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Cohl Ryan

@cohlryan

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Protecting wild places
Making sounds
Shooting Film
Adventure

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Saddle up Texans. End of September is coming this week which means that the destruction of our beautiful wilderness is going to start back up. Hate to say it. Hate it. This little pause in their destruction has been a slight rest for our minds and also created a false sense of security for many. We’ve kept up the fight and now it’s time to turn it all the way up. THEY are going to try and build this border infrastructure as fast as possible, and WE are going to Fight Fight Fight! Keep the fire hot. We will not back down. We will not stop. THE PEOPLE still have the power when we unify and support one another. So proud to be a part of the community in Texas that is doing it right.

Lets keep the media attention on the border!!! Keep talking about all of this! Spread the word! Share good content when you see it. Get out to Big Bend this fall and drive highway 90 to get there.

I’m putting together a magical weekend in November- will be lots of nature, music, and community. DM me for details if you want to join.

These videos were shot in Val Verde county which is the most eastern portion of the Big Bend sector of border.

STAY
WILD

Call our reps:
governorabbot (512) 463-1782
sentedcruz (512) 916-5834
johncornyn (512) 469-6034
moralesfortexas (512) 463-0566

Follow the people and share the information they provide: @nobigbendwall @savebigbend @protectbigbend_5 @ntlnwmn @bigbendsentinel @bigbendfarflung @rio_bravo_restoration @shumlaarchaeologicalcenter

#bigbendnationalpark #bigbend #riogrande by @cohlryan

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22 days ago

Texans, saddle up and load your six shooters. Big Bend is going to the supreme court. Customs and Border Patrol is obviously not happy about the injunction that has halted the destruction of our landscape and the construction of their border infrastructure. So, they are going to the supreme court to attempt to expedite the process of getting back to work.
This is the point where we have to push harder than ever. We are united, and we will succeed in retaining the freedoms that we believe American stands on.

Tell your friends.

Call your representatives:
governorabbot (512) 463-1782
sentedcruz (512) 916-5834
johncornyn (512) 469-6034
moralesfortexas (512) 463-0566

Follow the people keeping everyone up to date. These folks have been the leaders of our movement here in Texas, and we are sooo thankful for them.
@nobigbendwall @laiken_jordahl @angellexpeditions @ntlnwmn @bigbendfarflung @como_la_flor_tx @protectbigbend_5 @shumlaarchaeologicalcenter @rio_bravo_restoration @bigbendsentinel

STAY WILD

#bigbend #bigbendnationalpark #riogrande #nowall by @cohlryan

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8 days ago

I personally have not been to a part of the border that struck me in the same way this place did. There are houses just a couple hundred feet from one another, and it is easy to see that they were constructed at a time when there was not a line in the sand, and there was certainly no border infrastructure. These homes belong to families that have been friends for generations. They’ve shared meals, danced, partied and worked with one another. Despite being in two different countries, these families share more similarities with each other than they do with folks from the nearest city in their respective nations. Now, there is a double wall being constructed between them.

In response, there is a grassroots group of compassionate people holding the line on construction of a double wall in the San Rafael Valley, Arizona. For over six weeks there has been an individual living on a 4’x8’ platform at the top of Grandmother Tree- an ancient cottonwood that towers above the rolling grassy hills of the region. On the ground is a community full of positivity and support that has fueled the endurance efforts of their camp. They stay united by waking up before sunrise for morning ceremony and sharing meals together. Bravely, they have stood in front of bulldozers, forklifts and material trucks for long enough to successfully halt construction attempts.

The reality is that I do not know the facts and history of this area well enough to speak of more than the experience of my short visit. What I do know is that I am grateful for the opportunity to serve these people and learn from them. What I do know is I can’t find a good reason to build one wall, much less a second one. Godspeed and blessing to @rally.forthevalley and their journey to protect the place they love.

If it comes down to it, what are we willing to do in order to stand up for what we believe in?

#arizona #noborders #protectwildlife #peoplefirst by @cohlryan

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a month ago

Pentax SP1000-Kodak Ultramax
We’ve been believing for miracles and they are appearing everywhere.

I cannot express the amount of gratitude to all of the people who have been dedicating their lives to protecting the land we love. The Big Bend region. Truly, I am proud to call many of these folks my friends. This week, a Judge in El Paso issued a temporary injunction that stops all construction through the entire Big Bend Region- National Park and Beyond. I am speechless and so grateful to every single person who has been doing their part in this. Special thanks to @centerforbiodiv and @laiken_jordahl for their huge contribution in this. I’ll have to post more about this later in the week because I am without words right now and almost in shock from the amount of relief my heart feels.

Also, remember, the fight is not over. Please stay engaged with the people who are providing all of the up to date information as things continue to unfold. @nobigbendwall @laiken_jordahl @ntlnwmn @bigbendfarflung @como_la_flor_tx @angellexpeditions @protectbigbend_5

Photos are from Big Bend Landowners Coalition meeting/press conference. This group of people along with 200 other landowners on the Rio Grande Filed a law suit on Sept 14th to further prevent destruction in the region. It was an honor to meet many people I’ve admired from a distance.

