"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
Big Bend Sentinel | ‘We already lost it once’: Eminent domain returns to the Big Bend
When Everett Ewing Townsend, a 23-year-old customs inspector stationed on the border in the Big Bend, saw the South Rim of the Chisos Mountains for the first time, he[…]
Valley Central.com | Proposed ban on Big Bend border wall fails in U.S. House funding panel
A proposal to bar the Trump administration from building a border wall in Big Bend National Park died Wednesday in the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, after the GOP-controlled panel[…]
Marfa Public Radio | Former Big Bend National Park superintendents express ‘grave concerns’ about Trump administration’s border plans
Article Updated - Six 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[…]
Big Bend Sentinel | Former National Park superintendents ask DHS not to waive laws for border wall construction
Seven former superintendents of Big Bend National Park penned a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin last week imploring the federal government not to waive[…]
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[…]
The Best Places for Astrophotography in Big Bend National Park
Discover the best spots in Big Bend National Park to photograph the night sky — including safety tips, astrophotography settings, and hidden locations for stargazing solitude.
Big Bend After Dark: Milky Way Magic and the Mission to Keep It Wild
By Jeff Pfaller A pack of javelinas trot into the harsh light of my headlights, their eyes like pools of mercury as they stare back at me. I am[…]
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