"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
Protect NPS | Coalition Urges CBP to Minimize Border Barrier Construction and Keep Big Bend National Park Wild
The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition) is comprised of more than 5,000 members, all of whom are retired, former, or current National Park Service (NPS) employees or[…]
Texas Monthly | The Most Useless Border Barrier in Texas
Perhaps Raymond Skiles should be relieved. A few months ago, the Trump administration was laying the groundwork to take part of his 550-acre ranch near tiny Langtry to build[…]
The Alpine Avalanche | Border Wall Outcries Fall on Deaf Ears
The ongoing controversy involving the building of a border wall in Big Bend looks to be forging ahead, despite multiple organizations and conservation advocates’ pleas, as well as comments[…]
Outside | The Trump Administration Just Waived Dozens of Protections in Big Bend. Former Park Leaders Are Sounding the Alarm.
Originally posted June 17, 2026 Lawmakers and former leaders of Big Bend National Park are sounding the alarm after the Trump administration recently waived dozens of environmental and historic protections. The groups[…]
Marfa Public Radio | Confused about Big Bend area border wall plans? Here’s where things stand.
Since news first surfaced late last year that border walls could be built for the first time in the Big Bend region of West Texas, the story has been[…]
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)[…]
Washington Examiner | Trump’s top border official, Rodney Scott, unpacks wins and path forward
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has achieved a remarkable feat under President Donald Trump, locking down tens of billions of dollars in funding for the largest-ever expansion of border[…]
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[…]
Marfa Public Radio | Big Bend National Park could see vehicle barriers, patrol roads under latest changes to border wall plans
The Trump administration is once again planning to install physical border barriers within Big Big National Park in West Texas, according to an updated map of “Smart Wall” projects that now[…]
National Parks Traveler | Latest U.S. Customs And Border Protection Map Returns Border Wall To Big Bend
New mapping from U.S. Customs and Border Protection indicates the agency has returned to planning for a physical border wall in parts of Big Bend National Park in Texas despite strong opposition from[…]
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.
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Images © Rebecca Latson.
Keep Big Bend Wild
P.O. Box 66
Big Bend National Park, TX, 79834