This acquisition in Grays Harbor County lies within the proposed Elk River Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA) boundary will protect critical components of the state’s largest, most diverse, high quality estuary. The Elk River estuarine system contains seven wetland and aquatic ecosystem elements. As part of the Pacific Flyway, Elk River also provides an important stopover site for shorebirds and waterfowl. The quality of the Elk River estuary is currently threatened by logging, encroaching development and the invasion of exotic species. This acquisition project will buffer the estuary from detrimental human activities, while providing opportunity for more comprehensive management of invasive species that already threaten Grays Harbor.