About this episode
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.
GUEST
Tara Shackelford
Hidden Dagger Adventures
@hiddendaggeradventures
FB Hidden Dagger Adventures
Judge Greg Henington
2020 Texas Highways article featuring Greg Henington
SPONSORS
American Rivers
@americanrivers
FB American Rivers
RESOURCES
Rio Grande
Big Bend region
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend Ranch State Park
Black Gap Wildlife Management Area
Lower Canyons Wild & Scenic Rio Grande
Cañón de Santa Elena Flora and Fauna Protection Area
Ocampo Flora and Fauna Protection Area
Maderas del Carmen
The film: "The Border & the Wall" from Fin & Fur Films
US Customs & Border Protection, Texas border wall map
GROUPS WORKING ON TOPIC
No Big Bend Border Wall
National Parks Conservation Association
REGIONAL MEDIA
Big Bend Sentinel
Marfa Public Radio
PREVIOUS RIVER RADIUS EPISODES
The US Mexico Border, the Rio Grande, a Floating Fence
Part 1 Tijuana River, Binational Flow
Part 2 Tijuana River, Source of the Pollution
Part 3 Tijuana River, Solutions
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