Cascade Land Conservancy (now Forterra) used this funding to help acquire the 82-acre Robe Canyon Laird Preserve, which protects critical spawning and rearing habitat for coho, Chinook, chum, pink, steelhead and bull trout on the South Fork Stillaguamish River. The WA Conservation Commission report listed Robe Valley as the number 5 priority out of 27 sub-basins and recommended protection of highly functioning habitat as the most cost effective approach. Protection addressed documented limiting factors such as preservation of 1/2 mile and at least 30 acres of intact riparian habitat, historic side channels and pools, an active beaver population, and a large gravel bar with large accumulation of large woody material. The quality and size of the riparian forest is significant and contributes to increased large woody material and pool area essential for spawning and refugia. The property is contiguous to Robe Canyon Historic Park, encompassing 970 acres of forested land along Robe Gorge. In late 2000, the landowner contacted Cascade Land Conservancy concerning the imminent sale of the property. Acquisition of the property helps eliminate the threat of logging and development and expands the area currently protected within the Park.