BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Montana wildlife commissioners approved the final piece of a $7.8 million ranch purchase along the Milk River near the Canadian border on Monday, despite objections from neighboring landowners and some lawmakers.

On a 4 to 1 vote, Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commissioners agreed to pay $4.7 million for 2,992 acres of river bottom and other land on the Milk River Ranch in order to expand recreational opportunities.