Little Echo Lake, Ophir Valley Added To Colorado Forests

DENVER (AP) - Two national forests in Colorado are expanding as part of a $41.6 million nationwide purchase of new forest property.

Little Echo Lake is being added to the Arapaho National Forest providing new public access to James Peak Wilderness Area and the Continental Divide Trail at a cost of $950,000. The area is home to Canada lynx, boreal toad and wolverine.

Land in the Ophir Valley is being purchased for $1.5 million to provide new public access in the Uncompahgre National Forest for hunting, fishing, four-wheel driving, camping, rock climbing and horseback riding.

The U.S. Forest Service is buying a total of about 20,000 acres from North Carolina to Oregon using offshore drilling fees.

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