Big Bend, the Rio Grande & a Border Wall

The waters of the Rio Grande form the entire 1,254-mile border between the state of Texas and Mexico. Some portions of that border are open, with no physical barrier and monitored primarily by surveillance. Other sections have a full wall, with others are slated for new construction. One long stretch through Big Bend is defined by deep, rugged canyons that seem to function as a natural barrier. And it is here that survey crews are working toward the possibility of building a wall. This region is known for the Rio Grande flowing through national and state parks, Wild and Scenic canyons, and vast wildlife areas all consistently remote, powerful river country. Supporting that riverscape is a long-standing river outfitting community. A wall could cut off access to the river for outfitters, for do-it-yourself boaters and potentially disrupt the local economy built around it. River runners, ranchers, residents, and five border-county sheriffs are speaking out about the wall, standing against a wall and for the wild canyon country they call home. In this episode, we talk with Tara Shackelford, an outfitter, and Judge Greg Henington, a former outfitter and current county judge, to understand their connection to the river. GUESTTara ShackelfordHidden Dagger Adventures@hiddendaggeradventuresFB Hidden Dagger Adventures Judge Greg Henington2020 Texas Highways article featuring Greg Henington SPONSORSAmerican Rivers@americanriversFB American Rivers Valley Nissan@valley_nissan RESOURCESRio GrandeBig Bend regionBig Bend National ParkBig Bend Ranch State ParkBlack Gap Wildlife Management AreaLower Canyons Wild & Scenic Rio GrandeCañón de Santa Elena Flora and Fauna Protection AreaOcampo Flora and Fauna Protection AreaMaderas del Carmen The film: "The Border & the Wall" from Fin & Fur FilmsUS Customs & Border Protection, Texas border wall map GROUPS WORKING ON TOPICNo Big Bend Border WallNational Parks Conservation Association REGIONAL MEDIABig Bend SentinelMarfa Public Radio PREVIOUS RIVER RADIUS EPISODESThe US Mexico Border, the Rio Grande, a Floating FencePart 1 Tijuana River, Binational FlowPart 2 Tijuana River, Source of the PollutionPart 3 Tijuana River, Solutions THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree