The Big Bend River Watchers group was formed in August 1994 to conduct this sampling and analysis from Presidio through Boquillas Canyon. Although the park cannot directly affect the quantity and quality of the river upstream, the park will continue to monitor water flows and quality and to participate in the Texas Watch program. The park has also begun working with the Rio Grande Compact Commission and the IBWC to explore long-term strategies to ensure minimum flow levels and treaty compliance. Although the Rio Grande forms a political boundary between two nations, the river creates many ties. Human habitation concentrates along the river to take advantage of its life-sustaining waters.
Many families have members on both sides of the river, and residents speak Spanish and English.
Similarly, nature does not recognize political boundaries. Although the Chihuahuan Desert dominates the landscape for much of the river s passage along the border, the ribbon of green vegetation and diversity of birds and wildlife along the river s banks attest to the Rio Grande's prominent role.