BARRE (AP) - The Vermont town of Barre is getting a $400,000 federal grant to acquire land to help conserve its community forest.

The 384 acres will be added to 26 the town already owns.

Sen. Patrick Leahy, who helped secure the funding, said the money will be used to provide continued public access to a natural resource, helping to connect local citizens to the land and expand recreational opportunities.

A total of $3.5 million in grants were being made nationally as part of the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program.

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