You have the opportunity to encourage the designation
of 533, 900 acres of wilderness within Big Bend
National Park. “Wilderness” affords
the highest level of protection for public lands.
Established in 1944, our beloved 801,163-acre
park is the 15th largest in the national park system – yet
none of it carries the name of “wilderness”.
Although the National Park Service (NPS) finalized
its proposal for 533,900 acres to receive wilderness
designation in 1984, no Congressional action has
been taken in 25 years. Although the NPS has managed
the lands as if they were wilderness, the formal
designation as wilderness would cement their protected
status.
Besides being an economic engine for surrounding
rural counties, Big Bend is a refuge harboring
75 species of mammals, 67 species of reptiles and
amphibians, over 450 bird species, and 1,295 species
of plants.
WHAT YOU CAN DO---
Send an e-mail letter to Congressman Ciro Rodriguez,
whose district includes Big Bend National Park.
Ask him to introduce a resolution designating 533,900
acres of Big Bend National Park as wilderness,
according to the recommendation of the National
Park Service.
Here are some points you can note:
1. If you are a constituent, be sure to state
this in your e-mail. If you aren’t, state
why Big Bend National Park is important to you.
Note that his action would benefit all Texans and
all Americans.
2. No action has been taken on the NPS recommendation
to create 533,900 acres of wilderness in 25 years
and now it is time to act.
3. Although the lands in question are being managed
as wilderness, formal designation as such would
provide the highest level of protection permanently.
4. Wilderness will assure the highest quality habitat
for wildlife and protected species. Several species
in Big Bend National Park are federally protected,
including the black-capped vireo, Mexican long-nosed
bat, Big Bend gambusia, and Chisos hedgehog cactus.
After a 40-year absence, black bears have re-established
a foothold in the park after migrating from northern
Mexico.
5. Thank Congressman Rodriguez for his introduction
and support of the Trans-Border Peace Park (H.Res.695)
and suggest that designation of wilderness in BBNP
is another step in providing high quality recreation
and wildlife habitat.
Send your e-mail to Congressman Rodriguez to the
attention of Ms. Robin Lloyd, the Legislative Assistant
for environmental issues, at Robin.Lloyd@mail.house.gov
. You can fax a letter to his Washington, D.C.
office at 202-225-2237 or in San Antonio at 210-923-8447.
