Big Bend National Park closed again

Big Bend National Park closed again

Visitors look out over Big Bend National Park while hiking the South Rim in fall 2018. Pam LeBlanc photo


Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River closed to the public this morning, after someone in the park’s residential community tested positive for COVID-19
Only park employees, residents and other authorized personnel will be allowed into the park. Through traffic is prohibited; Terlingua Ranch Road within the park’s boundaries is also closed.
The park is acting according to a COVID-19 operations plan developed alongside public health professionals, according to a press release.
“We are working closely with our state and local partners during this closure,” Big Bend National Park Superintendent Bob Krumenaker said in the press release. “Healthy NPS employees will continue to work behind the scenes, improving the condition of the park, with strict adherence to social distancing and safety protocols to assure their safety. We look forward to reopening the park, when the timing is right, as safely as possible.”
For the latest park status go to the Big Bend COVID-19 Updates Page.

Chris LeBlanc takes in the view from Mesa de Anguilla at Big Bend National Park. Pam LeBlanc photo

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Big Bend National Park limits services amid coronavirus

Big Bend National Park limits services amid coronavirus

Pam LeBlanc checks out the view from the South Rim at Big Bend National Park in January 2019. Chris LeBlanc photo

Big Bend National Park remains open, but has limited some services.

Visitors centers and entry stations will close, and back country camping is open only to sites available through advance, online reservation. The hotel will remain open, but restaurant services will be limited.

Here’s the full press release from park officials.:

Effective Tuesday March 17, 2020 until further notice:
-All Big Bend visitor centers will be closed including Big Bend Natural History Association bookstores
-Entrance stations will be closed
-All formal interpretive programming and special events scheduled for the next 60 days will be cancelled
-The Boquillas Port of Entry will be closed effective March 18, 2020
-Camping permits will be impacted – group campsites will be closed when current parties vacate
-Backcountry camping will be restricted to those sites available for advance reservation on recreation.gov
-All activities will be restricted to the CDC’s guidelines of 10 persons or less including guides
-The hotel will remain open, the bar will be closed, the salad bar will be closed. The restaurant will attempt to maximize takeout meals
-Restaurant and patio capacity will be restricted and tables spread out to maximize distance between diners, patio dining will continue through April unless there are negative trash or animal impacts.
-The RV campground at Rio Grande Village will remain open.

Please note that park staff realize these are significant changes to daily operations, and will negatively impact the business of many park partners, concessioners and area businesses. Park staff feel strongly that these restrictions are in line with CDC’s guidance. They will work to keep the park open so that visitors can enjoy the open, solitary spaces. But they will keep both visitor and employee safety at top of mind.

Full details will be released by Big Bend National Park staff tomorrow, this briefer has been shared with the permission of the superintendent. We will post any information from the park here as soon as it is received. Thank you for your patience as we all work through these challenging times.

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Familiar Big Bend spot gets (postage) stamp of approval

Familiar Big Bend spot gets (postage) stamp of approval

 

This new Priority Mail stamp depicting Santa Elena Canyon at Big Bend National Park will be released in January 2020. Photo courtesy US Postal Service

One of my favorite places will appear on a postage stamp in 2020.

I’ve stood in the middle of the Rio Grande, taking in the exact same image of the high rock walls closing in on Santa Elena Canyon of Big Bend National Park that’s depicted in a new Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express Flat Rate shipping stamp unveiled this week.

U.S. Postal Service art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp and Dan Cosgrove did the artwork.

Another stamp depicting the Grand Island Ice Caves, on Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, was also unveiled. Both stamps will be released on Saturday Jan. 18, 2020 and available online at www.usps.com/shopor at your local post office.

 

 

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Fire at Big Bend National Park causes structural damages

Fire at Big Bend National Park causes structural damages

 

A fire last night damaged structures in historic Castolon at Big Bend National Park. Pam LeBlanc photo

A 100-acre fire last night caused major damages at Big Bend National Park. This just in from Tom VandenBerg, chief of interpretation at Big Bend National Park:

 
 
“Big Bend suffered a major loss last evening, as a wildfire destroyed the La Harmonia Store/Visitor Center building, restrooms, and damaged one of the historic homes in the Castolon Historic District. The fire is estimated at 100 acres.
 
The fire began on the Mexico side of the river near Castolon. The fire was reported as having jumped across the Rio at approximately 1800 hours. Soon after it spread into the historic area. The fire continued burning to the west towards the campground but did not enter the campground. The campground was evacuated. The Castolon housing area was not affected and was not evacuated. Crews were fighting the fire until early this AM, and will continue today.
 
The most important news is that everyone is okay and accounted for.
 
Current resources deployed are:
  • Two structural crews (BIBE and Terlingua)
  • BIBE wildland crew
  • Two water tenders
  • fire engine from Alpine
  • TX state wildfire crew
Additional crews (Diablos) and engines will be arriving today. John Morlock is now the Incident Commander.
 
As of now, the Ross Maxwell Drive and Maverick Road are closed to entry. We will need to keep the access routes free and clear for emergency vehicles and equipment.
 
Jennette and I will put out an official press release later this AM, and we’re posting updates on the park’s Facebook page as things develop.
 
With the heartbreaking loss of the La Harmonia Store, a major icon of Big Bend’s history is now gone, along with a primary visitor services facility. The major focus today is to ensure the safety of firefighters, employees, and park visitors. Crews will work to continue to contain the fire, and ensure the protection of remaining structures and resources.
 
We have an amazing staff, partners, and park supporters, and we’ll get through this. We’ll keep everyone informed as things develop.”
 
 

 

 

 

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