News Release

Big Bend National Park Invites Comments on Wilderness and Backcountry Management

Date: May 1, 2018
Contact: Nadine Youssef-Hatch, 432-477-1151

Big Bend National Park is seeking input to update the 1995 Backcountry Management Plan.  This document directs park management on wilderness and backcountry use topics, including backpacking, primitive car camping, backcountry use limits, and other considerations.  
 
This plan requires periodic updating to make sure it fits the current needs of the park, which has seen rapidly increasing visitor use and changing use patterns in recent years.  Please note that front country spaces, such as developed campgrounds, visitor centers, and paved roads are not included in Backcountry Management Plans. 
 
The plan is being prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act.  The 1995 Plan and associated documents are available for review and download at the National Park Service Planning, Environment and Public Comment web site, http://parkplanning.nps.gov/bibe. The NPS prefers comments be submitted in writing on the same site.  However, comments may be submitted by email to: [e-mail]; by mail to: Superintendent, PO Box 129, Big Bend National Park, TX  79834, or in writing at public meetings.  Comments will be accepted during a 45-day public scoping period, between May 5 and June 18, 2018. 
 
Public meetings will be held at the Brewster County Multi-Purpose Facility in Study Butte on May 8, and at the Sul Ross State University Morgan Conference Center in Alpine on May 9.  During these meetings, members of the public and stakeholders can learn more about the plan, ask questions of park staff, and make written suggestions and comments.  Both meetings will begin at 6 pm and last one hour. 
 
The park encourages individuals, partners, and organizations to add their perspective and input to assist park management with their planning decisions.