BRUNSWICK – The Nature Conservancy in Maine has purchased more than 6,500 acres of forest land to expand its existing Leuthold Forest Preserve to more than 16,000 acres.

The sale from Plum Creek Timber Co. includes a sub-Alpine fir forest southwest of Jackman.

Tom Rumpf of the Nature Conservancy told the Maine Public Broadcasting Network that the land is important for both biological diversity and recreation.

The land includes ponds and nearly 15 miles of streams that are home to Eastern brook trout and waterfowl.

Rumpf says the property will be open for wilderness recreation in addition to hunting and fishing.

The Forest Society of Maine will hold a conservation easement on the land.