Endangered Spaces: Big Bend, TX

Endangered Spaces: Big Bend, TX

From The Dirtbag Diaries by Duct Tape Then Beer

June 12, 2026 · 1h 7m

About this episode

The episode discusses the impact of the Trump administration's border wall plans on Big Bend, TX, and the local community's efforts to protect their environment.

When local river guide-turned small-town investigative reporter Sam Karas discovers that the Trump administration has been quietly waiving environmental regulations to expedite the building of a new border wall, she knows that they'll be coming for the Big Bend soon. This remote corner of West Texas is widely beloved for its rugged beauty, dark skies, and unique wildlife, and now, locals are coming together across party lines to protect the way of life they know and love along the Rio Grande. Thin Green Line Chandra Brown, river guide and writing coach, led a 5 day retreat canoeing the Rio Grande. On their final night, Mother Nature erupted. Support comes from Kuat Racks Oboz Darn Tough Free shipping on any order with code DIRTBAG Ka’Chava Go to https://kachava.com and use code DIARIES for 15% off your next order. Diaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries- thank you! You can join today.

People in this episode

Guest: Sam Karas

Topics covered

  • environmental regulations
  • border wall
  • local activism
  • river guiding
  • wildlife conservation
  • Texas

Keywords

  • Big Bend
  • border wall
  • environment
  • activism
  • Rio Grande
  • Sam Karas
  • Chandra Brown
  • Texas
  • wildlife
  • regulations

Sponsors

Kuat Racks, Oboz, Darn Tough, Ka’Chava

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Trump administration

Places: Big Bend, TX, Rio Grande

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