Bentsen–Rio Grande Valley

Proposed National ParkTexas
Native forest at Bentsen–Rio Grande Valley State ParkPhotograph: Alan Schmierer
All proposed National ParksBentsen–Rio Grande ValleyNo active campaign
Location
Texas
Current protection
Bentsen–Rio Grande Valley State Park (World Birding Center)
Status
No active campaign
Tier
Tier 3 · Smaller national site
In the book
Not featured in Undiscovered America

Why should it be a National Park?

Along the Rio Grande near Mission, a remnant of the valley's subtropical riverside forest shelters birds found almost nowhere else in the United States: green jays, plain chachalacas, great kiskadees, and hawks drifting up from Mexico. It is one of the great birding places on the continent.

Almost all of the Lower Rio Grande Valley's native forest has been cleared. What survives here is a national treasure, and it deserves a national title.

The history of National Park Campaigns

Rep. Lloyd Bentsen, whose family had donated the land for the state park, wrote the Park Service director in 1949 after discussing National Park status with Conrad Wirth. The director doubted it would meet the Service's standards but promised a field investigation. It remains a state park.

Distinct National Park attempts
1 (1949)
Other designation attempts
1 (state park)

Sources

  • National Park Service, Suggested Areas Resumes (1957)
  • Wikipedia, List of proposed National Parks of the United States
Know of a campaign? Tell us
  1. March 16, 1949

    Rep. Lloyd Bentsen writes the Park Service director about National Park status for the state park his family's gift created.

  2. 1949

    The director doubts it meets National Park standards and promises a field investigation.

  3. Today

    Bentsen–Rio Grande Valley State Park anchors the World Birding Center.