Big Bend construction: Ecological upheaval wake-up
Catherine Schmidt
Contributor
November 2, 2026
Regan Williams
The environment is dying — but that is old news. With crises flooding headlines, planet Earth has taken a backseat; the surprise and concern once felt for Mother Nature has waned. Despite rising temperatures, increasingly catastrophic natural disasters and dangerous air quality, only 2% of Texans named the environment as a top concern for the state. Consequently, political leaders get away with actions that blatantly devastate the Lone Star land — but when a beloved national park is in jeopardy, Texans draw the line.
The news surrounding Big Bend National Park is hard to miss. The West Texas park, located along the border, is being gruesomely bulldozed to increase immigration surveillance and security. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the project will include 175 miles of “primary border barrier,” including roads, artificial lighting, cables, utility shelters and other invasive infrastructure that will disturb the existing environment. The government stops at nothing to execute its short-sighted vision of border security, even if that means waiving an alarming amount of critical environmental protections.
Trump is no stranger to dismissing climate laws. In 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency announced 31 acres of Big Bend would be destroyed by the construction. The park, known for its breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife, will be forever altered. This isn’t just about losing beautiful scenery; it’s about losing a piece of Texas history and a testament to the resilience of the American landscape.
Texans have had enough. Public outrage has reached a fever pitch, forcing Congress to take notice. However, the fight isn’t over. The future of Big Bend hangs in the balance as lawmakers debate the project’s fate.
It’s time to remember that our national parks are more than just scenery; they are living, breathing ecosystems that deserve our respect and protection. Let’s hope Texas’s leaders make the right decision and preserve Big Bend for future generations.