Former Big Bend superintendent reacts as bulldozers begin clearing land at national park

A javelina looks over an area where bulldozers have begun clearing land at Bend National Park. Photo by Natalie Newman

One of my longtime journalism sources, former Big Bend Superintendent Bob Krumenaker, sent out more information about what’s happening at Big Bend National Park.

Contractors broke ground on Wednesday, but Customs and Border Protection still won’t say exactly what they’re doing, instead claiming they are “in the initial stages of planning and design.”

Krumenaker, now chairman of Keep Big Bend Wild, says bulldozers are clearing a right of way for a new road, likely a “patrol road.” The road is adjacent to the existing paved road from the Santa Elena boat ramp, heading east.

Bulldozers began clearing land near Santa Elena Canyon at Bend National Park this week. Photo by Natalie Newman

“The road is heading in the direction of the popular Cottonwood Campground and the Castolon Historic District,” the press release says. “The consequences for Cottonwood Campground are unknown, but likely devastating.”

He also points out that the route is in the Rio Grande floodplain, and subject to damaging flooding. It also goes through designated critical habitat for the Yellow-billed Cuckoo. (The Secretary of Homeland Security has waived the Endangered Species Act for the project.) And no word on the impacts to the Castolon Historic District.

Crews are clearing land near Santa Elena Canyon at Bend National Park this week. Photo by Natalie Newman