Great Sand Dunes National Park could expand

The Great Sand Dunes National Park may be expanding.

The Denver Post reports the federal government is moving forward with plans to buy 12,518 acres, to be added to the park in southwestern Colorado. It’s currently negotiating with The Nature Conservancy, which owns the property.

More than $6.8 million has already been approved in the deal. The national park service says the money will help increase public access to the park.

Officials say it could take up to two years to finalize the deal.