No Big Bend Wall
Mid-July Update

"You go south from Fort Davis until you come to the place where the rainbows wait for rain, and the big river is kept in a stone box, and the water flows uphill. And the mountains float in the air, except at night, when they run off to play with other mountains."
-Whimsical directions to the Big Bend from an unknown 19th Century Mexican Vaquero

Good News

Big Bend's first-ever BioBlitz was a HUGE success. Over July 4th weekend, volunteers across the region logged 1,000 observations and documented 290 species –living proof of what's at stake! More BioBlitz events are coming, and you can sign up to join the next one.

The movement showed up everywhere this month. Wings Against the Wall in Presidio, Texas; the July 4th parade in Alpine, Texas; a peaceful demonstration in Marathon, Texas; a community town hall in Comstock, Texas; and an inspiration session with legendary activist Julia Butterfly Hill. Gubernatorial candidate James Talarico held events in Marfa, Texas and Sanderson, Texas and announced his border security plan right here in far West Texas –a sign that Big Bend is on the map in this conversation.

Landowners are organizing and it's working. The Landowner Coalition is growing fast: two landowner meetings last week drew 40 participants each, and more join every day. There is real strength in numbers here. If you own land in the potential construction corridor from Fort Quitman to Lake Amistad, connecting with the landowner coalition is the single most important thing you can do right now. Email [email protected] to get started or ask questions.

The Lookout

We monitor every county commissioners court, city council, and groundwater district meeting in the region. Here's what you should know:

• An illegal well was discovered in Presidio County that appeared to be supplying border wall construction. It was reported to the Presidio County Underground Water District Board, which is taking action this week to cap the well and issue a fine. Accountability works —when we're watching.
• A disappointing outcome in Presidio, Texas: On July 13, Fernando Juarez was re-appointed to the Presidio County Underground Water District board despite leasing land to a wall construction contractor. No other letters of interest were submitted for the seat. Lesson learned: these appointments matter, and empty seats get filled by default. If you live in the region and have ever considered serving on a local board, now is the time.
• Wednesday, July 22: Presidio County Commissioners Court has called a special meeting. No agenda posted yet, but we're watching.

Our policy team also continues to meet with state and federal offices on both sides of the aisle, including a round of meetings in Austin, Texas this week.

Action Items:

1. Landowners: Join the coalition. If you own land in the region, our team will connect with you personally, answer your questions, and make sure you know your rights and options. Email [email protected] to get started.

2. Report contractor activity. If you witness trespassing or other illegal contractor activity, call our intel line: 432-294-6011. (This is for information collection only — it is NOT an emergency number.) If a contractor contacts you directly, write down the name, company, date, time, and what was said.

3. Come write letters this Thursday. Letter Writing Party — Thursday at 6 PM, The Ritchey, Alpine, Texas, with Craig Campbell. Bring a friend; we'll bring the talking points.

4. Sign and share the petition. We're at 154,000+ signatures and climbing. Every signature strengthens the case when we speak to decision-makers. Sign here!  

5. Business owners: Add your name. If your business depends on tourism (lodging, food, outfitting, retail, etc.) A business sign-on letter is coming soon. Join the NBBW Business Network by contacting Sara at [email protected].

6. Hunters and outfitters: We want you. We're building a West Texas Hunting Collective to bring the hunting community's voice to decision-makers. Sign up here or contact Molly at [email protected] to help lead.

7. Take a stand for Texas Public Land: Sign our Letter to TPWD Commissioners and ask them to help protect Big Bend!

8. Spread the word. Crystal Allbright has 2,000 rack cards (brochure size) ready to distribute. Email [email protected] to grab a stack for your shop, lobby, or community board. Yard signs, flyers, and printables are always available at https://nobigbendwall.org/get-the-word-out/

Far From Big Bend? You're Closer Than You Think.

Many of you are reading this from Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and beyond and honestly, that's exactly where we need voices right now. Big Bend belongs to everyone. Here's how to fight for it from wherever you are:

Call and write your representatives. Whether your reps sit in Austin, Texas or Washington, they need to hear that Texans everywhere oppose a wall through Big Bend. Not sure who represents you? Look them up in seconds at wrm.capitol.texas.gov . It covers your U.S. Congress members and your Texas Legislature members in one search. A two-minute phone call from a constituent carries real weight and a handwritten letter carries even more.

Sign and share the petition. 153,900+ signatures and counting. Add yours, then send it to five friends!

Throw a letter and postcard writing party. Gather friends, pick up pens, and write to decision-makers. We'll happily share talking points and templates. Just ask: [email protected].

Host a screening of The River and the Wall. The award-winning documentary is the single best way to show your community what's at stake along the Rio Grande. To request a screening for your theater, campus, church, or living room, email [email protected] — and if you're in Houston, Texas, join us October 10 at the River Oaks Theatre for a screening with speakers.

Show up when we come to you: The art exhibit at Foltz Fine Art Gallery in Houston, Texas (September), and the River Oaks screening (October) are all chances to stand with us without making the drive west. Watch the event calendar and if you'd like to help organize in your city, we'd love to hear from you.

Mark Your Calendar

• July 22–26 — Viva Big Bend Music Festival (65+ shows across Alpine, Marfa, Marathon, Terlingua, Presidio & Fort Davis, Texas) — look for NBBW at the festival!
• Aug 19–20 — TPWD Public Meeting, Austin, Texas
• September — Art exhibit in support of Big Bend, Foltz Fine Art Gallery, Houston, Texas
• Oct 10 — The River and the Wall screening + speakers, River Oaks Theatre, Houston, Texas

Full calendar: https://nobigbendwall.org/event-calendar/ Hosting something? Submit it: https://nobigbendwall.org/submit-event/

Housekeeping

⚠️ Heads up: Currently, nobigbendwall.com (note the .com) and the @nobigbendwall account on X are NOT affiliated with us. Our official website is nobigbendwall.org, and our official social channels are linked there.

Who we are: No Big Bend Wall is the flagship campaign of Conserve Big Bend, a newly formed Texas nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status pending. In the meantime, tax-deductible donations can be made through our fiscal sponsor, the El Paso Community Foundation: https://epcf.org/nobigbendwall. Donor questions? Contact our Treasurer, Hillary Pierce, at [email protected].

Mailing address: P.O. Box 404, Marfa, Texas

Thank you for standing up for the place we call home.  

— The No Big Bend Wall Team