RENO, Nev. (AP) - U.S. Forest Service officials say they will take ownership early next week of a scenic alpine lake and private enclave overlooking Lake Tahoe.

Forest Service spokeswoman Cheva Heck says the title for Incline Lake and more than 750 acres of forested property will transfer to the government within the next few days after a $46 million payment is received in U.S. District Court in Reno.

The deal transferring the private property to the government follows four years of negotiations. Officials call it a landmark acquisition for conservation.

The lake's private owner, Incline Lake Corp., and the government have still not landed on a final price for the property.

A federal court trial will determine whether the government must pay more than $46 million. Incline Lake Corp. has sought $75 million.

Proceeds for the deal come from the sale of federal land near Las Vegas. Forest Service officials say they don't expect the land to be open to the public until next year.

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Information from: Reno Gazette-Journal, http://www.rgj.com

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

AP-NY-07-19-08 1355EDT