The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will use this grant to protect 330 acres of intact and highly complex riparian area and 70 acres of associated upland through a permanent conservation easement along the Black River and a major tributary, Mima Creek. The Black River wetland and riparian habitats make up one of the largest, undisturbed, freshwater wetland systems remaining in Puget Sound. The river's diverse habitats include three priority habitats: Prairie oak woodlands, sphagnum bogs, and wet prairies. The majority of habitat is a rare wetland habitat type, unique to the Black River. The project also will protect a prime corridor used by elk, deer, and bear and will provide habitat for at-risk salmon species and the Oregon spotted frog. The site is highly vulnerable to residential development. (08-1520)