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The Bureau of Land Management has finalized a deal to transfer 231 acres into federal ownership at Gooseberry Mesa, a popular mountain biking area a few miles southwest of Zion National Park.

Property owner Quarter Circle 2 Ranch LLC has sold the land, located between the White and Gooseberry Mesa trailheads, for $600,000, according to the BLM's St. George field office manager, Brian Tritle.

"High-quality outdoor recreation is among the driving forces for economic growth and travel to Washington County, with mountain biking, specifically Gooseberry Mesa, among the top draws," Tritle said.

The acquisition aligns with the BLM's recent decision to refrain from leasing lands for oil and gas drilling several miles to the north, just outside Zion's western boundary. The agency agreed with critics that this area's economy is dependent on outdoor recreation and scenic vistas that could be imperiled by energy development.

Slickrock and juniper forests intermingle on the top of Gooseberry Mesa with cliffs falling from three sides and clear views of Zion's sandstone formations.

More than 20 guiding services lead clients around this mesa — south of Grafton and Virgin — which sees 21,000 annual visitors.

The property already had been used for public access with a road traversing it. But the purchase enables the BLM to add to the trail network connected with the Gooseberry Mesa National Recreation Trail and upgrade the road serving the White Trailhead.

Money for the purchase came from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which taps offshore oil and gas revenues to acquire lands with high recreation values.