DESCRIPTION
A property acquisition to protect 54 acres of Black River floodplain, including approximately 2,200 feet of the Black River (both banks) and more than 7,000 feet of side channel. The majority of habitat is a rare wetland habitat type, unique to the Black River and identified by Washington Natural Heritage Program as low elevation riparian wetland. The property is adjacent to 75 acres conserved by Capitol Land Trust in 2006, and protection would result in the continuous and perpetual conservation of over 4,000 feet of the Black River. The property owners wish to sell in fee to Capitol Land Trust.
This project seeks to acquire fee title to 54 acres of Black River floodplain, including approximately 2,200 feet of the Black River (both banks) and more than 7,000 feet of side channel. This conservation property is located in Thurston County, Washington, near river mile 14 of the Black River - a tributary to the Chehalis River. The majority of the property is a rare wetland habitat type, unique to the Black River and identified by Washington Natural Heritage Program as low elevation riparian wetland. The property is adjacent to 75 acres conserved by Capitol Land Trust in 2006, and protection would result in the continuous and perpetual conservation of over 4,000 feet of the Black River. The project will protect multiple priority habitat types that provide crucial habitat for numerous priority species including at least Chinook, steelhead, coho, chum, coastal cutthroat trout and numerous neo-tropical bird species.
The Black River sub-basin is one of the largest remaining riparian wetland systems in western Washington and also one of the most rapidly developing areas in the state, resulting in a primary threat to salmonids. This project addresses both habitat protection and water quality needs by preventing future habitat loss and water quality degradation associated with development. Finally, there is a significant recreation opportunity on the property as the Thurston County "Gate to Belmore" trail borders the site and will provide public recreation access.