Two years ago, my husband and I fell in love with Big Bend National Park and the unique charm of its surrounding communities, so much so that we bought property here. This astounding landscape has given us so much joy, and now it faces a significant threat. The proposed border wall would not only disrupt this beautiful region, but it would dismantle the very foundation of our local economy.

Here in Big Bend, nature has crafted a formidable barrier with the Rio Grande. Its steep canyons and rugged mountains create a natural wall far more effective than any man-made structure could be. The landscape itself, like Santa Elena Canyon, acts as a natural protector, rendering the proposed wall unnecessary. Instead of safeguarding, this wall would permanently alter an ecosystem that's largely remained untouched and vibrant for generations.

The implications go beyond environmental disruption; they also hurt our local economy. Terlingua thrives on tourism. Our river guides, tour operators, restaurants, hotels, and local businesses rely heavily on the visitors drawn to the stunning river access points and historic destinations like Santa Elena Canyon and the Hot Springs. If accessibility to these areas vanishes, so do the jobs and livelihoods of many who call this place home.

This isn't just opposition to a wall; it's a stand for protecting a vibrant community and an extraordinary national park that draws people from around the globe. The locals here aren't worried about migrant crossings due to our harsh desert conditions; the real concern is losing our economic lifeblood. With the wall disrupting access, the collective future of Terlingua and its residents hangs in the balance.

Help us preserve the Big Bend area as a thriving, beautiful, and accessible destination. It's time to prioritize the survival of our community and protect the natural beauty that forms the identity of this region. Join us by signing this petition to stop the proposed border wall and save Terlingua's and Big Bend's tourism economy.