Looks like the next chapter in the extraordinary history of Dawson will have to wait.

The purchase of the Dawson Elk Valley Ranch by The Nature Conservancy and several partners, announced with much fanfare back in December, is off – at least for now.

The reason?

Some uncertainty with the status of the $50 million grant awarded by the U.S. Forest Service to the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department last year to be used toward the purchase of what used to be the coal town of Dawson.

While the Forest Legacy Program grant agreement has been signed and funds have been committed, it appears there are still concerns over whether the money could be rescinded as part of the federal budget process playing out in Washington.

“Whether the grant can still be rescinded by the federal government is an open question,” said Carol Bada, Forest Legacy Program state coordinator for the New Mexico Forestry Division. “To date, EMNRD has not received any communication about rescission. That does not mean it is not possible at a future date.”

Here is a link to my full story that appeared this morning (June 10) in the Albuquerque Journal.