Thanks @hollandphotoimaging for developing/scanning

UNITED WE STAND
THE POWER RESIDES WITH THE PEOPLE.

Stay Wild by @cohlryan

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15 days ago

It ain’t over people. Texas will continue to fight until all destruction has stopped. Praying that @cbpcommissioner also looks at the rest of our West Texas border. This video was shot between Langtry and Comstock on the Rio Grande which is also an area that does not benefit from additional border infrastructure.

$2.7 billion dollars has been awarded to Fisher Industries and Gravel in this region. I’ll summarize the phone conversation with the landowner liaison for the construction company: A 100 foot wide easement will be cleared through private property for the construction of a 45’ wide asphalt patrol road and vehicle barrier system. The road will of course parallel the existing patrol road on HWY 90. They will level the landscape where necessary to build the asphalt patrol road down to the river in Langtry area. In essence they are planning to blast 300’ foot cliffs that are impassible to make a gradient for vehicles to drive up. Once again, pointless destruction here… seems like it is just making an easier place for people to come across the border. I hope that @cbpcommissioner and other decision makers will visit and review the illogical plan in this area. This portion of the Rio Grande is extremely rich in archaeological artifacts and the terrain does not lend itself to many border crossings.

I talk to local border patrol in this area often as they are parked at the hill atop my property… watching the sunset. They fully have it under control. The few “pinch points” where people can cross are very well monitored and controlled.

As usual:
Call your reps
governorabbot (512) 463-1782
sentedcruz (512) 916-5834
johncornyn (512) 469-6034
moralesfortexas (512) 463-0566

Follow the people doing the work
@nobigbendwall @protectbigbend_5
Follow people giving real time updates
@ntlnwmn @laiken_jordahl @bigbendfarflung @como_la_flor_tx @resistancerangers

Sign the Petition
www.nobigbendwall.org by @cohlryan

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2 months ago

Tevah at 13 years old. She’s now almost 17 and still rockin!

Love letter to Tevah:

Never met a dog that could do or has done more… athletic prowess and insane instinctual response in all scenarios- such as this one, rolling away from an undercut rock and swimming out. She’s a bad bitch. Fearless and calculated. I’ve taken her everywhere and done everything with this dog and she’s made it easy. She’s sent more 20 mile runs than I can count… and would then want to run another 10 behind my bike the next day. Jumped my 6 foot picket fence countless times. Been on every multi day canoe trip I’ve taken. Ridden class IV rapids. Climbed 5.8 with no harness. Been tied up outside of bars and restaurants for hours. Waits in the back of my truck all day. Always stoked. Never scared. Pure loyalty

Even now at almost 17 she doesn’t really lay down. She paces the house for hours and waits for me to eventually load her up in the box on the back of my bike or take her for a paddle. She just wants to go, and I always take her. We’re the same soul and I love her dearly. Watching her age has been an experience and I hope I age as gracefully as she has. There will be many more lives in which we’ll meet each other-endless adventures to embark on. Blessed every extra day I have her.

#adventuredog #waterdog #dogsofinstagram by @cohlryan

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a month ago

It’s coming for us. The first panels of Border wall were put up on the West side of the Big Bend. Unfathomably stupid and destructive behavior-to say the least. There is complete Bipartisan opposition to this amongst anyone who knows the area.

Texas is putting up a hell fight and we’re going to continue slinging mud until all of the destruction stops. Our state deserves better than the leadership that is allowing this to happen. Vote in November and help put an end to the senseless destruction of our public and private land, wildlife, and landscape.

This video was taken in Val Verde County on the Rio Grande. There is a 45’ wide asphalt patrol road and vehicle barrier system planned for all 160ish miles of river in our county. No one has ever driven a vehicle across the river in Val Verde County. There is no logical reason as to why this unnecessary destruction is taking place.

Join the fight with us. Get informed. Keep the fire hot. A new petition is out to support Val Verde County- link in my story.

Follow all of the people giving updates: @nobigbendwall @protectbigbend_5 @ntlnwmn @angellexpeditions @laiken_jordahl @como_la_flor_tx @bigbendfarflung

Keep on calling our representation! It is working!!
governorabbot (512) 463-1782
sentedcruz (512) 916-5834
johncornyn (512) 469-6034
moralesfortexas (512) 463-0566

And……tell you friends!

STAY
WILD by @cohlryan

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a month ago

I am unsure what the motivation is for a construction project that does not improve border security, but does harm personal property and the legacy of many hard working American families. Val Verde county will soon have a 45 foot wide asphalt patrol road and vehicle barrier system along the entire border with Mexico. It will be built completely on private property that is being taken by eminent domain. No vehicles cross the border here. It is impossible to drive a vehicle up and down these cliffs and it is also impossible to drive one across the river. Even stepping in this river, one will sink to their knees in silt.

For the majority of border in Val Verde county, even the most athletic humans would have a very hard time getting across here. The DHS numbers reflect this as there are very few attempts to cross in the area. Val Verde County does NOT stand for open borders, but we do stand for data driven solutions to any additional border security and infrastructure. The “one size fits all” border infrastructure plan is ignorant and disrespectful to both the environment and landowners. Also, it is a complete waste of our tax dollars.

