The City recognizes that the properties along North Creek immediately upstream of the mouth of the Creek remain mostly undeveloped and in a natural state with native trees and a mature understory. A majority of these properties include critical areas such as highly rated wetlands, associated wetland buffers, and steep slopes. The City has begun the process of working with some owners of these properties to acquire the land for conservation purposes. With the planned removal of a second partial fish barrier in 2024, the reaches of North Creek within and adjacent to these properties will become even more accessible habitat for salmon. The goal of this project is to protect the valuable existing salmon habitat, which currently does not need expensive restoration but rather only protection of existing amenities and functions. The objectives include assessing key properties within the area of focus along North Creek to prioritize habitat protection thorough either purchasing conservation easements or the purchasing the land for conservation purposes.