Devils River SNA - 2013 New Info

[rivergeek]

The TPWD 2013 Devils River Working Group has been appointed and will have its first meeting before February. The group is smaller than the 2011 DRWG but remains comprised of stakeholders - ranchers & landowners, paddlers & anglers, conservation professionals, at least one outfitter, and TNC. The Draft General Management Plan for the Devils River SNA was published April 2012 and is available here: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks ... vation-use.
First, be aware that a pilot program for Devils River access is being implemented now. They call it a "DRAP". Processes and information will be likely be refined as input and feedback are received from stakeholders. As of Jan. 2, there is no info about DRAP on the TPWD DR website (see draft below). Other major changes:
• TPWD has acquired ROW from TXDOT at the Hwy 163 Bakers Crossing bridge.
• North Unit San Pedro Point can be a put-in or take-out.
• Blue Sage sub-division is no longer an allowable put-in or take-out by outfitters or public.
• South Unit / Big Satan: Devils Back camp / take-out and Big Satan) can be a put-in or take-out as well as a Lake Amistad tow out.

Just in case you're planning a trip soon... the former DRSNA Superintendent, Joe Ranzau paddled the DR before Christmas and reported that it was lower than he had ever seen it, especially from BX to San Pedro. As you will see in the following document, Gerald Bailey remains the sole shuttle provider for DR at this time.
The following was sent from Regional Parks Director, Deidre Hisler. It is a brief, general DRAFT. More details will follow as the pilot proceeds or as requested.
For those of you making application this winter/spring/summer to camp overnight on the Devils, please post on this forum a brief report of your experience in the pilot permit process (and on the rio) + fish porn.
Richard Grayson, Dallas
************************************************
Draft
Devils River State Natural Area
Devils River Access Permits
For Paddlers
Overview
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) acquired and has managed the Devils River State Natural Area (DRSNA) since 1988. In December 2010, TPWD acquired additional acreage approximately 13 river miles downriver from the original SNA. In September, 2012, TPWD entered into an Agreement with TxDOT to manage the river access and adjacent Right-of-Way at Baker’s Crossing, on State Highway # 163, approximately 14 river miles upstream from the original SNA. The three areas are being managed as one unit of the Texas State Park’s System under the overall name of Devils River State Natural Area, and with a specific sub-title for each area.
The 20,000 acre original SNA is designated DRSNA - Del Norte. The newly acquired 17,000 acre lower river area will be known as DRSNA - Big Satan, and the paddler access site at the Baker’s Crossing Bridge will be known as DRSNA – Baker’s Crossing.
The Three Areas of DRSNA:
- Del Norte has been opened to the public since the early 1990s with very limited public access to the Devils River itself. During this time, ‘non-motorized access only’ has been allowed to the river through the SNA, (except for limited concessionaire shuttle access) with a gate preventing motorized access for the last 0ne or so miles to the river. The SNA access road meets the river at a location known as San Pedro Point. Del Norte encompasses 1 mile of river frontage. The San Pedro Point Paddler Camp offers one night ‘only’ primitive camping (for paddlers only) who are moving down the river. There are 16 individual paddler camping spots and a reservation is required. Day use (no camping) is also authorized for visitors hiking or biking to the river.
- Big Satan is not presently open to the general public and planning is underway to determine public use and an opening date.
- Baker’s Crossing - Paddlers who have the required permit will be allowed to put-in at the Baker’s Crossing Bridge access, at the northeast side designated put-in.
Most lands adjacent to the Devils River from Baker’s Crossing Bridge to Amistad Lake (approximately 37 miles) are privately owned.
TPWD does not have legislative authority to manage the Devils River proper. However, as one of the primary conservation Agencies of the state, TPWD does have a broad scope and some specific responsibilities for land and water conservation resource protection and public recreation on public waters and TPWD managed lands.
All public access to the Devils River from Baker’s Crossing to Lake Amistad National Recreation Area is across TPWD managed lands. TPWD intends to establish a limited number of permits for paddler access to the river through TPWD managed lands at Baker’s Crossing, at Del Norte-San Pedro Point, and at Big Satan-Devils Back.
Devils River Access Permits (DRAPs): On a one year pilot basis, TPWD will issue up to 12 individual river access permits each day for the public to access to and/or from the river across TPWD managed lands for overnight trips. Additionally, 12 individual permits will also be issued for day trips only (trips to be completed in one day, no overnight). This one year pilot program will help TPWD determine appropriate access and use levels. These data will be helpful in designing and managing a long term permit system and process.
Any paddler accessing the Devils River through:
• DRSNA Baker’s Crossing Paddler Access
• DRSNA Del Norte Unit (San Pedro Point)
• DRSNA Big Satan Unit (Devils Back)
• Or who have launched from private property and are accessing the shores of the Del Norte or Big Satan Units from the river
• Or who have launched from private property and who are staying at the San Pedro Point paddler campground
must have a TPWD Devils River Access Permit (DRAP) in their possession. These permits will be available by reservation only and can be obtained through the Texas State Park’s ‘Customer Service Center’ (instructions to follow). As a ‘condition of the permit’, anyone seeking a DRAP will be required to agree to the basic Devils River etiquette and orientation requirements as specified in the TPWD Devils River ‘Critical Paddler Information’ document.
Shuttle Service Providers: TPWD has allowed concessionaire operated shuttle service since the 1990s to utilize SNA lands. TPWD has determined that continuing to allow shuttle service access to and from TPWD managed lands along the Devils River is reasonable and appropriate. Two TPWD approved concessionaire shuttle service providers are authorized a one year pilot permit to provide shuttle service to the three access sites managed by TPWD, including taking paddlers out at Devils Back, at Big Satan.
Camping in DRSNA:
• San Pedro Point Paddler’s Camp: Camping will be allowed at San Pedro Point paddler’s campground in the Del Norte Unit. This is a ‘paddler’s only’ campground and there is a one night maximum stay limitation. Reservations are required and there is a $5 per night per person camping fee (There have historically been four, 4 person campsites at this campground for $20 per campsite. TPWD will maintain the same maximum capacity of 16 campers, but will make it 16 individual campers, instead of 4 @ 4 = 16).
• RM 29 Paddler’s Camp: A primitive paddler’s camp is available at river mile 29 for up to 8 paddlers, one night only maximum stay, and $5 per night per person. A reservation is required. More than one paddling group (up to a total of 8 individual paddlers) may use this campsite at the same time.
• Baker’s Crossing Paddler Camp: A small primitive camping area approximately 0.25 of a mile south of Baker’s Crossing bridge, on the southwest side of SH 163, is available for paddlers the night before their launch. There is a picnic table, no fires, and all trash must be removed.
These three sites are the only designated public campsites on the river at this time. Camping permits are available through the Texas State Parks Customer Service Center.
All other camping must be below the Gradient Boundary, on an island, or with permission from a private landowner.

