The steering committee is hosting a federal planning‑assistance team Sept. 25–26 for a community tour and a full‑day Saturday workshop; expected partners include the EPA, National Park Service, Northern Forest Center and Northern Border Regional Commission.

County officials and local landowners raised alarms about federal plans for permanent border structures or vehicle barriers; the sheriff and federal contacts said a study/contract process is being considered, and the court authorized the judge to work with legal counsel and to send letters opposing barriers that would cut landowner access.