Christmas Mountains bids on hold
Jerry Patterson, Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office, announced the School Land Board voted Nov. 6 to delay awarding a bid for the conservation of Christmas Mountains to allow the National Park Service an opportunity to present a better land management plan for the tract.

"The Land Board wants to make sure all parties are on board with the best plan for Christmas Mountains," Patterson said. "With this action we will give the Park Service a chance to meet with us and discuss the proposals. The board may still vote to sell to a conservation buyer, but it's important to give the Park Service a chance."

Both qualified bids for the Christmas Mountains from private conservation buyers will remain active for the next 90 days.

Patterson also reiterated he will seek the Conservation Fund's support in selling the land to a private, conservation buyer if the National Park Service cannot acquire the tract.

Patterson believes the Conservation Fund will eventually approve the transaction with the conservation buyer if the National Park Service cannot offer a proposal.