The sale of the wildlife reserve east of Boise won’t be complete until a Boise City Council vote at an unspecified date in December.

On Thursday, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved the purchase using $4.23 million in Bonneville Power Administration mitigation funds.

Boise bought the 705-acre property from a defunct developer in March 2010 with $4.1 million of Foothills serial levy funds.

“By transferring the property to Fish & Game, we are able to preserve Hammer Flat forever while replenishing nearly half the original Foothills serial levy fund for the purchase and protection of even more open space,” Boise Mayor David Bieter said.

A public information session regarding the purchase is scheduled for Nov. 30.

“Hammer Flat is the last remnant of historic Boise Front winter range for area deer, elk, and antelope. (The purchase) will secure and protect this vital piece of ground to help preserve these herds in the future,” said Idaho Fish and Game Director Virgil Moore.

The two-year Foothills levy, approved by voters in 2001, has generated $10 million for the protection of open space in the Boise Foothills, according to the city.

The serial levy fund, combined with cash and land donations, has allowed the city to conserve 10,471 acres in the Foothills.