Why is the Lake Level Dropping?

If you have been by the Amistad Reservoir recently you are probably asking yourself this question. Currently a total of 6,356 cubic feet per second is being release through the dam.The water that is being released is being used to create electricity as well as being used for irrigation purposes down river.The National Park Service does not make any decisions on release rate. The change in release rate is decided by the International Boundary and Water Commission in conjunction with the Texas Water Master. At this current release rate the lake level has been dropping about two inches a day.

To see if the new release rate has affected your favorite boat ramp please click on the Lake Conditions web page.

To see the Diablo East Boat Ramp webcam for a current view of the Amistad Lake please click on the webcam web page.

Special Notice to Amistad Visitors

The burn ban for the park has been lifted! It is now possible to use wood or charcoal fires to cookout at the Amistad National Recreation Area. Please continue to use great care when using the grills so you don't accidentally cause a wildfire.

We appreciate your cooperation and wish you a safe and enjoyable visit to Amistad National Recreation Area.

Lessons on the Lake

The houseboat, Forever Earth, is a 67-foot floating environmental classroom that represents a public/private partnership between Amistad National Recreation Area and Forever Resorts, which donated the vessel through the Big Bend Natural History Association. It is designed to support and encourage environmental learning, and enhance the understanding of the history and importance of Lake Amistad.

Through its Lessons on the Lake program, Forever Earth provides four-hour field trips on the water for fifth graders. Following state curriculum standards, students learn about local geological processes, prehistoric people of the Lower Pecos, and plant and animal adaptations of the Chihuahuan Desert. Since the start of the program in 2000-01, Lessons on the Lake has hosted over 10,000 students from local schools.

NEW FEDERAL LAW AND REGULATIONS ON FIREARMS IN NATIONAL PARKS...

As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park.

Visitors should also be aware that Mexico does not allow the transport of weapons into its waters.

Click here for additional information regarding this policy and the law...