by John Jefferson
As the 500th Woods, Waters, and Wildlife column approaches, I reflect on having kept politics out of the column except when politics adversely affects the environment.
Politics sometimes spoils the beauty of the wilderness and the creatures that call it home. That defeats this column’s purpose through ignorance.
Readers possibly consider the column a journalistic escape from the disturbing news of the day.
THE RIO GRANDE MAKES AN UNPRECEDENTED northeast bend in its journey to the sea through the unforgiving, rocky canyons of the Chihuahuan Desert, giving the region its name. The terrain makes the area a least- popular illegal immigration crossing site according to Border Patrol statistics, yet brush clearing has already begun along the riverbank as part of “the Wall” construction. Thousands oppose destruction of the river view. (Photo by John Jefferson)
What is happening in the Big Bend as I write this is disturbing to multitudes on both sides of most political issues. Ironically, this one issue may be the only one that unites a divided nation since it threatens an iconic and irreplaceable Natural feature.
Since about age 8, I have been awed by the unimaginable beauty of a scene 900 miles away depicted on a calendar hanging in our pantry. Where I lived, there were no mountains or canyons with a river flowing through it. A big war was raging, and the calendar scene was even farther away than mere miles could measure.
I had to wait 20 years to see Santa Elena Canyon. But my first view of it was an almost spiritual experience. It and several other canyons on the Rio Grande in the Big Bend area are unlike any other Natural features in Texas. Folks come from every state to view and/or float through them. Texans treasure them.
In the ‘70s, I was fortunately chosen as an escort for canoe-inexperienced dignitaries floating the Rio Grande on a three-day and night trip through the lower canyons in support of designating the Rio Grande there as a “Wild and Scenic River”. The 26- canoe flotilla was successful — the river and its canyons were protected. Now, another threat has arisen.
Construction (or destruction) of new roadways along the river in the Big Bend has already begun by a New Mexico company as part of the Wall. In addition to the likelihood of erosion after vegetation is removed from streambanks, another road in Big Bend smacks of “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” It appears to be a fable, unnecessary, ugly — and in this case – absurdly expensive.
That area has had an almost insignificant number of illegal immigrants crossing there compared to other parts of Rio Grande. The surrounding terrain is beyond rugged and is discouraging to foot traffic. But 7.5 billion dollar$ of taxpayer money has been allocated for wall construction in the Big Bend, according to the August 15 Austin American. Statesman. That’s money better spent where it’ll do some good.
Local county Sheriffs opposed the Big Bend Wall plan there. Thousands were reported protesting it at the Capitol, where Congressman Lloyd Doggett profanely said, “Leave it alone,” and 150 braved the distance and August heat to protest at Santa Elena Canyon. Opponents AND supporters of the wall Elsewhere along the river stood together against desecrating the Big Bend.
To join in this endeavor, you can contact Senators Cruz and Cornyn and your Congressman at once to protect Big Bend!
Afterall — “This Land Is Your Land!”
JJ
