HOPE – Coastal Mountains Land Trust completed the purchase of a 78-acre property on Bald Mountain earlier this week, kicking off its $9 million capital campaign for conservation of Bald and Ragged mountains.

Former owner Carolyn Kelly said the sale was “best for everybody” because the land will be permanently protected and will remain accessible for hiking, snowshoeing and other low-impact recreational uses. Kelly provided attractive sale terms to the trust, trust officials said.

The undeveloped Kelly property lies on the northeastern shoulder of Bald Mountain, overlooking Hope village.

The property abuts a 69-acre parcel the trust hopes to buy in August. In all, the trust is aiming to conserve 3,500 acres on and adjacent to the two peaks.

For information about the trust, visit www.coastalmountains.org.