BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK – Big Bend National Park could soon become a lot bigger. A proposal has been introduced to Congress that would add 6,100 acres of land to the Texas park.
The bill would let the National Park Service acquire land adjacent to the park’s western boundary through donation or exchange, but not through eminent domain or condemnation. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), U.S. Sen. Ray Lujan (D-NM) and U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) introduced the “Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act.”
“I’m proud to introduce this legislation, which would help Texans and all Americans enjoy our national parks,” said U.S. Sen. Cornyn.
Supporters say adding the acreage would not be a major new burden for the NPS staff at Big Bend, despite the current political climate.
At 800,000 acres, Big Bend is the 14th largest national park in the country.
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