‘Like A Hole In Our Head’ – Arrington Opposes WTX Federal Land Expansion

​In a recent House Natural Resources Committee hearing, Representative Jodey Arrington of Texas's 19th District voiced strong opposition to the proposed expansion of the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) plans to increase the refuge's acquisition boundary from its current 6,440 acres to encompass up to 7 million acres, with the goal of protecting an additional 700,000 acres of wildlife habitat in the Southern High Plains region along the Texas-New Mexico border.

What is H.R. 839?

Arrington introduced H.R. 839, a bill aimed at prohibiting the implementation of this Land Protection Plan. During the hearing, he remarked:

"The federal government needs more public land like I need another hole in my head." ​

The USFWS asserts that the expansion would involve working with willing sellers to acquire land or conservation easements, emphasizing that participation would be entirely voluntary. According to their plan:

"All property acquisition by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would be on a voluntary basis (willing buyer/willing seller only)." ​

Concerns from Landowners

Despite these assurances, concerns have been raised by local stakeholders. The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) expressed apprehension about the scale of the proposed expansion and its potential impact on landowners. TSCRA President Carl Ray Polk Jr. stated:

"We remain concerned about the necessity and scope of the Muleshoe Refuge Plan, particularly the substantial acreage proposed for the acquisition." ​

Environmental organizations have also entered the debate. Defenders of Wildlife criticized H.R. 839, arguing that it would hinder conservation efforts in the region. They emphasized that the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge plays a crucial role in providing habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife species.

Misuse of Tax Dollars?

In an op-ed for the Dallas Morning News, Arrington articulated his opposition, citing fiscal concerns and questioning the necessity of the expansion. He wrote

"I am convinced this federal expansion is an egregious misuse of tax dollars." ​

The USFWS maintains that the expansion aligns with broader conservation objectives and would enhance the protection of vital habitats. They note that the plan

"does not impose any regulatory requirements or mandates on the private landowners in the conservation area." ​

As discussions continue, the proposed expansion of the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge remains a contentious issue, reflecting the complex balance between conservation goals and property rights in West Texas.