Metallica's Hetfield donates more land

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Officials in Marin County, Calif., have formally accepted the donation of 330 acres of agricultural land from Metallica's James Hetfield.

The front man for the heavy metal rockers turned over the property, which was designated as agricultural conservation easement and overlooks Lucas Valley, to protect it from development.

"It's another indication of a continuing effort to improve our partnerships on that important ridge," County Supervisor Steve Kinsey told the Marin (Calif.) Journal Independent.

The newspaper said Hetfield had earlier donated 438 acres in the area, which established a large open-space area adjacent to his home.

The Journal said the donations have irritated some hikers and horse enthusiasts because one result is access to trails on the properties has been closed off.