A Republican from Texas has introduced legislation to Congress that aims to facilitate the expansion of Big Bend National Park/Rebecca Latson file

Big Bend National Park could grow by 6,100 acres under legislation introduced to Congress by U.S. Rep. Will Hurd of Texas.

Hurd, a Texas Republican, introduced a bill on Thursday that would allow for the park's boundary to be readjusted if the National Park Service could obtain land from willing sellers via sale or donation.

“Big Bend National Park is an iconic piece of America that shows our country’s beauty, history and incredible environmental value. With H.R. 8093, the National Park Service would be allowed to expand this awe-inspiring park an additional 6,100 acres," said the congressman. "Not only would this provide protection for this land, but it would also give Americans even more area to respect and appreciate.

"This boundary change would protect the very rare and unique Terlingua Watershed, some of the most important fossil bearing rocks in Big Bend, and ruins of pioneer homesteads of both Anglos and Hispanics," said Hurd, who serves as co-chair for the Congressional Caucus on National Parks.

H.R. 8093 would allow a willing landowner to see their land incorporated into Big Bend National Park, and simultaneously allow the National Park Service to acquire additional land for Big Bend. Private landowner rights would not be affected by inclusion into the park’s boundary. Landowners who choose to incorporate their land would be able to partner with the Park Service on cooperative conservation partnerships. 

More than half of the acreage being eyed under the legislation is in one property, the 3,500-acre Fulcher Ranch that's just west of the park and south of Terlingua. The property has significant fossil beds, important habitat associated with Terlingua Creek, and cultural aspects and historic ruins that would be an attractive addition to the park. Its owners have indicated an interest in seeing the land added to the park.

According to park staff, there remain 22 private properties within Big Bend's borders, ranging in size from 1 acre to nearly 24,000 acres.

The Big Bend Conservancy has been working to raise money for additional land acquisitions.