poocher

I'm curious: do many folks who visit Bentsen SP to view birds (not the local bird clubbers who know the history) ever find out the truth about why there are no longer RVs (and hence dozens of people feeding and attracting 1000's of birds every day) in the park?
Does anyone ask why the birds are no longer abundant?
Do visitors get told just that there wasn't enough water and the sewage plant was getting old? Or does someone tell them that a private "old boy" deal was worked out to give the park a bit more land (and water rights), but only because the donor would build an RV park next door? And, that to force RVers from the tree-lined, bird-filled area they loved into an empty field with 4' saplings and 2 robins, the state official "old boys" would force the state park RV park to close?
Anyone who has visited recently: what did they tell you about the history?
Anyone planning a visit: ask some questions.

Someone who hates abuse of power....

MissionCamper

I live in Mission, so Bentsen-RGV SP is right in my backyard, so to speak. Camping was discontinued mere months before I moved here, so I don't really know the details. I can say, however, that when I asked why, I was told that they wanted to "return the park to nature". My guess is that they no longer wanted the Winter Texans inhabiting the park throughout the winter months. Rain has been pretty scarce down here...and I would imagine that played into the decision as well.

Shannon

My understanding was the change was in part due to the World Birding Center development down there. Perhaps it was a requirement enforced (or strongly encouraged) by the various conservation agencies that helped fund the Center.

I'm just guessing, mind you. I could be completely wrong, but that's always been my impression since Bentsen shifted away from its old model.

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