers would have no access. I do not know anyone who has land on the river, nor do I see myself ever being able to afford property on the river. It would be disappointing if money became the determining factor of who was allowed to paddle the rivers here in Texas.
Thanks again for reading.