Swiss philanthropist, Hansjorg Wyss, buys $35M in Plum Creek Timber land in western Montana

Philanthropist Hansjorg Wyss http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hansj%C3%B6rg_Wyss grew up in Switzerland and now spends the bulk of his time outside Philadelphia, but it is the wild landscapes of the Rocky Mountains where he could leave his most lasting mark.

In recent years, the publicity-shy billionaire has quietly donated tens of millions of dollars to the preservation of pristine areas of Idaho, Nevada, Utah and other states.

Now, what appears to be his most ambitious project to date has come to fruition as conservation groups this month closed a deal to purchase vast tracts of Plum Creek Timber Co. land in western Montana. Backers say the deal – which included $35 million in donations from Wyss – could shield an estimated one million acres from future development.

By MATTHEW BROWN Associated Press

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_72dd5cac-0623-11e0-91bc-001cc4c03286.html