Bipartisan Solution to Border Wall Impasse
Believe it or not, there is a remarkable solution to the entire border wall conflict. It would solve numerous problems and would be agreeable to nearly everyone. Rather than constructing a border wall, we should build a border trail. Here’s a quick bullet-list for the benefits of a Border Trail:
- It would allow President Trump to get the $6 billion that he has requested for border security.
- It would provide much needed security and surveillance options.
- It would provide numerous benefits for the environment.
- It would provide benefits for outdoor recreationalists.
- It would provide benefits that would be agreeable to both major political parties as well as Independents.
- It would be a healthy solution to a problem that is causing much unnecessary strife in America.
What is the Border Trail?
The Border Trail would provide security, surveillance, emergency access and recreational opportunities for an area that would welcome all four of these benefits. It would be a trail built along (slightly north of) the entire length of the United States and Mexico border. The trail would be built using the $6 billion that President Trump has requested. For the general public, the trail would be accessible by hikers, bicyclists and (hopefully) equestrians. For members of the border patrol, U.S. Military and emergency personnel, the trail would also be accessible by motor vehicles. Cameras, motion detectors and other surveillance devices would be installed along the length of the trail as a means of monitoring the border. In other words, the trail would provide a combination of surveillance measures and 24/7 enhanced border access that would allow for much more security than is currently available.
Border Trail Details
At this point, you may be asking, so is it a road or a trail? The answer is yes. For the general public it is a trail. For official border security and safety, it will be used mainly as an access road. Routine patrols of the trail/border could be performed using any of the modalities mentioned above: foot, bike, electric bike, horse or ATV. However, for maintenance, special needs or emergencies, the trail/road could and would be accessed using cars, trucks or other vehicles as needed. This is not uncommon for a recreational trail to be accessed by maintenance or emergency vehicles. Many trails are utilized as vital resources for everything from fire lines and maintenance to emergency vehicle access. And, in this case, the business of border security would have precedence over recreational users. But for the vast majority of the time, the trail would be an amazing year-round recreational asset.
Recreational Use of the Border Trail
Once again, the #1 purpose for the Border Trail is national security and safety. But it has the added benefit of providing a wonderful recreational resource also. The Border Trail would be accessible, during daylight hours, for hikers, bicyclists and equestrians to utilize for both day trips and for longer thru-hikes. In fact, one of the unique side-benefits of the trail is that it could connect three of the greatest long-distance trails in the world. It would allow thru-hikers to link the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail and the Great Plains Trail. Currently, the Pacific Northwest Trail provides a northern connection between the Pacific Crest and Continental Divide Trails. Another northern trail dubbed the Sea-to-Sea Route would connect the Pacific Northwest Trail with the North Country Trail and would also provide a northern connector for the Great Plains Trail. By adding the Border Trail to these epic trail networks, thru-hikers would be provided with a mega double loop trail (sounds a bit like a carnival ride) and allow them to continuously hike all three of western America’s three greatest long-distance trails.
Border Trail Solution
This is neither a partisan nor an extreme solution. It is one that we can all support. As is often the case, both sides of this debate have valid issues. But the time for arguments and government shut-downs is over. It’s time for solutions. The Border Trail is just such a solution. Wouldn’t it be amazing if people from both ends of the spectrum (and especially those in the middle) came together and demanded a solution such as the Border Trail? We can do it. We really can. Of course there is not enough time or space for specific details about how the Border Trail could be used as a security option along our southern border. Those details require the combined efforts and voices of our border professionals, military leaders, legislators and President. But we can solve this problem. Let’s start by sharing this article with everyone you know: politicians, friends, neighbors, journalists, members of the trail communities, bicyclists, hikers, equestrians, etc. Real solutions start with real dialogue. Let the conversations begin!!
Kevin Purdy is the founder of Trailsnet.com and serves on the Board of Directors for the Great Plains Trail Alliance. He is an unaffiliated voter and a fan of bipartisan solutions. Thanks to Luke Jordan for providing information about the Pacific Northwest Trail, the Sea-to-Sea Route and the North Country Trail.
