Metallica singer donates land in California

SAN RAFAEL, California -- Metallica frontman James Hetfield is donating 330 acres near his home for preservation as farmland.

The Marin County Board of Supervisors unanimously accepted the donation Tuesday. It follows Hetfield's earlier gift of more than 400 acres.

Hetfield's consultant, Scott Hochstrasser, says the donations reflect the singer's desire to maintain privacy and preserve open space, according to the Marin Independent Journal.

Meanwhile, county officials say they are close to a deal that would reroute a hiking trail that crosses Hetfield's property. The project is expected to cost the county more than $200,000.

Hetfield recently constructed a fence blocking the trail.