The Monongahela National Forest is slated to receive $4.916 million from the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill signed into law. A bulk of the money will be used to purchase 1,087 acres from Thunderstruck.

"From its majestic mountains to its raging rivers, and comforting scenic countryside, West Virginia's 'Wild and Wonderful' beauty is a sight to behold," U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., said in a prepared statement. "Over the years I have worked to provide funding for investments that will strengthen the infrastructure that supports West Virginia's tourism - including recreation, conservation and historic lands. I believe that by investing in these treasures, we are not only preserving West Virginia's natural environment, but also strengthening our state's economy. These resources will help to ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the natural splendors of West Virginia."

The U.S. Forest Service says purchasing the Randolph County property will protect sensitive resources, enhance recreation and public access and protect the region's historic and aesthetic features.

The land owned by Thunderstruck and is located just east of Harman. Thunderstruck, an Owings Mills, Md.-based company, bought the land from MeadWestvaco in 2007 for a new concept in environmental preservation that will incorporate residential development, a habitat conservation bank, conservation easement sales, land sales and timber sales.

The West Virginia Nature Conservancy owns a conservation easement to protect 272 acres also owned by Thunderstruck. The Nature Conservancy's West Virginia Director Rodney Bartgis said the conservation easement could be sold to the U.S. Forest Service at a later date.

According to Bartgis, an appraisal on the property will have to be completed before the property is sold.

In coordination with The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Thunderstruck Conservation is establishing a 600-acre habitat conservation bank for the management and permanent protection of a habitat for the Cheat Mountain salamander and the West Virginia northern flying squirrel.

Projects in the New River Gorge National River Park, Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park also benefit from the legislation.