"I stand with the Keep Big Bend Wild coalition"
I stand with the Keep Big Bend Wild coalition in their mission to secure official Wilderness designation for Big Bend National Park's untouched backcountry. This fight isn't new—the National Park Service first championed it in 1974, during my tenure as Director, and reaffirmed the call in 1978. Now, it's time for Congress to act. By enshrining permanent, statutory protection, we can ensure Big Bend’s breathtaking landscapes remain shielded from policy shifts or development threats. It's heartening to see the backing of former NPS Directors, united in our commitment to safeguarding America's wilderness legacy so future generations can continue to embrace its solitude, beauty, and ecological richness."
~ Ronald H. Walker, NPS Director 1973-1975
NPR | In West Texas, an unlikely alliance stands against extending the border wall
On a quiet spring morning, Joe Pineda drives across his land near the Rio Grande, pointing out where he runs cattle and grows alfalfa and the family cemetery that[…]
Wamu.org | What the Trump administration is building in Big Bend
Is the Trump administration building a segment of the border wall in Big Bend National Park? That’s the question that’s at the heart of a public debate in West[…]
Chron | Former Big Bend leaders warn border plans could forever alter national park
Originally posted May 22, 2026 Former leaders of Big Bend National Park are urging the Trump administration to abandon border infrastructure projects they warn could permanently damage one of Texas’ most iconic landscapes. In a[…]
ProPublica | The Trump Administration Is Facing Scrutiny for How It’s Handing Out Billion-Dollar Border Wall Contracts
Originally posted May 21, 2026 A new lawsuit alleges the Trump administration awarded the bulk of new Texas border wall contracts to two firms without “genuine competitive opportunities.” One[…]
Our Public Lands and Waters | $1.7 Billion Construction Contract
Originally posted on May 21, 2026 News broke last week that a $1.7 billion construction contract had been awarded for border barriers in Big Bend National Park. It’s the[…]
Marfa Public Radio | Former Big Bend National Park superintendents express ‘grave concerns’ about Trump administration’s border plans
Seven former superintendents of Big Bend National Park are expressing “grave concerns” with the Trump administration’s plan for new border barriers, roads and surveillance technology in the park, describing[…]
Our Public Lands and Waters | Big Bend National Park Border Infrastructure Would Be “The Most Egregious Assault” on Our National Park System, Seven Former Superintendents Say
Last Saturday, May 16, I reported that Homeland Security had awarded the largest border wall construction contract in U.S. history for a wall in Big Bend National Park. The $1.7[…]
E&E News | Former NPS officials push back on Big Bend border plans
Former National Park Service officials are urging the Trump administration not to waive dozens of environmental laws as it looks to build new border barriers and roads in the[…]
Our Public Lands and Waters | “Border Wall in Big Bend Is Not Practical Or Strategic,” Five Texas Border Sheriffs Say In A Joint Statement
Plans for a wall on this part of the southern border have been discussed—and opposed—for years. Things became much more serious last February, however, when the Department of Homeland[…]
Ride Apart | Despite Opposition, Feds Have Already Awarded Border Wall Contract Through Big Bend National Park
I'd been working on a story about the proposed border wall that aimed to bisect Big Bend National Park in Texas for the last few weeks, having recently spoken[…]
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Click this button to add your name to the growing list of individuals, businesses, and organizations supporting a wilderness designation for the undeveloped lands of Big Bend National Park.
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Every contribution helps defray the cost of our volunteers to produce materials and travel to meetings to build awareness and strengthen our coalition.
Contributions supporting Keep Big Bend Wild are managed by the El Paso Community Foundation and are tax deductible as allowed by law.
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Images © Rebecca Latson.
Keep Big Bend Wild
P.O. Box 66
Big Bend National Park, TX, 79834