The town of Barre is getting federal grant money to acquire forest land in Washington County.
Barre will receive $400,000 in grants to help conserve its community forest. The money is a part of a $3.5 million grant secured by Sen. Patrick Leahy and the U.S. Forest Service.
Barre is expected to use the funds to acquire some 380 acres of land once used as a quarry. That tract will be added to the 26 acres currently owned by the town.
The grant money is a part of a larger effort to support jobs and community forests across the country.
And town officials in Barre hope the acquired land will secure water quality and wildlife protection and create more recreation and educational opportunities.