Texans rally at TPWD hearing to oppose border walls in state parks

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission’s yearly public hearing began with a large gathering of park supporters who set up a tailgate near the agency’s Austin headquarters. Demonstrators used cardboard cut-outs of desert wildlife and slogans to draw attention to plans for federal border barriers on Texas Parks and Wildlife lands, notably Big Bend Ranch State Park and Black Gap Wildlife Management Area. Speakers such as river guide Mike Davidson, who has worked the Rio Grande since 1977, and former superintendent David Long emphasized the importance of protecting the region’s ecosystems and cultural heritage.

Representatives from the No Big Bend Wall coalition stressed the political influence of commission members appointed by Governor Abbott. While the board’s agenda omitted the issue, the public comment period allowed many to directly address commissioners, urging them to work with the governor and federal agencies to limit environmental damage.