This project purchased three parcels near Rock Creek, totaling 11.18 acres. It adds to protecting ~204 acres along Rock Creek at RM 3.5-5.1, the Ravensdale-Retreat Reach. The greater 11 parcel reach includes 1.6 miles of Rock Creek itself, palustrine forested and scrub-shrub wetlands, pond habitats, and second growth coniferous forest. This habitat will not only benefit Chinook, sockeye, coho, and steelhead, it will protect an important wildlife corridor used by elk, bear, and cougar. This project was a partnership between King County, the Friends of Rock Creek Valley and the National Fish and Wildlife Federation. King County will provide $33,200 in matching funds. The Friends of Rock Creek Valley have pledged to raise $233,200 to match a 2:1 challenge grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for $116,600. Protection of the whole reach will be completed once additional funds have been raised. This project built on significant past investments in protecting Rock Creek. King County owns 140+ acres from the mouth of Rock Creek to ~RM 1.2 which encompasses the primary spawning habitat of Rock Creek. Rock Creek is the best remaining tributary habitat in the lower Cedar River. Among a study of Puget Sound lowland streams, Rock Creek had the highest index of biotic integrity (May et al '98).