Oppose Border Lands Conservation Act: Protect Wilderness Areas

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the Border Lands Conservation Act introduced by Senator Mike Lee. This misguided legislation threatens to undermine the integrity of our nation's cherished wilderness areas and must be stopped. The proposed bill would amend the Wilderness Act of 1964, a cornerstone of American conservation efforts, to allow the Department of Homeland Security unprecedented access to build roads, install infrastructure, and operate vehicles within 100 miles of U.S. borders. This would impact over 9.5 million acres of pristine wilderness across multiple states, including Washington, Minnesota, California, Arizona, and Alaska. While border security is important, this bill is a disproportionate and potentially devastating response to the issue. It would grant DHS broad powers without proper oversight from land management agencies, effectively bypassing decades of carefully crafted environmental protections. The Wilderness Act has safeguarded these lands for nearly 60 years, preserving their natural state for future generations. We cannot allow this legacy to be dismantled under the guise of border security. Senator Lee claims this bill will address environmental issues caused by illegal border crossings, but the cure he proposes is far worse than the disease. The construction of roads and infrastructure in these delicate ecosystems would cause irreparable harm to wildlife habitats, disrupt natural processes, and forever alter the character of these wild places. I urge you to stand with public lands advocates and lawmakers like Senator Tina Smith in opposing this bill. The Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area and other affected regions are national treasures that deserve our utmost protection. These areas not only preserve biodiversity and provide critical environmental services but also offer unparalleled recreational opportunities and contribute to local economies through sustainable tourism. As the Border Lands Conservation Act moves to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I implore you to use your influence to block its progress. We must not sacrifice the integrity of our wilderness areas for a misguided and potentially ineffective approach to border security. Instead, I ask that you support alternative measures that address border concerns without compromising our nation's commitment to wilderness preservation. Our wilderness areas are a vital part of our natural heritage. Once developed, they can never truly be restored to their original state. I call on you to honor the spirit of the Wilderness Act and reject the Border Lands Conservation Act. Future generations are counting on us to be responsible stewards of these irreplaceable lands.