King County Department of Natural Resources purchased two parcels totaling 18.5 acres. The target parcels host mature coniferous, forested wetlands along both banks of Patterson Creek. The undeveloped riparian area extends well over 300 feet on either side of the stream. Extensive beaver activity helps to maintain high quality rearing habitat for salmonids thought the year. King County targeted these parcels for acquisition in 1995 as part of its Waterways 2000 program. Waterways 2000 was a program that identified and protected hundred of acres of important aquatic habitat in King County. The program received an Achievement Award from the national Association of Counties in 1996 as an innovative program worthy of replication by other local governments. This acquisition was added to an existing 150 acre waterways 2000 site owned by the County and managed for habitat protection purposes. The objective of this acquisition was to insure protection of important stream associated wetland habitat. Acquired land is managed for habitat protection by the King County Parks System. King County Parks System has an excellent track record of managing habitat areas through its natural area protocol, which currently applies to more than 1,000 acres countywide.