About Friends of the Rio Grande

Friends of the Rio Grande began as a sunset clause in the 2004 Texas Legislature which granted TCEQ and USIBWC money and objectives.

The 4 main goals of the initiative at its inception were:

1. Create a volunteer monitoring network along the Rio Grande

2. Provide assistance to existing or starting public education and outreach programs

3. Promote and assist in river and lake volunteer cleanups

4. Provide award recognition for outstanding efforts in environmental awareness

Volunteer monitoring and teacher education goals were accomplished through the Texas Stream Team, which has been teaching educators and establishing a volunteer monitoring network throughout the entire state for many years.

To meet goals 2 and 3, FORG in 2004-2005 accepted Request for Proposals, which were reviewed by a committee. Awards are posted at 2005 Awards page.

Since then, TCEQ and USIBWC Clean Rivers Program have decided to keep up the goals of the original FORG program. In 2009, USIBWC provided supplies and equipment to 5 projects. Awards are posted on the 2009 Awards page.

The current Friends of the Rio Grande Program is not supported by monetary funds from the Texas state legislature, but rather by any excess funds in USIBWC's Texas Clean Rivers Program. Funds are limited and less emphasis will be placed on funding projects. More emphasis will be placed on recognizing outstanding efforts in environmental awareness and outreach efforts in the Rio Grande Basin.

In 2010, USIBWC CRP will have another round of recognition awards. You can nominate a group who you feel should be recognized for efforts.

Please click on the Be Involved page to find out how you can get involved.

Visit the USIBWC Clean Rivers Program website.