ENCHANTED ROCK & DOGS: One creature's relief is another 
creature's pollution. We explain on Passport to Texas. 

This is Passport to Texas

You'll find fragile ecosystems called vernal pools on the 
summit of Enchanted Rock.

16- They're little formations-weathering pits that have formed 
over the years-and they'll collect rainwater. And there are little 
lifeforms that grow in them: fairy shrimp and other invertebrates. 
And, it's their own little, small ecosystem in there.

Dough Cochran is superintendent at Enchanted Rock 
State Natural Area in the Texas Hill Country.

17- A scientist was doing some tests on invertebrates - testing 
the different kinds of algae that were present in the water. And 
he notices over the past three or four years that blue-green algae 
had been increasing in these pools of waters. And that's an 
indication of pollution.

Pollution caused unintentionally by visitors who bring 
their dogs to hike the summit with them, and then 
interact with the vernal pools. 

15- We see a lot of pets and humans going in these waters and 
wading through them, drinking out of them (the people don't 
drink out of them, but the pets do) and in some cases they're 
doing things they're not supposed to be doing in there.

Animal waste that seeps into the pools raises the 
nitrogen level of the water, and disrupts ecosystem 
stability. 

Tomorrow, learn of a new regulation intended to help 
nature regain her balance on Enchanted Rock.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife ... I'm Cecilia Nasti






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