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Bismarck, N.D. (AP) A group that advises the governor on land buys by nonprofits is recommending denial of a proposed purchase by Ducks Unlimited in McLean County.

The Natural Areas Acquisition Advisory Committee met by telephone on Thursday.

Ducks Unlimited wants to buy 321 acres of land near Mercer from the California man who owns it.

Gov. John Hoeven will have the final say. The McLean County Commission and a township in the county also are on record opposing the deal.

In February, Hoeven rejected a proposed Ducks Unlimited land buy in Kidder County involving nearly 600 acres, following the recommendation of the advisory group and the County Commission.

Hoeven will have about 30 days to make a decision on the McLean County proposal.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 05-14-09 1240CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list