1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

The Border Lands Conservation Act would empower the Department of Homeland Security to convert wilderness into military areas–threatening ocelots, Sonoran pronghorn, and other animals, along with the habitat they need to live. This would sacrifice wildlife and wilderness in the name of border security, opening protected public lands to roads, heavy machinery, aircraft, and permanent infrastructure. These borderlands are some of the last remaining refuges for endangered species and migratory wildlife in the United States. If Congress passes this bill, fragile ecosystems could be irreversibly damaged — and wildlife will bear the cost. Despite its name, this bill is not about conservation. It would weaken the Wilderness Act of 1964 and open federally protected wilderness areas, national parks, and wildlife refuges to development and constant motorized activity. Once these landscapes are carved up, wildlife will pay the price — and the damage could be permanent. The Border Lands Conservation Act would also give the Department of Homeland Security sweeping authority to override land managers and sidestep environmental safeguards that exist specifically to protect wildlife and ecosystems. That means fewer checks, less accountability, and more destruction — all under the guise of security. Wildlife deserves protection — not more destruction. Vote NO on the Border Lands Conservation Act. Thanks for all you do!