At Big Bend National Park, bulldozers begin clearing pristine desert land for border barrier work

Within the last week, heavy machinery moved into ecologically sensitive areas, clearing parts of the park's pristine desert landscape near the foot of Santa Elena Canyon, a deeply iconic and often-photographed stretch of Big Bend. The construction has already cleared desert shrubs, with bright pink ribbons now marking a path where willow and mesquite trees once grew near the Rio Grande's 1,500-foot limestone cliffs. Joan Stutts Escamilla, 70, described this area as a "god-given gift" for its unique beauty.

A coalition of landowners, outdoor enthusiasts, and business owners argues this border barrier work will cause irreversible change to Big Bend. They contend any construction will forever alter the park's natural state, affecting its unique environment. This place, widely known as "Texas' gift to the nation," is now visibly impacted by the $1.7 billion construction plans.

To think this natural wonder could be permanently reshaped by a week of work truly makes you wonder about the long-term cost.