Prickly Pear Land Trust leads multi-partner effort to purchase 286 acres of forestland near York from Montana Outdoor Legacy Foundation; contributors hope to convey land valued at more than US$660,000 to US Forest Service by October

Aimee Bellah

HELENA, Montana , June 16, 2014 (Associated Press) – The Lewis and Clark County Commission has agreed to contribute $205,000 toward the purchase of 286 acres prized for its recreational and wildlife value.

Ultimately, the land 18 miles northeast of Helena and near York will be conveyed to the U.S. Forest Service.

The land is valued at more than $660,000 and belongs to the Montana Outdoor Legacy Foundation.

Andy Bauer, of the Prickly Pear Land Trust, which spearheaded the project, tells the Independent Record (http://bit.ly/1p5cqS9 ) that the land is anticipated to be completely in the care of the Forest Service possibly by October.

Funds from the county being used in the purchase will come from an open space bond. Various foundations, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust and the Forest Service also are contributing to the land purchase.

Information from: Independent Record, http://www.helenair.com

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