"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
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[…]
Our Public Lands and Waters | Instead of a Border Wall, CBP Plans to Pave Backcountry Roads Along Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park
After severe and sustained bipartisan blowback—including from all Big Bend border sheriffs, all Texas border county judges, and countless furious locals—it appears that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)[…]
Center for Western Priorities | Threats to Public Lands at the Border
In the first installment of a two-part series on the borderlands, Aaron and Lilly are joined by Laiken Jordahl, National Public Lands Advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity,[…]
Texas Tribune | Big Bend border wall plans canceled for national park after backlash, Border Patrol commissioner says
Originally posted at The Texas Tribune May 8, 2026. Keep Big Bend Wild is dismayed by this headline, as this fight is not over. Plans to build portions of[…]
Washington Examiner | Trump’s top border official, Rodney Scott, unpacks wins and path forward
Originally published May 4, 2026 at Washington Examiner. EXCLUSIVE — U.S. Customs and Border Protection has achieved a remarkable feat under President Donald Trump, locking down tens of billions[…]
Trump is pushing a border wall in my backyard.
Originally posted on Tangle February 28, 2026 When I was 14 years old, I traveled to the Big Bend region of West Texas for the first time. My extended[…]
Support Keep Big Bend Wild
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