Cedar River: Mouth of Taylor Ck Reach Acquisitions

King County acquired three (3) properties in the Mouth of Taylor Creek Reach of the Cedar River in an area characterized by significant ecological features and extensive existing public ownership. Property owners within the reach were very willing to negotiate a sale to the County since many experienced flood damage in the January 2009 and 2011 flood events. The project sets the stage for large scale restoration of this reach of the Cedar River through levee setbacks when the other properties have been acquired. All acquired properties will be maintained as permanent open space, slated for future restoration to expand and improve the river habitat and water quality benefits for fish and wildlife. The Lower Cedar River supports some of the most significant salmon runs in the region, including threatened Chinook, and is a high priority in both the WRIA 8 Salmon Conservation Plan (C 245) and the King County Flood Hazard Reduction Plan.

The land will contribute to establishing a contiguous corridor of shoreline that builds on property already acquired along both banks. The project sets the stage for large scale restoration of this reach of the Cedar River, expanding the habitat and water quality benefits of the reach and the river through levee setbacks.