Texas Monthly may have said it best in their 2005 article, “Run with the Devils,” describing the Devils River as “one of the last great, wild rivers in the Southwest, a river so clean you can drink it, so clear that its turquoise pools look purely Bahamian, so astoundingly full of bass and gar and beaver and catfish and osprey and other wildlife that it calls to mind the first pioneer accounts of America’s unspoiled, undammed waterways.” 

However, in recent years, the spring-fed river and the aquifer that feeds it have been discovered by the wider world and are now increasingly under threat. Recognizing the river’s vulnerability, a group of local landowners came together to advocate for its protection, forming the Devils River Conservancy (DRC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, in early 2011.

The mission of DRC is to preserve and protect the Devils River and the lands within its watershed. DRC is committed to promoting the significance of the Devils River and ensuring this uniquely pristine water resource remains a natural and scenic treasure for generations of Texans.

DRC envisions itself as a respected steward, dedicated to preserving the Devils River, its watershed, and essential springs. We lead with purpose, pursuing sustainable operations and comprehensive conservation strategies. By actively engaging with local leaders and river advocates, we ensure the enduring significance of this natural treasure, fostering a lasting connection between people and the pristine beauty of the Devils River.


Threats to the Devils

Over-pumping groundwater
Land fragmentation
Recreational over-use
Bed and bank disturbances
Proliferation of non-native, invasive species
Inadequate streamside septic systems
Over-grazing
Cultural vandalism

We Endorse

Research on groundwater/surface water  interaction
Groundwater management
Respect for river and private property
Leave No Trace ethics
Removal of exotic species
Paddling only with adequate flow and gear
Catch-and-release fishing
Recognizing and respecting the history of the area
Information and outreach