Private ownership should protect Christmas Mountains
David Lowe

David Lowe is a staff writer for the Dispatch Record.

William Shakespeare wasn't thinking of West Texas when he wrote "Much Ado About Nothing," but that title might apply to criticism of the state's impending land sale in the Christmas Mountains.

Some conservationists and hunting advocates worry the Texas General Land Office's plans to sell 9,270 acres near Big Bend National Park to a private owner will shut off the public's access to the property. Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson's proposed sale, however, not only may allow more Texans on the land, but also will enable better stewardship than the state can provide.

Patterson told the Houston Chronicle that deed restrictions enforced by the Washington-based Conservation Fund, a non-profit group which donated the Christmas Mountains acreage to the state in 1991, have blocked public access to the highland desert property. Under private ownership, however, citizens would be able to tour the property -- although the land commissioner did not offer details of private owners' potential terms with the state.

Patterson's explanation makes sense, because free enterprise would dictate the use of the land. If a private owner seeks a profit, he will welcome every traveler who pays to hunt or hike as a source of income. A shrewd private manager of the land would have strong incentives to allow members of the public on the property.

Game enthusiasts have little reason to fear loss of hunting land after the sale, which could come as early as today's 10 a.m. Land Board meeting. First, although private ownership will allow greater freedom of action than is offered under state ownership, significant restrictions will remain.

Livestock grazing is prohibited, as are all-terrain vehicles. Although a private owner could update primitive roads and maintain a manager's cabin, the buyer cannot install telephone, electric, gas, water or sewer lines. Satellite dishes are out, too.

Don't look for a massive factory or a shopping center any time soon. Although critics decry the loss of "natural heritage," the Christmas Mountains will remain just as rugged -- and isolated -- under private ownership as they appear now.

Moreover, the quality of the property as hunting land will not decrease. Private ownership, on the contrary, probably will enhance the natural value of the land. Every native species -- which area landowners say include mule deer, blue scaled quail, mountain lions and black bear -- reintroduced on the property will translate to cash for the owner as hunters or nature lovers pay to see the wildlife. As a result, the incentive of greenbacks likely will produce "green" land and game management.

As in the Hill Country, private landowners in West Texas long have accommodated -- and profited from -- hunters. Many hunters have grown used to seeking deer leases. They accept the free-market exchanges that allow them on others' property in search of game. Why fear that the Christmas Mountains will be any different, any less receptive to outdoor enthusiasts than other West Texas lands hunters already visit?

For all the work Texas Parks and Wildlife officials do to preserve the state's hunting heritage, they acknowledge the department is not equipped to manage the Christmas Mountains. Patterson offered TPWD the land two years ago, but parks officials said their department -- like the National Park Service -- lacks the funds to purchase the land. TPWD already has 400,000 excess acres of wildlife management area in West Texas, department officials said.

The proposed land sale benefits both the state and the private sector. The buyer will get the satisfaction of owning ruggedly beautiful land -- and possibly trying to make its management profitable. Texas can concentrate funds in the state parks most in need -- and where TPWD officials can do the most effective service to Texans seeking to enjoy the outdoors.

Patterson is right to believe private landowners can protect Texas' unique heritage. Some of my favorite stops across the state are privately owned, or at least benefitted from private stewardship in the past.

The Catholic church in Goliad runs Presidio La Bahia, an excellent monument to the brave men slain near Goliad during the Texas Revolution. Krause Springs near Spicewood maintains immaculate grounds, a spring-fed pool and a beautiful swimming hole. And decades of private management preserved the idyllic charm of what is now Colorado Bend State Park.

Private enterprise has proven itself worthy of preserving Texas' natural and historic heritage. The buyer of the Christmas Mountains property likely will continue that tradition of wise, and civic-minded, stewardship.

With apologies to the Bard, critics of the sale doth protest too much.