WARM SPRINGS, Va. (AP) — The Nature Conservancy and others are celebrating the permanent protection of the Warm Springs Mountain Preserve.

Officials say the move protects critical habitat and clean drinking water on 9,000 acres in western Virginia. The preserve shares a 13-mile border with the George Washington National Forest.

The Nature Conservancy purchased the preserve in 2002. It has since been raising the necessary $6.7 million for its protection through individuals, foundations and corporations until paying it off completely this year.

Numerous donors, including Dominion Resources and the Beirne Carter Foundation, helped pay off the debt.

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