WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Cornyn and U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales have introduced legislation aimed at expanding Big Bend National Park by approximately 6,100 acres.
The proposal seeks to include land along the park’s western boundary, with support from U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján.
The expansion, designed to preserve vital habitats, geological formations, and historical sites, comes in response to an increase in park visitation.
Big Bend National Park, the largest national park in Texas, has seen a rise in visitors from 314,000 in 2014 to 561,000 in 2024. The expansion aims to accommodate this growth while protecting the park’s natural and cultural integrity.
The bill proposes that the National Park Service acquire the additional land through donation or land exchange, without using eminent domain.
The lawmakers hope the expansion will enhance recreational opportunities for visitors while safeguarding the park’s ecological and historical features.
Senator Cornyn emphasized the importance of protecting natural treasures like Big Bend for future generations, noting that the expansion will improve the visitor experience.
Representative Gonzales echoed this, highlighting the legislation’s role in ensuring the park’s legacy and promoting environmental stewardship.