The Leona River

The Leona River is a tributary of the Frio River, within the Nueces River Basin. The river flows 85 miles from US 83 in Uvalde County, through Zavala County, then to its confluence with the Frio River in Frio County. The Leona River watershed is approximately 429,244 acres.

The Leona River watershed is rural and land use is predominately agriculture, including cropland and pastureland. While mainly rural, the cities of Uvalde and Batesville are located within the watershed. Uvalde has an estimated population of 16,000, while 1,300 people reside in Batesville.

In 2004, NRA received a Clean Water Act §319(h) Nonpoint Source Grant through the TSSWCB and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to design and implement an education program targeted at the headwater stream segments of the Nueces River Basin, including the Leona River. The Headwaters Stewardship program paved the way for an expanded sustained education effort by providing the education tools, enlightened audiences, and a cooperative capacity among local conservation organizations. This project will build on the success of the Headwaters Stewardship program. .

In 2006, based on routine water quality monitoring the Leona River was placed on the Texas 303 (d) List for having excessive bacteria impairing contact recreation use, it has also been identified for an elevated nitrate concern since 2002.

Historically, the Leona River was a popular place for swimming, canoeing, and fishing. Based on an editorial to the Uvalde Leader News on July 13, 2003, degradation began in the late 1960s. .

In addition to the lack of water clarity discouraging contact recreation, bacteria levels have increased to the point that contract recreation is not advised. .