"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
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)[…]
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[…]
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[…]
NYTimes | A border wall plan unites Republicans and Democrats in Texas
Originally posted at New York Times. Where the Rio Grande cuts steep cliffs through the arid West Texas mountains, dozens of spring break visitors on a canoe tour learned[…]
Judges’ letter urging transparency and local partnership
A collection of Texas judges have penned a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin urging transparency and local partnership. We, the undersigned County Judges, representing 100% of[…]
National Parks Traveler | Simulation Shows The On-The-Ground Impacts Of A Border Wall In Big Bend
An engineer’s simulation of the possible effects from a border wall proposed for Big Bend National Park by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency shows widespread impacts, from light pollution and[…]
National Parks Traveler | Texas Border County Judges Urge Transparency In Plans For Big Bend Border Wall
Elected county judges from every county along the Texas-Mexico border are calling on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to coordinate more closely with local officials as confusion continues[…]
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