WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) today introduced the Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act, which would authorize the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) to acquire around 6,100 acres of land along the western boundary of the park:

“Big Bend National Park exemplifies the natural beauty and vibrant wildlife of the Lone Star State,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation, which would help Texans and all Americans enjoy our national parks.”

“Big Bend National Park is one of the many treasures in the Southwest,” said Sen. Luján. “I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce bipartisan legislation to expand Big Bend National Park. This expansion will allow the National Parks Service to conserve the ecosystem along the Terlingua watershed for years to come.”

“Big Bend National Park is a natural treasure unlike any other,”said Rep. Gonzales.“My legislation would greatly improve the National Park Service’s ability to preserve and protect critical habitats, history, and geology at Big Bend. This is an important step forward to conserve one of the most beautiful sites in our country for generations to come. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues in the House and Senators John Cornyn and Ben Ray Luján to move this legislation through Congress.” 

Background:

The Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act would authorize the limited expansion of Big Bend National Park by:

• Authorizing the NPS to acquire approximately 6,100 acres of land adjacent to Terlingua Creek along the western boundary of the park;
• Clarifying that the NPS may only acquire land within the expansion site through donation or exchange;
• And explicitly prohibiting the use of eminent domain or condemnation, thereby protecting private property rights.