Westport Island’s Bonyun Preserve has increased by 6.7 acres, according to information Dennis Dunbar provided to selectmen July 25.

Dunbar, president of the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT), informed the selectmen that the acquisition of the former Barbara Delario property was made recently. The property  had gone on the market a few months ago.

“We had to act quickly because an offer had been made,” Dunbar told the selectmen. “We went to a local foundation and received a grant for the funds so we could acquire it.”  The land trust acquired the property for $70,000.

The preserve will now total almost 75 acres with the recent addition. Dunbar describes the new parcel as “extending in a southerly direction and including 1,140 feet on Mill Cove.”

The preserve is at the southern end of Westport Island and is considered an excellent spot for beginner hikers. The original property was acquired as a donation in 2002 from Bill and Gene Bonyun.

“The property has an existing trail well-established but we’ll need to build a footbridge over a seasonal stream. It will be available for use by the public this fall.”

Dunbar added that KELT will apply for tax exemption but “we’ll work out a voluntary payment to the town.”

Asked about the Squam Creek Preserve, Dunbar stated that $83,000 was needed and KELT hoped to be able to close on the purchase by the end of the year. Saturday hikes of the property are resuming and will continue through August. The hikes begin at 9 a.m.