PROVO — Y Mountain, the canvas for the largest college symbol in the United States — a white block Y that stands 380 feet tall and 130 feet wide — finally belongs to the university it represents.

BYU officials announced Monday that they have finalized the purchase of 81 acres of the mountain from the U.S. Forest Service. Congress authorized the sale in December 2014.

The sale included all of Y Mountain Trail, the block Y and the area around it.

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BYU also announced major improvements to the trail and the lights on the Y.

The spring, crews will shore up the trail, add signs and improve the parking area and trailhead.

They also will install permanent lighting to the Y. The new lights will make it possible to more quickly "light the Y" in the future.

Email: twalch@deseretnews.com

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