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The Rio Grande is our river--and we have sorely abused it. Now is the time for us to undo the damage we have done to the river and the plants and animals that once thrived on its banks.
For decades, the federal agency that manages the river in southern New Mexico and west Texas (the International Boundary and Water Commission, or IBWC) has mowed, dredged and channelized the river, with disastrous consequences for the river ecosystem. IBWC's management is a major reason why there are few wetlands or trees along the river, and why the fish community is in such bad shape.
In 1999, SWEC threatened to sue the agency for violating federal environmental laws. IBWC signed an agreement with us pledging, among other things, to consider more river-friendly alternatives to its current management practices. At long last, IBWC has issued a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) with several management options. It has not selected a preferred alternative.