Texas Parks and Wildlife has just issues a press release describing the new permitting rules for paddling the Devil's River. I will reserve my comments for a later post. The important thing now is that these are the rules. Here it is:
Media
Contact: Tom Harvey, TPWD
Media Communication, (512) 389-4453, tom.harvey@tpwd.state.tx.us; or Joe
Ranzau, TPWD State Parks, (432) 426-3254 x336, joe.ranzau@tpwd.state.tx.us
Jan. 11,
2013
New
Devils River Access Permit Process Takes Effect Feb. 1
Policy Applies to Paddlers Accessing River Via TPWD-Managed Lands
AUSTIN – Beginning Feb.
1, any paddler planning to put in or take out of the Devils River on public
lands managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in Val Verde County
must first obtain a permit from TPWD.
The new Devils River
Access Permit is a key component of a pilot program designed to provide
opportunities for responsible, resource-compatible public use of the Devils River,
while respecting private landowner rights and protecting the ecological health
of the river and its fragile ecosystem. Implementation of a permitting system
was one of the key recommendations of the original Devils River Working Group
that endeavored to strike a balance between private landowner rights and
recreational river use by the public.
“We believe that with
this new permitting process the department has done due diligence in following
the recommendations of a diverse group of landowners, conservation
organizations and paddling groups,” TPWD Executive Director Carter Smith said.
“The permit system helps strike a balance between private landowner rights and
the rights of the public to access the river for recreation. We will monitor
how this pilot works and can make adjustments if needed.”
TPWD will issue up to 12
day-use launch permits and 12 overnight-use launch permits per day. Before
launching a kayak or canoe on the Devils River, each paddler must obtain a
permit, although the trip leader of a paddling group may obtain all permits for
members of the group. Permits will cost $10 per person and may be obtained 11
months in advance.
Permits will be needed
by any paddler planning to access the river at either of the two Devils River
State Natural Area units, as well as Baker’s Crossing. The Baker’s Crossing
bridge area on State Highway 163 is being managed by TPWD under an agreement
with the Texas Department of Transportation. Most lands adjacent to the
approximately 37 miles of Devils River from Baker’s Crossing to Amistad
Reservoir are privately owned and off limits to paddlers.
The Devils River State
Natural Area consists of the original 20,000-acre state natural area that’s now
called the Del Norte unit, the newly acquired 17,000-acre lower river area
that’s been designated as the Big Satan unit and the Baker’s Crossing unit. The
primary purpose of the state natural area is to protect natural and cultural
resources and provide opportunities for limited, resource-compatible use.
To learn more about the
permitting process, river etiquette and the unique challenges of a Devils River
trip, paddlers should visit:http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/devils-river.
Beginning Monday, Jan. 14, contact TPWD Devils River Reservations at (512)
389-8901 to apply for river access and camping permits and to learn about
commercial outfitters. Camping fees apply at the Del Norte’s San Pedro Point
paddler camp and at the 29 Mile paddler camp. Reservations are required.
———
On the Net:
- http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/devils-river
- http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/devils-river/river-trips
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