The Christmas Mountains were gifted to Texas in 1991 by the Mellon Foundation, a major philanthropic group, with only one condition attached: Texas must care for the land wisely. This non-specific stipulation allows a lot of freedom of control, depending on what one thinks is wise, to whomever makes public land allocation decisions. Patterson asserts that his decision to sell is based on the need to protect the land from poachers and, but maybe not secondly, that is in Texas need of money.
The Land Commissioner’s justification for selling may be wise from a General Land Office (GLO) perspective, but is it the wisest option overall? Two main duties of the GLO, as per their mission statement, are protecting the environment and expanding economic opportunity in Texas. Not considering the ethical aspect of the land sell, Patterson is performing his duties perfectly. But when the Mellon Foundation’s condition of gift is factored in with the unlimited possibilities of what can happen to public land when it becomes privately owned, Patterson’s decision must be reexamined.
Although the Christmas Mountains is not yet a state park, it may someday become an extension of Big Bend. Its scenic terrain and archeological value cannot be measured; the Mellon Foundation realized this area was a special place worth conserving and a place that should be available for enjoyment for all. Jerry Patterson will carry out his duties according to what he thinks is most beneficial to Texas, but citizens have a responsibility to remind state officials that there are unmeasured qualities which also increase the standard of living that do not include expanding economic opportunity.
For more details concerning the sale of Christmas Mountains, visit Douglas Brinkley's commentary at the statestman.com.
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