1968: | Oct. 2. | Public law 90-542 enacted,
establishing the National Wild and Scenic River System. This legislation
authorized a study of the Rio Grande, along with 27 other rivers in the
nation, for potential inclusion into the System. Designated study area
to be from the west boundary of Hudspeth Co. to E. Boundary of Terrell
Co. |
1973: | | Bureau of Recreation notifies NPS of study to
determine whether Rio Grande should be included in Wild and Scenic
Rivers system. BOR requests that NPS appoint a representative to study
commission. BIBE Superintendent Joseph Carrithers appointed. |
| Dec. 11 & 12: | Public information meetings held in Alpine, TX
and Austin, TX by study commission. |
1975: | | Study commission issues Final Rio Grande Wild and
Scenic River Study, recommends inclusion of study area into
system. |
1978: | Nov. 10 | Congress passes public law 95-625,
amending National wild and Scenic Rivers Act to include a segment of the
Rio Grande River. |
1979: | Jul. 19 | NPS has already been given
responsibility, planning team assembled. Team begins effort by issuing
first newsletter, introducing process by which RIGR establishment is to
take place. |
| Nov. | Questionnaires for public input distributed as
preliminary to Environmental Assessment. |
| Dec. | Public comment period for input to environmental
assessment begins. Comments accepted through April 1980. |
1980: | Sep. | Environmental Assessment, based on public
response to questionnaires and 1975 Bureau of Recreation Study is
issued. Includes NPS proposal of alternatives. |
1981: | Jan. | Draft Land Acquisition Plan issued. |
| Mar. 2-6 | Public comment meetings held in Sanderson,
Alpine, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas. Public comment open through Mar.
20. |
| Nov. | Final General Management Plan/Development Concept
plan approved by NPS Southwest Regional Director. |