ANTRIM, N.H. (AP) – A popular hiking and hunting area has been permanently protected and added to a huge area of protected lands.

A conservation easement was bought on the 376-acre Bald Mountain property through federal Forest Service Forest Legacy Program.

The Antrim property is owned by New Hampshire Audubon and connects a 1,200 acre wildlife sanctuary to more than 11,000 acres of other protected lands in the state.

New Hampshire Audubon President Rick Minard says the purchase means the Bald Mountain land will stay forested, undeveloped and permanently accessible to the public. This summer, the group begins implementing a plan that includes restoring wildlife habitat and providing trails.

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