Efforts to expand Big Bend National Park westward toward Terlingua will continue in 2025 after legislative setbacks in the 118th Congressional Session, reports the Big Bend Sentinel. The Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act (S.1059), introduced by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in 2023, aimed to adjust the park’s boundaries by adding 6,100 acres to protect vital natural resources like the Terlingua Creek watershed. However, the bill, part of a larger public lands package, cleared the Senate but stalled in the House.
The Big Bend Conservancy, the nonprofit spearheading the initiative, remains focused on seeing the legislation through. According to the Sentinel, the conservancy is actively working with landowners to acquire properties within the proposed boundary and plans to intensify efforts to gain congressional support. The group has already secured 3,377 acres and is negotiating to purchase more.
The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) told the Sentinel they are hopeful for progress in the 119th Congress, citing growing bipartisan interest and ongoing advocacy. The conservancy’s goals for 2025 also include projects to improve park sustainability, such as landfill efficiency upgrades and a new ADA-accessible viewing platform at Sotol Vista.
While setbacks have slowed the boundary adjustment, advocates remain steadfast in their mission to preserve the region’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
Texas Reporter 