As the President of Friends of Big Bend Ranch State Park, and on behalf of our Board of Directors, we issue the following statement concerning the proposed construction of a physical border wall in the Big Bend region of Texas.
Friends of Big Bend Ranch State Park is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the protection, preservation, and responsible stewardship of Big Bend Ranch State Park through conservation, education, and sustainable recreation initiatives. Our mission centers on safeguarding the park’s natural resources, enhancing visitor experiences, and promoting the long-term ecological and economic vitality of the region.
We recognize and respect the importance of public safety and border security in the Big Bend region. The well-being of residents, visitors, park staff, and law enforcement personnel is essential. At the same time, we believe that any infrastructure decisions in this uniquely remote and ecologically significant landscape must carefully consider long-term environmental and economic impacts.
Big Bend Ranch State Park encompasses more than 300,000 acres of Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem, supporting diverse wildlife species, fragile riparian corridors along the Rio Grande, and internationally recognized dark skies. The region’s ecological integrity depends on wildlife movement corridors, watershed connectivity, and uninterrupted desert landscapes. Large-scale physical barriers have the potential to disrupt animal migration patterns, fragment habitats, alter hydrology, and affect sensitive desert and river ecosystems.
From an economic standpoint, eco-tourism plays a significant role in sustaining local communities throughout Presidio County, Brewster County and the broader Big Bend region. Visitors travel from across Texas, the United States, and internationally to experience the park’s rugged landscapes, river access, backcountry trails, cultural history, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Outdoor recreation supports local outfitters, lodging providers, restaurants, and small businesses. Protecting the park’s natural character is directly tied to sustaining this economic engine.
The Big Bend region contributes to the greater good of Texas not only through tourism revenue but also through ecosystem services that benefit the state as a whole, including biodiversity conservation, watershed protection, carbon storage, and preservation of open lands.
Our position is grounded not in politics, but in stewardship. We respectfully urge that any decisions regarding border infrastructure in the Big Bend region prioritize science-based environmental assessments, collaboration with state park leadership, and meaningful e
ngagement with local communities and conservation stakeholders.
We remain committed to our mission: preserving the natural resources, scenic beauty, and ecological integrity of Big Bend Ranch State Park for present and future generations—while acknowledging the importance of safety and thoughtful policy solutions in this extraordinary part of Texas.
Respectfully,
Lauren Cecil
President, Friends of Big Bend Ranch State Park