Today Commissioner Patterson held a news conference to make a "surprise" announcement about the Christmas Mountains. Unfortunately, it was more of a surprise punch to the head than good news. Basically he says that tomorrow the School Land Board will accept one of the two bids received from private interests in the recent auction. However, he says he will give the National Park Service ninety days to meet or exceed the terms laid out by the winning bid, which includes allowing hunting and concealed weapons, which the National Park Service doesn't do, so it's a poison pill provision. So basically no change. Also today, Environment Texas turned in about 6000 petition signatures to Gov. Perry and Attorney General Abbott asking them to instruct their appointees on the School Land Board to vote against Patterson. We'll see how they end up voting at tomorrow's meeting. If you can attend, the info is below.
WHERE: Stephen F. Austin Building
1700 North Congress Ave. Room #170
Austin, Texas 78701