Additionally, this new patrol road parallels Highway 90 and the existing patrol road on the side of Highway 90. From Comstock to Langtry, Highway 90 is very close to the Rio Grande. How does another patrol road improve our national security here?

All of this information was obtained directly from the Fisher Industries and Gravel landowner Liaison.

The grab of private and public land is happening quick. There are a lot of great resources to look at for information on all of this. Big Bend National Park has obviously made big headlines and is a very important thing to stay up on, so follow the relevant folks. @nobigbendwall @bigbendfarflung @ntlnwmn @laiken_jordahl are providing some real time information and also all of the information to help out the cause.

We’re trying to bring more awareness to areas downstream of Big Bend which include the National Wild and Scenic River. @protectbigbend_5 is a good source of information in this area.

Stay Wild,
Cohl by @cohlryan

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2 months ago

United WE STAND. The people have the power. Love shall prevail. The Collective Intentionality and Respect for the sacred land will win this battle that is being fought.

The Protest was powerful. Much gratitude to be with so many people that have enormous love and reverence for Big Bend and all of West Texas. All of the words spoken were encouraging and brought much hope and energy to the fight.

Witnessing the thoughtlessness of the construction that has been started was both disturbing and encouraging. The lack of planning the contractors have in this area is obvious. Manifesting more delays to their deconstruction project.

Prayers and Love.

As usual, follow the people doing the work @nobigbendwall @protectbigbend_5
Follow @ntlnwmn @como_la_flor_tx as they are updating in real time what’s going on.

#bigbend #bigbendnationalpark by @cohlryan

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2 months ago

The numbers many know and many don’t.

517 miles=Big Bend Sector of US border with Mexico.
That’s over 25% of US border with Mexico. Only 1.3% of total border apprehensions nation wide are occurring here. Based on 2025 numbers, that was 3,096 apprehensions of the 237,538 that were recorded along the southern border.

Apprehension statistics are not limited to the 7 counties that touch or near the Rio Grande. In fact there are 70 other Texas counties and 75 counties in Oklahoma that can contribute to the 1.3% of total apprehensions by Border Patrol in the Big Bend sector. That is 152 counties in total.

With $7.5 billion funded for border infrastructure in the Big Bend Sector, that’s a minimum of $2.1million dollars per apprehension.

These are the numbers. Why is our government not implementing data based solutions here?. From the data, we know that walls, roads, wires, and vehicle barriers are not an effective use of resources or money to address any potential issues on the border in the Big Bend sector, and their construction comes at a massive cost to our national/state parks, private property, wildlife, livestock, and environment. There are more effective options that cost much less money. Tune into @sheriff.thaddeus.cleveland to learn more about practical solutions for the border.

Just wanted to share the facts with those who care to know them.

As usual, stay up to date, follow and share @nobigbendwall @protectbigbend_5 @angellexpeditions @ntlnwmn @bigbendfarflung @como_la_flor_tx

This video was shot in Val Verde county- the furthest east portion of the Big Bend Sector- on the Rio Grande. Please support this area by signing the petition (link in my story)

#bigbendnationalpark #bigbend #riogrande #nowall #protectwildlife by @cohlryan

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a month ago

BREAKING NEWS.

Follow @tierralibre_noborders for live updates

Border patrol is raiding the camp of protesters in Lochiel AZ. From the livestream, it does not appear that they have a warrant to arrest or be on the private property the camp is located on.

I have been to this camp and spent time with these people. They are a very NON violent group of protesters protecting Grandmother Tree. A protester has been living in the top of the tree on a platform for months- that individual is now being extracted with a cherry picker which is a risk to their life.

The protest has been going on to stop the construction of the double wall you see in this video- which was shot about 1/2 mile from camp.

It is difficult to know all of the details right now as it is happening in real time, but this certainly seems like yet another major over reach on the rights of the American People.

Follow what is happening @rally.forthevalley

#noborders #arizona #protectwildlife #injustice #protectnature by @cohlryan

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15 days ago

With everything going on, it is hard for me to post and promote my new tune… and on the same token, this tune is about the wonderment and joy of The River. It’s about the multi day trips with friends/family and the home you make together on the banks of the place you love. It’s about losing the sense of time and getting on “River Standard Time”. It’s my greatest privilege to experience life on The River, and I’m grateful for the community of people that are working to preserve our sacred places on the Rio Grande. This video was on a multiday trip with my dad, brother, nephew, and cousin @thedrivengentleman .

Wednesday 9:00 at Santa Elena Canyon: my heart is heavy and hurting and I’m also excited to meet up with new friends, old friends, and like-minded individuals. Manifesting Miracles. Lets do it. See yall there.

For those of you that don’t know about all this mess, follow @nobigbendwall @protectbigbend_5 …they the people doing the work and you can get educated quick! Join the fight! Also follow @ntlnwmn as she is consistently posting real time updates of Big Bend.

PS. a little ashamed to be sitting on a Yeti Cooler by @cohlryan

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2 months ago