Trust purchases 530 acres of forest in Mason County

More than 530 acres of forested wetlands near Matlock will be permanently protected by Mason County and the Capitol Land Trust through a purchase agreement with the previous owner, Green Diamond Resource Co.

“This project is the culmination of five years of work and results in protection of some of the region’s most intact salmon and wildlife habitat,” Capitol Land Trust executive director Eric Erler said.

The property includes 2 miles of Decker Creek, a tributary to the East Fork Satsop River.

The mosaic of wetlands, streams and forests provides habitat for river otter, black bear and elk, as well as spawning and rearing habitat for coho, summer and fall chinook, chum, winter steelhead and cutthroat trout.

Grants totaling $1 million from the state Salmon Recovery Funding Board and the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program were used to acquire the land from Green Diamond, a Shelton-based timber company.

Green Diamond will continue to manage the adjoining lands for timber production.

“This type of conservation is a perfect fit with working forestry,” said Eric Schallon, the company’s Washington land management and business-development manager. “Both Green Diamond and Capitol Land Trust are focused on conserving fish, wildlife and clean water.”

The agreement calls for Mason County to own the preserved land, known as the Decker Creek Wetland Complex, and for Capitol Land Trust to serve as a steward of the property.

John Dodge: 360-754-5444

jdodge@theolympian.com