Sims announces salmon habitat protection for Cedar River

King County Executive Ron Sims today announced that King County has acquired 45 acres of prime salmon habitat along the Cedar River near Maple Valley for $937,000. As part of the King County Earth Legacy Initiative, the 45-acre area adds to a base of more than 400 acres of protected salmon habitat in the lower Cedar River that will remain a permanent open space. The Earth Legacy Initiative is an ongoing effort to protect and enhance this region’s natural environment.

"This is one of the most remarkable fish habitats along the 20-mile stretch of the lower Cedar River that the County will protect," said Executive Sims. "The Cedar is a major river where we can make a difference in saving salmon in King County."

King County Department of Natural Resources biologist, Gino Lucchetti, added "This area has long been known for its critical habitat values. It has everything that salmon need to thrive including side channels and wetlands in the floodplain, river frontage ranging from steep gravelly banks to low vegetated banks, and one of the highest quality remaining riparian forests on the river in terms of its age and native plant diversity." In addition to chinook, sockeye and coho salmon, steelhead will also benefit from this newly protected area in the years to come.

This acquisition was made possible by King County Cedar River Legacy funds. The Cedar River Legacy is a program whose main purpose is to reverse declines in the salmon runs dependent on the Cedar River. The King County Park System and Department of Natural Resources will jointly direct management of this 45-acre area.

For more information on the King County Earth Legacy 2000 program, visit the website, at your.kingcounty.gov/earthlegacy.

Updated: Nov. 15, 2000