ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The state is considering buying 256 acres in far western Maryland to protect a number of rare species.

The Board of Public Works was set to vote Wednesday in Annapolis on the proposed $550,000 deal.

The land near Bittinger is owned by the Casselman Basin Coal Co.

If approved, the land would become the Cunningham Swamp Wildlife Management Area.

The meeting agenda states that the property supports several rare species, including the state-endangered wood horsetail plant and the Nashville warbler.

The purchase would be subject to an agreement with federal officials restricting mineral extraction on the property and prohibiting any surface mining for coal.

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