Wisconsin's wild elk herd will soon have more room to roam.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has purchased a 120-acre parcel of undeveloped forest and wetland near Hayward.

The foundation's Midwest program manager, Kevin Wallenfang, says they will transfer ownership of the land to the National Forest Service next year. And, it will become part of the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest.

Wallenfang says the land purchase is part of the foundation's effort to expand the elk habitat and protect Wisconsin's northern woods from development.

It's the foundation's second land purchase in the past year. The first was a one thousand-acre parcel just south of Snipe Lake. It will become part of the national forest in April.