Jefferson Land Trust accepted the donation of a conservation easement on a 18 acre portion of the Baclawski property located on the Big Quilcene River. This stretch of Big Quilcene River provides habitat for Hood Canal summer chum, steelhead, bull trout, coho and historically, chinook salmon. The conservation easement permanently protects all of the riparian area of the Baclawski property, covering the area currently enrolled in the CREP buffer (through 2016) located on the north side of the river, and the forested slope on the south side of the river. The CREP buffer was established in 2001 and was planted with native species including alder, cedar, fir, hemlock, ninebark and others. The forested hillside on the south side is primarily composed of second growth fir, hemlock, cedar, and alder. It will provide the vegetation necessary for shading and large woody debris recruitment necessary for healthy fish habitat and water quality.