Sponsors (10)
The bill increases protected acreage and transparency for Big Bend National Park while prohibiting eminent domain—strengthening conservation and public access but relying on voluntary land transfers that may slow acquisition and limit private land uses near the park.
Residents and visitors (including rural communities and local governments) will gain expanded protected public lands—up to about 6,100 acres may be added to Big Bend National Park—improving recreation opportunities and conservation.
The public and local governments gain greater transparency because the bill requires the official park boundary map to be filed and made available for public inspection.
Private landowners near the park, particularly in rural communities, could face new restrictions or loss of private-use options if their donated or exchanged parcels become federal parkland.
State and local governments may experience slower or incomplete park boundary additions because the bill prohibits eminent domain and relies solely on willing donations or exchanges.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Allows the Interior Secretary to add roughly 6,100 acres to Big Bend National Park by donation or exchange and updates the park boundary while prohibiting condemnation.
Allows the Secretary of the Interior to add roughly 6,100 acres to Big Bend National Park by acquiring land or interests in land through donation or exchange and then revising the park boundary to include those tracts. The Secretary must file and make available an official map showing the proposed additions, and the Secretary may not use eminent domain or condemnation to acquire the land. Acquired lands become part of the park and are administered under existing law and Park Service regulations. The measure does not appropriate funds and limits acquisition methods to voluntary transfers (donation or exchange).
Introduced March 25, 2025 by Tony Gonzales · Last progress March 25, 2025