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LAWSUIT OVER ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF BORDER PATROL SETTLED
A lawsuit brought by several environmental groups to stop the construction of new obstacles along the Mexican border has been settled, with the result that the Border Patrol will conduct a full environmental survey of the area of proposed construction before proceeding with any further developments in Operation Rio Grande.  The area, about 50 miles along the Rio Grande, is home to two types of small cats that live in the area, the ocelot and the jaguarundi.

The settlement agreement calls for the Border Patrol to consult with the US Fish and Wildlife Service to determine the impact development will have on the two cats.  While the agreement does halt much construction, the Border Patrol is still able to conduct most of its business as usual.

Environmentalists were concerned that the floodlights associated with the Border Patrol were confusing the nocturnal cats, making them think it was always day.  Also, planned fences and other obstacles were seen as threats to habitat.  This area of the lower Rio Grande Valley is one of the most ecologically diverse in the US, with more than 2200 different species of plants and animals, 15 of which are on the endangered species list. 
 
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