HR 2323: Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act

Overview

Bill Number: HR 2323

Title: Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act
Status: Introduced in House
Introduced: March 25, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act aims to expand the boundaries of Big Bend National Park in Texas to include additional ecologically significant lands. The bill's sponsors argue that this expansion is necessary to protect the park's unique desert and mountain ecosystems, as well as its rich cultural and historical resources.

Key Provisions

• Adds approximately 70,000 acres of federal land to the existing Big Bend National Park boundaries
• Transfers management of the newly included lands from the Bureau of Land Management to the National Park Service
• Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire private or state-owned lands within the new park boundaries through purchase, donation, or exchange
• Requires the National Park Service to update the park's general management plan to account for the expanded boundaries and new land management responsibilities

Affected Parties and Impacts

• Big Bend National Park would see a significant expansion of its protected lands, enhancing its ability to conserve sensitive ecosystems and cultural sites.
• Private landowners within the new park boundaries may be impacted if their lands are acquired, though the bill provides for compensation.
• The Bureau of Land Management would transfer management responsibilities for the newly included federal lands to the National Park Service.
• Local communities and businesses near the park may experience increased tourism and economic activity due to the park's expansion.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

The Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on March 25, 2025. It has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources, which will likely hold hearings and mark-up sessions before potentially sending the bill to the full House for consideration. If passed by the House, the bill would then move to the Senate for further review and potential amendments before a final vote. If enacted, the National Park Service would begin the process of incorporating the new lands into the park's management and operations.