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Natural heritage
History shows us what happens when governments and powerful interests reshape a landscape without regard for the people who depend on it. In the 19th century, the eradication of the buffalo and the fencing of the plains shattered the ecological foundation of Native American nations. When the land was carved up, their culture was carved up with it. Destroy the resources, and you destroy the people who rely on them.
Today, the Rio Grande Valley faces a similar assault on its natural heritage. Our region’s most precious resources — its wildlife corridors, wetlands, coastal habitats and riverfront — are being damaged on two fronts. SpaceX’s operations at Boca Chica have repeatedly scorched dunes, disrupted nesting grounds and closed off public beaches that families have used for generations. At the same time, the border wall pushed by Donald Trump and Governor Greg Abbott threatens again to cut off Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, La Lomita Chapel, the National Butterfly Center, and Bentsen State Park behind a militarized barrier.
The Valley’s natural resources are not expendable. They are the ecological and cultural backbone of this region. When we allow them to be walled off, blasted apart or handed over to private industry, we repeat the same mistakes that once devastated indigenous peoples. The Rio Grande Valley deserves protection — not sacrifice.
When a government walls off its own citizens from their chapels, parks and wildlife sanctuaries, it crosses a line far more dangerous than the Rio Grande. This isn’t border security — it’s the quiet erasure of a region’s identity.
The Rio Grande Valley deserves stewardship, not sacrifice. Vote wisely — because your vote makes a difference!
Diane Teter
Edinburg
We welcome your letters and commentary. Submissions must include the writer’s full name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters of 200 words or fewer will be given preference. Submissions may be edited for length, grammar and clarity. Letters may be mailed to P.O Box 3267, McAllen, Texas 78502-3267, or emailed to [email protected].