Alejandra Chávez, Mayor Pro Tempore and El Paso City Council Representative- District 1 has contacted Big Bend National Park Acting Superintendent John R. Gupman requesting that the park Phase or Reschedule the Chisos Basin Construction Project to Protect Visitor Access. You can read her letter below. Contact your elected representatives and write a letter or email to Mr. Gupman while there is still time in the coming weeks.
July 25, 2025
Mr. John R. Gupman
Acting Superintendent
Big Bend National Park
Email: John_R_Gupman@nps.gov
RE: Request to Phase or Reschedule Chisos Basin Construction to Protect Visitor Access
Dear Mr. Gupman,
I am writing to respectfully urge you, the National Park Service, and the Department of the Interior to reconsider the current timeline and approach to construction planned in the Chisos Basin at Big Bend National Park. Specifically, I encourage the Park Service to phase construction or schedule it during off-peak months to minimize disruptions for visitors and ensure continued public access to this iconic area.
The Chisos Basin is not only a jewel of Big Bend—it is one of the most beloved and recognizable features in all of Texas. Natural tourism is one of the most vital economic drivers in West Texas. Parks like Big Bend don’t just offer scenic beauty—they bring jobs, support small businesses, and strengthen local economies across rural communities. Visitors from around the country and the world go to experience the solitude, grandeur, and natural wonder that only this region can provide. Plans that limit access to a cornerstone area of the park—especially during peak season—risks harming both the economic health and the reputation of the region. Careful and collaborative planning can ensure that necessary infrastructure improvements proceed without undermining the park’s accessibility or endangering its natural charm.
Preserving access to the Chisos Mountains is not only a matter of visitor enjoyment—it is also a matter of safety and sustainability. Extended closures may force visitors onto less shaded, more hazardous trails during the hottest months, increasing the risk of heat-related incidents and potential wildlife encounters, including with mountain lions. These are avoidable risks if better alternatives are considered.
Thank you for your attention and service to one of the greatest natural treasures in the United States.
Sincerely,
Alejandra Chávez
Mayor Pro Tempore
El Paso City Council Representative, District 1