Saturday Aug 15 Visit photos - the bad
The amount of work in the Western part of the park along the river is disgusting. Road / future barrier? cut from the parking lot at Santa Elena, through the river pull out, cottonwood canyon. I was in the river pull out taking photos with my large SLR walking around and two workers came up. I asked them where they were from, why they came here from out of state to destroy the park I love. Told them the work they were doing was shameful. I tried to engage ask questions on what they might disclose. Wanted to know if this river access would remain. Joked - pointing up to the wall of Santa Elena across the river - Hey that's Mexico, I guess a vehicle barrier is really necessary after people drive down that cliff and cross the river. They were not amused, nor as I find out very nice.
Most of these trucks have Starlink terminals in them. What I would find out later that they called in to the police to say I threatened them. I did not. But I did engage with them as they had come in working, measuring around the ramp. I was never angry, never within 10 feet of them. Yes, I told them their work was shameful, but heck, it is.
Off to Cottonwood creek campground. Lots of trucks, got in took photos of the work. As I was leaving two trucks had the road blocked. they quickly moved, guy asks me if I need water. Nope, got plenty thanks. Told them the work they are doing is shameful. I asked if they knew what was being built, if the river access would remain. They said, talk to CBP. I said, they won't talk to the public or local officials. They said, we just do what they ask and shrugged. I Joked about talking to them was getting them more hourly pay.
Off I went to the river road, and see post about the good today.
On exit of The river around 2:50 pm or so, I was driving home. finally got to the point you can text. Had Siri conversations with a few folks about what I had seen to check in. noticed a police on my tail for a while. Finally pulled me over. License, Registration, Insurance. They pulled me over said I did 51 back a while back, but was driving fine after. If you know the park, staying at 45 up and down the hills is almost impossible so there will be ample reasons to pull you over. Then said I had made threats to the workers, wanted my side of the story. I told them similar to above. Told them I was here documenting, and hiking / visiting. Explained I had taken care to park in normal places, not to block anyone, not to enter construction, to take photos, report - because I live near by and was seeing lots of rumors. Told them I never made threats, but I did ask tough questions and say the work they were doing was shameful. I was let go. The officer was nice, outside of the general threat to my liberty and obviously frustrated by all the action. We talked about the great weather and I told him about my hike.
But a warning to all. There weren't many people in the park, tons of construction crews, equipment and lots of police. Have all your required documentation. They will likely arrest you if you enter sites or do anything they can charge you for. Be prepared on encounters with workers, others. I didn't film, wish I had, because I was falsely accused today. Be prepared and take precautions if you are out documenting.
I do worry they will start closing sections of the park to stop any documentation / reporting of this horrible act.
This is a horrible week for the park. I've seen video on the east of the park which is horrible as well. Posted in a comment last night to share. The overall damage to the park is sickening. These scars will last our lifetime and I worry we will lose access to large parts of the park near the border.
Texas leadership has failed us. I have written 12 or more letters to our Senators, Governor. They have allowed this. My Congressman resigned in disgrace and we have no representation. I have given public comments, been fighting. I am sick, angry and will keep trying to influence to stop this destruction of the park.