Metallica Frontman Donates Land for Open Space Preservation

With California rapidly approaching build-out, environmentalists are fighting hard to preserve as much open space as possible. This week, they learned they had an unexpected ally in one of rock's fiercest frontmen: Metallica's James Hetfield. According to the Associated Press, Hetfield has donated 330 acres overlooking California's lush Lucas Valley, and the land has been earmarked for preservation as farmland. The Marin County Board of Supervisors unanimously accepted the donation on Dec. 15.

This isn't the first time Hetfield has gifted open space to the county. Previously, he had donated more than 400 acres for open space preservations. Both donated land plots are located around Hetfield's home. According to Hetfield's land use consultant, Scott Hochstrasser, the donations reflect the singer's desire to maintain privacy and preserve open space.

Also this week, it was revealed that county officials are working on a deal with Hetfield that would reroute a heavily-worn hiking trail that crosses his property. According to reports, the project is expected to cost the county more than $200,000. Hetfield recently stirred up controversy by constructing a large fence, thus blocking access to the trail.

This summer, Metallica will be sharing the same stage with Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax thanks to Sonisphere Festival -- the first time in history that all four bands have done so.