National forest in Montana grows after land acquisition

HELENA, Mont. – The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest in Montana has grown following the acquisition of about 620 acres (251 hectares).

The Independent Record reported Monday that the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has transferred ownership of the Green Mountain National Trails property to the Forrest Service, opening the land to the public.

Foundation chief conservation officer Blake Henning says the land about 35 miles (56 kilometres) east of Lincoln is within the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail corridor and the Continental Divide Grizzly Bear Recovery Area.

The land also contains part of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.

The foundation says the trail was rerouted out of the private property to public lands several years ago, but the trail will now be restored to its historic route.

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