Background
The Rio Grande Research Center (RGRC) at Sul Ross State University (SRSU) is dedicated to fostering biological, geological, agricultural, and environmental research within the Rio Grande Basin. Established in 2004, the center's mission is to create a structured, science-based, basin-wide perspective for the sustainable use of water resources within the bi-national Rio Grande watershed. This is achieved through scientific research, educational initiatives, and outreach activities focused on understanding and sharing knowledge about the watershed's biological and physical environment.
SRSU is strategically located at the gateway to the Big Bend and Rio Bravo ecosystems, encompassing Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, and protected areas in Mexico. This nearly three-million-acre region represents one of the largest protected biospheres on Earth, providing a unique setting for field research.
Key Strategic Focus
The RGRC's strategic focus centers on the sustainable management of water resources within the Rio Grande watershed. Core objectives include:
1. Basin-Wide Water Management: Developing a comprehensive perspective for the sustainable use of water resources across the bi-national Rio Grande watershed.
2. Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Administering the Sustainable Agricultural Freshwater Conservation in the Rio Grande Basin research program to promote water conservation in agriculture.
3. Collaborative Research and Education: Fostering intergovernmental, academic, and stakeholder collaboration to enhance research and educational initiatives.
4. Outreach and Public Engagement: Conducting outreach and education programs to promote the sustainable use of natural resources.
Financials and Funding
The RGRC is funded through various grants and partnerships. In 2023, the center received a $32,855 grant from the National Parks Foundation to monitor spring contributions and flow along the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River, focusing on the impacts of climate change and upstream human activity.
Pipeline Development
The RGRC is involved in several key research projects:
- Sustainable Agricultural Freshwater Conservation: Administering a research program aimed at promoting water conservation in agriculture within the Rio Grande Basin.
- Spring Monitoring: Conducting studies to quantify water entering the Rio Grande via numerous springs, assessing the impacts of climate change and human activities.
Technological Platform and Innovation
The RGRC employs various scientific methodologies and technologies, including:
- Hydrological Modeling: Utilizing models to understand groundwater and surface water interactions.
- Geospatial Analysis: Employing GIS tools for mapping and analyzing watershed data.
- Field Research: Conducting extensive field studies, such as canoe trips to measure water flow and quality in remote areas.
Leadership Team
The RGRC is led by:
- Dr. Kevin Urbanczyk: Director of the RGRC and Professor of Geology at SRSU. He has nearly 40 years of experience in groundwater and surface water studies, geomorphology, and igneous rock geology. His work includes binational research on the Rio Grande/Bravo and groundwater modeling for the Texas Water Development Board.
Competitor Profile
In the field of water resource research and management, the RGRC collaborates with and distinguishes itself from several entities:
- Borderlands Research Institute (BRI): Also based at SRSU, BRI focuses on land stewardship and conservation biology in the Chihuahuan Desert. While BRI and RGRC share a commitment to environmental research, BRI's emphasis is on land management, whereas RGRC concentrates on water resource sustainability.
- West Texas Water Research Center (WTWRC): Launched in 2025, WTWRC aims to address water issues in West Texas, focusing on water availability, recharge, and sustainability in the Trans-Pecos region. RGRC and WTWRC collaborate to enhance water resource management in the area.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
The RGRC has established several key partnerships:
- National Parks Foundation: Provided a grant to monitor spring contributions and flow along the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River.
- Horizon Foundation: Funded the establishment of the West Texas Water Research Center, with RGRC's Dr. Kevin Urbanczyk serving as Senior Research Scientist.
Operational Insights
The RGRC operates within a collaborative network of research institutions and conservation organizations, leveraging shared resources and expertise to address complex water resource challenges in the Rio Grande Basin. Its strategic location within the Big Bend and Rio Bravo ecosystems provides unique opportunities for field research and community engagement.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
The RGRC is well-positioned to expand its research initiatives, particularly in the following areas:
- Climate Change Impact Assessment: Conducting comprehensive studies on how climate change affects water quality and quantity in the Rio Grande Basin.
- Community Engagement: Enhancing outreach programs to involve local communities in water conservation efforts.
- Educational Programs: Developing curricula and workshops to train the next generation of water resource professionals.
Contact Information
- Website: Sul Ross State University
- Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
