LINVILLE, N.C. -- Gov. Mike Easley said the state's agreement to purchase Grandfather Mountain means one of North Carolina's signature landmarks will be preserved forever.

Easley announced Monday the state would buy the undeveloped portion of the Avery County tourist destination for $12 million from the Morton family and Grandfather Mountain Inc.

The deal made public over the weekend includes 2,600 acres of undeveloped land and a conservation easement on 600 more acres.

The Morton family will keep operating the onsite nature center, wildlife habitats and swinging bridge near the top. The state will manage undeveloped areas as a state park.

This is the state's second recent major purchase of a private tourist attraction. The state bought Chimney Rock in Rutherford County last year.