1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to oppose the construction of border barriers, roads, and related infrastructure within Big Bend National Park. Big Bend is one of America’s most unique national parks. It protects extraordinary wildlife, irreplaceable desert ecosystems, and some of the most scenic landscapes in Texas. Once these habitats are blasted, bulldozed, and fragmented, they cannot simply be restored. What makes this proposal especially difficult to justify is that the Big Bend sector has historically been one of the least-crossed sections of the U.S.–Mexico border. The park’s rugged mountains, steep canyons, remote desert terrain, and the Rio Grande already create significant natural barriers. Building extensive new roads and barriers through some of the park’s most remote and ecologically sensitive areas would permanently damage public lands while providing questionable security benefits. I am also deeply concerned that environmental protections have been waived to accelerate construction. Laws that exist to protect national parks, endangered species, and our natural heritage should not be cast aside without careful consideration. Border security and conservation do not have to be mutually exclusive. Congress should pursue solutions that improve security while preserving one of our nation’s greatest natural treasures. Once Big Bend’s wilderness is industrialized, future generations will never experience it in the same way. I respectfully ask you to: Oppose additional border wall construction within Big Bend National Park. Restore and uphold environmental review requirements for projects affecting national parks. Support border security measures that minimize permanent damage to public lands and wildlife habitat. Big Bend belongs to every American. Please do everything in your power to protect this irreplaceable landscape.