It is different from conventional roads for reasons related mostly to environment values – it crosses four sub-regions of Pantanal: Miranda, Abobral, Nhecolândia e Paraguay. At its final segment, it faces the Urucum ridge. It’s known for being the best region in the country for the observation of birds, mammals and alligators throughout the year, a condition shared with Transpantaneira road, in the state of Mato Grosso.
The low water season – from July to December – is the most interesting for several reasons, among them the fact that the fish get trapped in the marginal lakes that are in the process of evaporation, attracting thousands of birds searching for food. In high water season – January to June – the banks can be covered by water, making traffic complicated. Around this time, seeing the animals can be more difficult, depending on the varying dynamics of the water each year. The Pantanal Park Road (EPP) also provides a magnificent view of typical Pantanal landscape, formed by flood areas, coppices, grassland, river lakes and creeks.
Coppices: Area of undergrowth and small trees.
River Lake: Lakes that connect to a river by means of a canal.
Creek: A small stream, often a shallow or intermittent tributary to a river.
Along the course of the road there can be found lodges, fishing weirs and restaurants, among other resources which provide leisure fishing and environmental tourism. The Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul also has a research base in the area.
According to official data, approximately 450 people live along the road, 250 in Porto da Manga community, 150 in Passo do Lontra community and the other 50 in lodges, small hotels and farms.
The Foundation
It was established by the Decree 7.122/93 of March 17th, 1993. The total area is 6800 acres embodying the municipalities of Corumbá (5719.93 ha) and Ladário (1081.06 ha)
The Communities
Porto da Manga Community
The community shelters around 40 families. They are bait collectors, professional fishermen, some lodge employees, anglers and guides. The location has some historical value since it was there that Marshal Cândido Rondon built a telegraph post in palafitte that stands until today.
Photo: Jean Fernandes
There are discussions on the possibility that the American ex-president Theodore Roosevelt stayed there when he travelled along the Paraguay River with Rondon heading for the Amazon in 1914.
In July, 2007 the residents were finally served with electricity, an old request and the result of a consolidated effort between the Residents Association, Ecoa and the Ministry of Integration.
Passo do Lontra Community
The community is made up of lodges and a population of 30 families that work in professional and leisure fishing. They are anglers, bait collectors and lodge employees. There is a gas station – the only one in the region. This community is close to BR 262, 100 kilometers from Miranda and 130 from Corumbá.
BRIEF HISTORY
The old Integration Highway – MS 228, Pantanal Park Road today, was drawn by Marshal Cândido Rondon who, at the end of the 19th century, brought telegraphy to Corumbá. Originally known as the “Cattle herder Road” or “Mango Road,” it connected the interior of the Curumbá region to the State Capital, Campo Grande. It was built on earth embankments, with heights varying between 1 and 3 meters, in an attempt to guarantee good traffic conditions any time of the year. This goal, however, was not reached. During flood season, water invades the road at several points, blocking the passage, a fact that occurred in 2006 and 2007 inclusively.
Foto: Rubens Pereira
Along its course there are 71 wooden bridges that double as natural pantanal plant and animal life observatories. The cattle production outlet of many farms occurs through EPP. There are also “entourages,” when cattle herders travel long routes on horseback guiding the animals with great ability. These trips can last a few hours, or a few days, depending on the road and climate conditions.