Planning your trip down the Devils River: It is highly recommended that any person considering paddling the Devils River review the Devils River State Natural Area Web page (insert URL here) and specific details about paddling the river from other sources “Preparing for a Trip on the Devils River”, and other publications/Web pages on the subject, prior to obtaining a DRAP.
Anyone obtaining a DRAP will be required as a condition of their permit, to abide by the “Critical Paddlers Information” requirements which is available on the TPWD Web-page.
Conditions of Permit - Requirements:
• Waste Alleviation and Gelling Bags (WAG Bag) are required to be carried and used by paddlers (enough bags to cover paddling group for duration of trip). All human waste must be removed from the river
• All trash/garbage to be carried out in heavy duty bag or container that will not rip or spill garbage into the river
• No glass containers
• Adequate line/rope/cord to secure gear in/on vessel. All gear must be secured well enough in the paddler’s vessel to not spill out if vessel rolls over
• All vessels must have attached and display an identifier ‘band’ supplied by TPWD for duration of the trip
• A basic ‘Trip Plan’ must be provided and left in the Iron Ranger at the Baker’s or San Pedro Point put-in location or with the outfitter. This will assist with Search and Rescue of overdue paddlers and will help monitor use
• Signing a TPWD supplied acknowledgement of receiving and understanding the conditions of the DRAP and ‘River Etiquette’
Permitting Procedure: To obtain a Devils River Access Permit (DRAP) or a San Pedro Point or RM 29 paddler camping permit, call the Texas State Park’s ‘Central Reservation Center’ at 512-389-xxxx and ask for the Devils River agent.
• Paddlers should ask the agent if there are DRAPs available for the date for which the paddler(s) wish to put-in. There will be 12 individual overnight permits and 12 ‘day use’ permits available each day. The permit numbers for ‘overnight’ permits are counted based on launches each day (with intent to camp). Paddlers launching from private property who are going to use a TPWD campsite or ‘take-out’ site, will be counted the day they actually launch from the private property.
• Permits may be obtained for up to 11 months in advance and will cost $10 each. Each paddler will need an individual DRAP, though a ‘trip leader’ may reserve and pay for an entire group. Once the reservation is made and the DRAP purchased, it will become non-refundable after 72 hours.
• The DRAP will be mailed to the permit holder. If the paddler is not using a TPWD Shuttle Service Provider, an identifier ‘band’ will also be mailed with the permit, with instruction on attachment.
• If a TPWD Shuttle Service Provider will be used for shuttle to the river access, the Shuttle Service Provider will supply the identifier ‘band’.
General Advice: Once the paddler has reviewed all Critical Paddler Information and other necessary information about paddling the Devils River, they should decide their logistics of how they will get to the river and where they will launch and get picked up.
If a paddler (or one of the party) is an experienced Devils River paddler, then the group probably knows what to do as far as planning the support logistics of the trip.
If a paddler(s) is new to the Devils River, and wants to consider shuttle service support to and from the river, they should contact a TPWD authorized Shuttle Service Provider before obtaining their DRAP to ensure that the Shuttle Service is available on the dates planned for the trip. They will also want to contact the TPWD ‘Central Reservation Center’ prior to making a commitment with the Shuttle Service Provider to ensure that DRAPs are available on the date desired to launch. This process will take at least three phone calls. Once the pilot project has been completed, TPWD hopes to have a web-based DRAP process.
Leaving a vehicle unattended at Baker’s Crossing is not recommended. A personal drop-off/pick-up or a Shuttle Service Provider drop-off/pick-up is the recommended manner in which to paddle the Devils River.
TPWD authorized Shuttle Service Provider(s): At this time the following TPWD sanctioned Shuttle Service Provider(s) is authorized to utilize all designated DRSNA put-in/take-out points - Baker’s Crossing Paddler Access; San Pedro Point – Del Norte; and Devils Back – Big Satan.
• Devils River Outfitter - geraldbailey@gmail.com - 830-395-2266

