Dear Friends,

I would like to add a few of my opinions on the closure of the wonderful high elevation of the Chisos Basin.   On the subject of accidents (because of construction) there are always accidents happening in the park, and they will likely increase if visitors have only options to hike on the much hotter trails.    Will Park officials take responsibility for these potential accidents due to those hiking in the lower areas that are not forests?  Trees are lifesaving when one is hiking in the heat that we experience in this desert.  Also, once the Basin's trails are closed, the mountain lions will again claim these trails as theirs.   And once the trails reopen after a few years, I wonder if the park official (s) will take responsibility for attacks and possible deaths from predators who have reclaimed these trails? 

The small town of Terlingua and Terlingua Ranch areas, being a tourist generated area, will suffer financially.  Will the park official (s) take responsibility for the loss of revenue and for many, loss of entire investment?    Seems like any intelligent being could work out solutions to these problems other than reroute them into the lower or much longer hikes.  The desert heat can be severe even in January.  The Basin was created for tourists' enjoyment of nature, and if it means allowing outside bussing from Panther Junction to the Basin, to save lives and local businesses' survival, then I would think the park is actually caring for the visitors rather than themselves.  I will personally prefer a complete closure to the restaurant if it means closing the Basin for years.     

Thanks to all who have spoken for keeping the Basin open for hikers and those who just need to sit and view the view through the Window.  The Basin, for me, has always represented a healing atmosphere, and to prevent this for two or three years needs serious reconsideration. 

Bonnie Wunderlich
Terlingua and El Paso, Texas