The purchase was completed before ANE Forests, a Danish investment company, could clear-cut the forestland and subdivide it for development, said Peter Bahls, director of Northwest Watershed Institute.

"Some generous individuals stepped forward in the nick of time who were willing to provide low- and no-interest loans toward the $550,000 purchase," Bahls said. "These people invested in our local community to benefit wildlife, the land and sustainable economies."

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