The BLM backed out of the purchase when its government-directed appraisal did not meet the sellers’ price demand.

“We did not want to lose a rare opportunity to both conserve critical wildlife habitat and be able to share this special place with the public,” said Damien Austin, superintendent for American Prairie, in a statement. “We negotiated fair market value for the property and will pay property taxes that support our local communities just as we do with all our properties.”