FRANCONIA, N.H. (AP) – The state says it is in talks with the U.S. Forest Service to swap land near the Cannon Mountain ski area.

Parks director Allison McLean said she is renewing an effort to trade state-owned land south of Franconia Notch State Park with 50 acres of federal land next to Cannon Mountain.

The federal land is the site of the defunct Mittersill ski area, which closed in the 1970s. McLean said adding the Mittersill land to the Cannon Mountain ski area would draw more visitors and increase terrain for backcountry skiing.

Federal officials say an environmental assessment is needed before a land swap could be considered.

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Information from: New Hampshire Union Leader, http://www.unionleader.com

AP-ES-02-14-06 0758EST