[DumpTruck]

thanks for the info!

[dandturtle830]

gotta do this

[Neumie]

great info, I posted it on the kayak section of TFF too.

[bassassasin]

trying to plan a trip in March. Has anyone been that early? is it too cold?

[uplandrun]

I went in late April 2012. The weather was great but the fishing was slow, just bad timing on our part.

Plan on getting wet often. When you get to the falls rope the yaks to the right and have two guys holding the rope on the bank because it will be a straight down drop for the yaks, When the yaks hit the water the current will pull the nose down stream which will allow the yak to slowly come to rest right side up. Have one guy holding the rope on the nose of the yak. You'll see what I mean when you get there.

March should be good, but plan on getting wet.

I caught a 5lb lmb on a pumpkin color worm fished texas style. That was the biggest bass in our group. I got him in the middle of the river in some vegetation.

Have fun
Bring some shoe goo and or some epoxy in the event of a hole in the yak

[PatrickMchorn]

I went in mid-April, and it wasn't bad. It was warm enough to swim during the day, but it got pretty cold at night (relatively). It was probably low 50s/high 40s most nights.

Hopefully it'll be a rainy winter/early spring for you guys.

[bassassasin]

Thanks for the info guys! I'm super pumped. We got all lined up with the shuttle today

[airmail101]

Haven't went in March before, we always go in April. We have ours set for the first weekend in April this year usually we are mid to late April. Glad we get another chance to go to DRSNA Big Satan we took out there in October of 2011, was a nice trip.

[bassassasin]

Thanks guys. I've never caught a smallmouth before, so I'm thrilled about that opportunity as well.

[Plant]

trying to plan a trip in March. Has anyone been that early? is it too cold?

I've never been, but I'm planning a trip the week of March 11th. I'm optimistic on the weather.

[Strider]

Although I'm not a fan of increased gov't regs seems this will help paddlers avoid landowner confrontations on a popular and underused resourse.

Kim

[rivergeek]

Kim, it kinda depends on the perspective. Many / most landowners there think it is overused. I believe the regs as they become final and complete will protect the resource yet still allow better access than we have had in the past. It's a delicate balance between DR environment and the people who love it. We have seen places like the Rio Frio virtually destroyed by people loving it to death. The DR is among the last of only a few publicly accessible pristine places in TX and I would hate to think that our great grandchildren won't have the opportunity to see it much the way we can today. I have kayaked and rafted every permitted river in the American West. The rules and regs for all of them may seem burdensome and unfair but they do have the effect of conserving the resource, protecting from overuse and giving the user a much better wilderness-like experience. The rules being proposed so far, IMHO, do not seem burdensome or unfair and are not nearly as restrictive as most of the western rivers that require lottery selection.

[MudDuck]

Riverfront landowners don't have to use the permit system as long as they do not use TPWD facilities. The new permit system is in IMO only for the general public using TPWD properties. There are a couple of ranches that charge fees for access no permit needed.

I don't see how this will work in the long run if everyone doesn't have to play by the same rules?

http://www.ryesnsonsranch.com/

[rivergeek]

MudDuck - Good point. For sure, those with access to the rio from private property and not camping on or using SNA land are avoiding a DRAP fee. But I think, via conservation ethics and river etiquette, it would be the landowner's and outfitter's obligation to ensure that their friends, family or clients who navigate the rio also observe the same rules (especially regarding human waste and garbage) as do those accessing the rio from TPWD land. If not, it would be those landowners, in effect, trashing the rio... not paddlers from the city.

