OLD FORGE — The state has purchased 754 acres of land along the North and Middle branches of Moose River near this Herkimer County village, the state Department of Environmental Conservation announced.

The land purchase from Adirondack Homes LLC will protect seven miles of river frontage, a DEC release said. The property, predominantly northern hardwood forests with spruce along the river, also has hiking trails that could be put to use.

Plans for the land may include an access road, parking area and hiking trail along the river, the release said.

Adirondack Homes still retains 223 acres that may be used for "community growth and development," it said.

The land sale took place in early April, but the formal announcement was held for Earth Day.