Nisqually Land Trust used this funding to acquire in fee privately-owned undeveloped lands (13 parcels; 51.07 acres) in the Wilcox Flats area of the Nisqually Basin in order to 1) provide permanent protection for the excellent quality riparian habitat present in the project area; and 2) allow for future restoration of old side channels to increase salmon productivity. The Wilcox Flats is an area of about 150 acres along a sweeping bend of the Nisqually River south of the Wilcox Farms in Pierce County. Historically this area was a broad floodplain marked by side channels. Over time the side channels were abandoned and in the 1960's the area was subdivided into small parcels (45 in total) and sold for home sites and recreational lots along the river. Major flood events have rendered the area unsuitable for home sites and Pierce County has acquired 12 occupied parcels (41 acres) through flood relief. Nisqually Land Trust had previously acquired 8 parcels (31 acres). In this Phase 1 of the Wilcox Flats project, Nisqually Land Trust purchased 13 parcels (51.07 acres) from willing sellers. The project had the endorsement of the Nisqually River Council and the Nisqually Indian Tribe.