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Updated: Oct 29
The Friends of the Wildlife Corridor would like to thank the sponsors of the 2025 Run for the Refuge Event. The event supports conservation efforts at the Santa Ana and Lower Rio Grande National Wildlife Refuges. The event will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has released a request for public input regarding proposed border wall construction in Hidalgo and Starr Counties, Texas. The project includes approximately 4.7 miles of new wall segments within the Rio Grande Valley Sector, some of which intersect with federally protected refuge lands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
Community members, conservationists, and stakeholders are encouraged to review the official CBP environmental assessment and comment form, which includes an interactive ArcGIS map detailing proposed wall locations. Comments are being accepted through September 26, 2025, and may be submitted via email, phone, or mail.
Several refuge tracts appear to be directly impacted by the proposed construction:
Las Ruinas and Arroyo Ramirez Tracts: These areas were previously walled in 2019. The current map shows small wall segments likely intended to connect earlier construction with newer adjacent sections. At Arroyo Ramirez, a recently built wall on neighboring property suggests a continuation that would complete the barrier across this corridor.
Arroyo Morteros Tract: Located upriver from Salineño, this unwalled refuge is marked for a new wall segment that cuts directly across the arroyo. The terrain here includes high, erosion-prone banks that would require significant excavation and grading. Past discussions reportedly considered routing the wall along the northern boundary of the refuge to avoid these sensitive features, but the current map does not reflect that alternative.
Floodplain Near Rio Grande City: Additional wall segments are planned in low-lying areas adjacent to neighborhoods and an elementary school. These sections were originally designed in 2012 to redirect floodwaters into the U.S. rather than deflecting them into Mexico. However, the new extensions were not part of the original flood modeling, raising questions about how water will flow through or around these barriers. In one instance, a refuge tract next to a residential area may prevent drainage to the Rio Grande, potentially increasing flood risk for nearby homes.
The Lower Rio Grande Valley is home to some of the most biologically diverse habitat in North America. Refuge tracts like Arroyo Morteros and Las Ruinas serve as critical corridors for wildlife movement, native plant restoration, and community-based conservation efforts. Construction in these areas may fragment habitat, alter hydrology, and impact long-term ecological resilience.
Friends of the Wildlife Corridor encourages all interested parties to engage with the public input process. Thoughtful, fact-based comments can help inform planning decisions and ensure that conservation values are considered alongside infrastructure goals.
Comments can be submitted by:
Email: RGVComments@cbp.dhs.gov (Subject: “Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Wall Construction”)
Phone: (833) 412-2056
Mail:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Border Patrol Headquarters
Program Management Office Directorate
1300 Pennsylvania Ave. 6.5E Mail Stop 1039
Washington, DC 20229-1100
ATTN: Miche
lle Barnes
For more details and to view the interactive map, visit the CBP project page.
Looking for a way to give back, get involved, and have a little fun along the way? Join us as a volunteer for two of our most exciting upcoming events at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge: Adventures in Wetlands Day and Frights and Folklore at the Refuge! Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a Halloween lover, or simply someone who enjoys helping others, there's a place for you in our wild and welcoming community.
Saturday, September 13 | 9 AM – 12 PM
Celebrate Conservation Week with a morning of hands-on nature activities, guided walks, and wetland exploration. Volunteers help run activity tables, greet guests, assist with kayaking, support stations, and assist with setup and clean-up. No experience needed—just a love for the outdoors and a willingness to lend a hand!
October 26 | 5 PM – 8 PM.
This spooky, family-friendly Halloween event brings South Texas legends to life with haunted tram rides, folklore, and nature-themed crafts, and two immersive haunted hallways. Volunteers can dress up as ghosts and ghouls, help with activity or trick-or-treat stations, guide guests, or assist with logistics. Costumes encouraged.
Whether you're helping kids explore pond life or guiding families through a haunted trail, your time and energy make these events unforgettable. Plus, you'll be supporting the mission of Friends of the Wildlife Corridor—connecting people to nature, culture, and conservation.
Ready to step into the wild? Register using the above links or contact Marisa at president@friendsofthewildlifecorridor.org to learn more.