Big Bend Locals Worry New Border Wall Will Hurt Tourism, Environment

Alpine, Texas city council unanimously approves resolution urging federal government to carefully evaluate economic and environmental consequences of proposed 100-mile steel border wall.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Residents of the picturesque and wildlife-rich Big Bend region of Texas are concerned about federal plans to install 100 miles of steel border wall in the area. The Alpine, Texas city council unanimously approved a resolution urging the federal government to carefully evaluate the potential economic and environmental impacts of the proposed barrier, suggesting increased use of technology-based security measures as an alternative.

Why it matters

The Big Bend region is a major tourist draw, with over 560,000 people visiting Big Bend National Park in 2024 and contributing $57 million to the local economy. Locals are worried the border wall could devastate the area's tourism industry and natural environment, which includes visually stunning landscapes and wildlife.

The details

The Alpine city council resolution states the council 'supports the exploration of border security measures that are effective while minimizing adverse impacts' to the environment, tourism, and cultural resources of the Big Bend region. Council members said they have received calls from concerned residents and expressed support for a 'virtual wall' using technology like surveillance cameras and sensors, rather than a physical barrier.

  • In 2024, over 560,000 people visited Big Bend National Park, contributing $57 million to the local economy.
  • This week, the Alpine, Texas city council unanimously approved a resolution urging the federal government to carefully evaluate the proposed border wall.

The players

Alpine, Texas City Council

The city council of Alpine, Texas, which unanimously approved a resolution urging the federal government to carefully evaluate the economic and environmental consequences of the proposed 100-mile border wall in the Big Bend region.

Raymon Skiles

An Alpine, Texas resident and wildlife biologist who spoke at the city council meeting, stating 'We all support border security, but history proves the goal can be accomplished without a massive destruction of our area's economy, recreational base and environment.'

Eva Martinez

An Alpine city council member who said she supports a 'virtual wall' using technology, but not a physical border wall.

Catherine Eaves

The mayor of Alpine, Texas, who the resolution authorizes to relay the council's concerns to federal and state agencies.

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What they’re saying

“We all support border security, but history proves the goal can be accomplished without a massive destruction of our area's economy, recreational base and environment.”

— Raymon Skiles, Wildlife Biologist

“We are on their side. We don't need a physical wall.”

— Eva Martinez, Alpine City Council Member

What’s next

Federal officials have stated the intent is not to place a barrier all along the bend of the Rio Grande in the Big Bend region, and that detailed planning is still in the early stages. The Alpine mayor is authorized to relay the city council's concerns to the federal government.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tensions between border security priorities and the preservation of the environment, tourism, and cultural resources in the picturesque Big Bend region of Texas. Local leaders are advocating for technology-based security measures that can achieve border control goals without the significant economic and ecological damage that a physical border wall could cause.