With funding received under this proposal, The Nature Conservancy protected high quality riparian habitat along the Black River and Waddell Creek, one of the largest remaining riparian wetland systems in western Washington. The Conservancy acquired more than 165 acres. Black River and Waddell Creek provide important rearing and spawning habitat for anadromous salmonids including steelhead, coastal cutthroat trout, and chum, coho and Chinook salmon. This is one of the most rapidly developing areas in the state, with residential development as the primary threat to salmonids. Key tracts, all of which lie within the boundary of the USFWS' Black River Refuge Unit, were prioritized for acquisition. These target properties contain a mix of riparian and floodplain habitat, forested uplands and former pastures. This project addressed habitat protection and water quality needs. Acquisition will permanently protect spawning and rearing habitat for anadromous salmon, and reduce future habitat loss and water quality degradation.