News Release
Media Contact: TPWD News, news@tpwd.texas.gov, 512-389-8030
Oct. 18, 2013
Boeing Awards Grant to Help Restore Native Landscapes at Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site
EL PASO – One of Texas’ most unique cultural resources will soon reap the benefits of environmentally friendly landscaping, thanks to support from Boeing, which recently awarded Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation a grant in support of native landscape restoration at Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site.
“Boeing has a long history of supporting conservation and communities,” said Anne Brown, executive director, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation. “We’re honored to receive funding from Boeing to help us launch a three-year landscape restoration project at Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site. It’s a wonderful example of reestablishing a natural ecosystem that the community of El Paso and its visitors will enjoy for years to come.”
Located 32 miles northeast of El Paso, Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site is named for its large natural rock basins or “Huecos” that collect rainwater prized by thirsty dwellers, travelers and wildlife in this arid region of West Texas for millennia. The site is noted for its remarkable collection of over 2,000 pieces of Native American rock art, many thousands of years old, and rich wildlife and plant diversity. The park’s attractions draw visitors from around the world to experience its history and enjoy numerous outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking, camping, rock climbing, nature study and birding.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department designated Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site as a priority location for landscape restoration to reduce soil erosion on the park’s trail systems, reestablish native vegetation and ultimately protect the park’s archeological resources.
“Boeing supports organizations that create community change in places where our employees live and work,” said Rosaura Corral-Perez, Boeing El Paso site leader. “This new Hueco Tanks environmental restoration effort will benefit the region well into the future.”
The project will include the following activities:
- Assessing baseline landscape needs and planning drainage area check dams to reduce erosion, improve habitat, and protect the park’s archeological resources.
- Reseeding native grasses for erosion prevention and habitat reestablishment.
- Constructing check dams to prevent erosion and gullying that negatively impacts trail systems and risks damage to archeological resources.
At its completion, the project will ensure visitors can continue to experience the heritage and biodiversity of the Chihuahuan Desert. “We are extremely grateful to have a community partner like Boeing that understands the value of restoring native landscapes to conserve critical natural resources and protect the world-renowned archeological resources at Hueco Tanks,” said Brent Leisure, TPWD state parks director.
Boeing is the world’s leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined. Additionally, Boeing designs and manufactures rotorcraft, electronic and defense systems, missiles, satellites, launch vehicles and advanced information and communication systems. As a major service provider to NASA, Boeing is the prime contractor for the International Space Station. The company also provides numerous military and commercial airline support services. Boeing provides products and support services to customers in 150 countries and is one of the largest U.S. exporters in terms of sales. For additional information, visit http://www.boeing.com/boeing/
Founded in 1991, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation is the non-profit funding partner of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Overseen by 21 Trustees, the Foundation’s mission is to provide private support to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised more than $80 million to support priority projects with measurable results and meaningful impact. Its programs include conservation, wildlife research, community outreach, and expanding opportunities for outdoor recreation. For additional information, please visit http://www.tpwf.org/.
