Christmas Mountains (Texas) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Christmas Mountains |
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|---|---|
| Highest point | |
| Peak | Christmas Mountains High Point |
| Elevation | 5,728 ft (1,746 m) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 20 mi (32 km) N/S |
| Width | 18 mi (29 km) E/W |
| Area | 232 sq mi (600 km2) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
The Christmas Mountains are a small group of mountains located near Big Bend National Park in Brewster County, Texas, United States. The highest point in these mountains reaches about 5,728 feet (1,746 m) above sea level. This special area, covering about 9,270 acres, is owned by the Texas State University System. It's a place where people can visit and where scientists can study nature.
Contents
Exploring the Christmas Mountains
What Grows in the Mountains?
The Christmas Mountains have shallow, rocky soil. Despite this, many plants thrive here. You can find different types of oak trees. There are also juniper trees and mesquite bushes.
Other plants include chaparral shrubs. Various kinds of cacti also grow in the area. Many types of grasses cover the ground. These plants make the mountains a unique natural habitat.
How the Land Was Protected
In 1991, a group called the Richard K. Mellon Foundation helped protect the Christmas Mountains. They worked with the Conservation Fund. This group gave the land to the State of Texas. The idea was to use it as a nature park. It could also be a wildlife refuge or a recreational area.
The goal was to keep the land natural. It was meant for people to enjoy and for wildlife to live safely. This donation helped preserve a beautiful part of Texas.
Challenges and Changes for the Land
Years later, in 2007, the state faced problems. The land was hard to take care of. Issues like unwanted plants and animals were harming the area. The state didn't want to spend money to maintain it.
So, the State Land Commissioner, Jerry E. Patterson, decided to sell the land. The original gift said the land should go to a park agency. But Patterson thought this rule was not binding. The land was put up for auction.
A Sale That Didn't Happen
The highest offer for the land was $652,000. But the sale was stopped on September 18, 2007. The state said the property map used was wrong. This mistake led to the cancellation of the sale.
This gave time for other ideas to emerge. The National Park Service offered to take the land. They wanted to add it to Big Bend National Park. This would have made it part of a larger protected area.
Debates Over Hunting Rights
Commissioner Patterson did not like the National Park Service idea at first. He wanted hunting to be allowed on the land. Hunting is usually not allowed in National Parks. This was a big point of disagreement.
However, many people wanted the land to be protected. Public pressure grew. Patterson eventually changed his mind. He said he might allow the land to join the National Park System. Also, a new law made it possible to carry firearms in National Parks. This change helped reduce barriers.
The Mountains Today
In September 2011, a new plan was announced. The Texas General Land Office decided to give control of the Christmas Mountains to the Texas State University System. This system now manages the land.
The mountains are used as an outdoor classroom. Students and researchers can study nature there. It is also a wilderness laboratory. Hunting is still allowed in the Christmas Mountains. This helps balance conservation with public use.
