Thought I'd cross-post this over here in the West Texas forum.

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Does anyone here have any additional information about what is happening with Jerry Patterson and the sale of the Christmas Mountains to private individuals? I'm trying to form an opinion on this.

As I read this, both sides would like to see the land protected, but they differ on how best to do it. What details am I lacking here? I know there has to be more to this story, so I confess my ignorance. Patterson is, by all accounts, a decent man and not some petty despot as some of these articles portray him.

Disclaimer: I love Big Bend and am a little disappointed that this land might not be opened up for public use, but I read that parts may still be accessible if a compromise is struck.

http://www.star-telegram.com/state_news/story/269482.html

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/editorial/entries/2007/10/15/give_national_park_service_a_s.html

http://www.texasobserver.org/blog/?p=638

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/5183232.html

I don't like the idea of selling public land. I will never be able to own 9,000 acres of that type of land for as long as I live. But to feel like I do, all I have to do is visit the area...for now.

The articles also say that the land was given to the public agency on the basis that it would never be sold privately.

I have been to the Christmas mountains a few times. I would like to be allowed to go back again some day.

When the public does not have the funds to properly maintain something like that, I have no problem with it being sold. The government should not be in the business of letting non-profit organizations hang an albatross around the taxpayer's neck. If the NPO wants it done so badly, they should take it back and raise the money to maintain it themselves. TPWD is already stretch thin trying to maintain the assets they already have.