[MudDuck]

MudDuck - Good point. For sure, those with access to the rio from private property and not camping on or using SNA land are avoiding a DRAP fee. But I think, via conservation ethics and river etiquette, it would be the landowner's and outfitter's obligation to ensure that their friends, family or clients who navigate the rio also observe the same rules (especially regarding human waste and garbage) as do those accessing the rio from TPWD land. If not, it would be those landowners, in effect, trashing the rio... not paddlers from the city.

I threw my hat in the ring to be an outfitter for TPWD on the Devils but had to bow out due to some family health issues. One of my biggest concerns when I was entertaining this endeavor was how was I going to make a profit with having to share 12 permits with the other two outfitters that applied and basically TPWD telling us we had to keep our prices reasonable. Well it turns out now there is only one outfitter again, Gerald Bailey.

From my understanding Mr. Bailey has Private access as well as being the only outfitter for TPWD now. Good luck ladies and gentlemen! If you need to get on the River for Memorial Day remember there are only 12 permits a day and 1 outfitter. Supply and demand!

[Finn Maccumhail]

Just for clarification, will the cost for the access permits be paid to the state or the outfitter?

Because if there's a limited number of permits (12 per day) then what's to stop the outfitter from dramatically increasing the price per permit based on demand? I'm all for market conditions but if there's going to be limited access to a publicly owned resource then the state and not the outfitter needs to reap the benefits.

[rivergeek]

Just for clarification, will the cost for the access permits be paid to the state or the outfitter?

Because if there's a limited number of permits (12 per day) then what's to stop the outfitter from dramatically increasing the price per permit based on demand? I'm all for market conditions but if there's going to be limited access to a publicly owned resource then the state and not the outfitter needs to reap the benefits.

For the record, Gerald is the only current outfitter / guide who also provides shuttle services. Very recently, Kevin Stubbs also was listed as an approved outfitter / guide who has access thru one or more private properties. Kevin might also provide shuttle services but he has not traditionally done that from BX the way Gerald has done. Also, note that one permit can have up to 12 persons and 12 persons is the max limit for BX launches daily.

The DRAP fee is paid to TPWD when making a reservation. It may be the outfitter's responsibility to ensure that each of his clients has paid the fees to TPWD. Any fees for shuttle and guide services will be payable to the outfitter/guide/shuttler. All of this is subject to change throughout the pilot and hopefully it will become less confusing.

Permits may be obtained for up to 11 months in advance and will cost $10 each. Each paddler will need an individual DRAP, though a ‘trip leader’ may reserve and pay for an entire group. Once the reservation is made and the DRAP purchased, it will become non-refundable after 72 hours.
• The DRAP will be mailed to the permit holder. If the paddler is not using a TPWD Shuttle Service Provider, an identifier ‘band’ will also be mailed with the permit, with instruction on attachment.
• If a TPWD Shuttle Service Provider will be used for shuttle to the river access, the Shuttle Service Provider will supply the identifier ‘band’.

[MudDuck]

Rivergeek,

It was my understanding that if you shuttled for TPWD you could not Guide? Not sure why though.

[rivergeek]

Rivergeek,

It was my understanding that if you shuttled for TPWD you could not Guide? Not sure why though.

I dunno. I'll check on that.

[rivergeek]

MudDuck, et al - Commercial guiding and shuttle services are being treated by TPWD as two separate things. I think that as long as a commercial guide has a license, what they do with clients on the rio is something else.

[underbrinkjd]

FYI - completed the permit(DRAP) last week with TXPW, the process was simple and very professional. The permits should be in the mail monday. We are headed out in mid march for a three night trip. This will be my 2nd trip and am looking forward to seeing the new south unit. We will be putting in at bakers and pulling out at rm29 campsite. With the permits, they give you wrist bands and boat stickers for all in the party, and to top it off a topo map of the river with gps coordinants. Top notch system, hope it keeps the river wild for generations to come. Anyone yak this in march? How's the weather? Fishing? And most important, what would be the lure of choice for this time of year?

[rivergeek]

Glad to hear the permit sign up went well. Mid March wx should be mild days, cool nights, afternoons windy. Presentation to LMB & SMB of clousers, streamers, cats whiskers have worked well for me fly fishing. Good luck!

[AmacYak]

I'm going on lower end with Shane Davies in early April with 10 guys. Can't wait, is the fishing better down there?

[underbrinkjd]

Wanted to share a video I found of what the river is like This sums it up....

http://vimeo.com/34635263