"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
KTSM | Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces gets more support from border communities in fight over Mount Cristo Rey property
A federal judge in New Mexico has ruled the U.S. government can deposit money into a court as part of a plan to seize land from the Catholic Diocese[…]
NYTimes | A Diocese Tries to Protect Its 29-Foot Jesus From Trump’s Border Wall
At sunrise, when the day’s first golden glow washes over the 29-foot-tall limestone Jesus atop Mount Cristo Rey, Lourdes Castañon feels the presence of the divine. “The rays catch[…]
National Parks Traveler | Congressional Democrats Express Opposition To Waivers Issued For Big Bend Border Wall
In a letter sent to Secretary of Department of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin on June 16, Congressional Democrats expressed strong opposition to the agency’s recent decision to issue waivers[…]
Deseret News | Ex-superintendents urge Homeland Security not to build through Big Bend National Park
Since February, there’s been uncertainty about whether the Department of Homeland Security would build a wall through stretches of the Big Bend region of West Texas.
The Guardian | ‘It’s massive destruction’: outcry in Texas over waivers to allow border wall in Big Bend national park
The Trump administration has waived a slew of environmental and historical preservation laws that would allow it to build a towering border wall that cuts through Big Bend national[…]
National Parks Traveler | Groups Amend Lawsuit To Challenge Waiver Of Environmental Laws For Big Bend Border Wall
On Tuesday the Department of Homeland Security waived dozens of environmental laws to authorize construction of border barriers and roads through Big Bend, marking the first time in U.S. history that the[…]
The Travel | U.S. Government Confirms 17 Miles Of Metal Barriers At Big Bend National Park
On Tuesday, June 9, the Trump administration confirmed it will build 17 miles of metal barriers that will pass through Texas's Big Bend National Park. The announcement came a day[…]
High Country News | Billions in border wall contracts are going to a Montana firm run by a Trump donor
Originally published June 9, 2026 Barnard Construction Company, Inc., an engineering contractor based in Bozeman, Montana, recently celebrated its 50th year in business. On its website, the company lays[…]
National Parks Traveler | Trump Administration Waives Environmental Laws To Allow Border Wall In Big Bend National Park
Months of waffling over how it might construct a border wall through Big Bend National Park took on some clarity Monday when the Department of Homeland Security waived all[…]
Our Public Lands and Waters | Feds Waive 31 Environmental and Resource Protection Laws to Blast Barriers and Bulldoze Roads in Big Bend National Park
After many, many months of inconsistent messaging, a complete lack of communication, and massive public confusion about Homeland Security’s plans for a border wall in Big Bend National Park[…]
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.
If you would also be willing to help support Keep Big Bend Wild financially please click Donate.
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.
© 2026 Keep Big Bend Wild.
Layout by Jess Repanshek and Kubio.
Images © Rebecca Latson.
Keep Big Bend Wild
P.O. Box 66
Big Bend National Park, TX, 79834