Rio Grande Valley State Park maintenance, improvements, and developments

Managing the Rio Grande Valley State Park as a valued riparian-wetland area is very important as it encourages conditions for the growth of vegetation. This growth supports a riparian community consisting of various insects, animals, birds, and fish, as well as other wildlife. Human activity in riparian areas has led to historic use patterns causing erosion, re-location of animals and birds, and a loss of some valued riparian ecosystems. Riparian areas on the urban edge present a unique management challenge and opportunity. All area residents benefit from a properly functioning riparian/wetland environment. This paper deals with the issues of managing riparian areas. Riparian area managers must consider all concerns when balancing uses of riparian habitat from preservation of archaeological and cultural resources to riparian recovery; improvement, and development.