News Release

Hike Bike Trail Environmental Assessment

View to the north from the southern terminus of the proposed trail.

NPS

News Release Date: July 17, 2019

Contact: Mark Spier, 956-541-2785 ext 222

Contact: Rolando Garza, 956-541-2785 ext 331

The National Park Service (NPS) has released an Environmental Assessment (EA) for public comment for the proposed construction of a multi-use trail for recreational users (e.g., hikers, runners and cyclists) along the western boundary of Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park. The trail would be constructed in partnership with the City of Brownsville and will connect to the City’s existing Historic Battlefield Trail system to the south and provide a link to future City-funded trails to the north and east of the park.

Palo Alto Battlefield NHP is considering a multi-use trail along the western boundary of the park to connect the community to the park and local history. The trail would offer an alternative means of transportation to the park while promoting a healthy lifestyle through hiking, running and cycling opportunities, and would increase awareness of the cultural and natural values of the park and the broader concepts and offerings of the National Park Service. The trail would become part of Brownsville’s existing Historic Battlefield Trail system that connects the park to area attractions such as the Resaca de la Palma Battlefield Unit of the park and the Mitte Cultural District near downtown Brownsville. The trail would provide a link for future expansion of the trail system toward the City of Los Fresnos to the north and the Bahia Grande to the east.

Additionally, the trail is needed to provide the public with safe, non-motorized travel along Paredes Line Road (FM 1847), a State of Texas highway that connects the cities of Brownsville and Los Fresnos. Currently, non-motorized users are forced to use highway shoulders (approximately 10 feet wide) thereby posing considerable risks to public safety. The proposed trail would provide hikers, runners and cyclists with an alternative route that would increase travel safety.

Public Comment

Park staff encourages public participation throughout the planning process. The EA will be on public review, with comments accepted through August 16. The document is available electronically for review and comment online by visiting the Planning, Environment & Public Comment website.

Comments also may be mailed to the address below:

Superintendent
Palo Atlo Battlefield NHP
600 E. Harrison St.
Rm 1006
Brownsville, TX  78520

Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. Although you can ask in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee we will be able to do so.

If you have any questions about the project or would like more information about Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park please call the park’s Information Office at [phone].