The goal of this project is to preserve a portion of the Bass/Beaver Lake complex which contains 3 lakes totalling 42 acres, extensive wetlands and a perennial stream. There are many benefits of protecting this complex. Acquisition would protect an area with the highest bird species diversity in the county (KC Wetland Inventory, 1990; KC Waterways 2000, 1995). State Priority Species include bufflehead, wood duck, pileated woodpecker, bald eagle, great blue heron, common loon, & band-tailed pigeon. The wetland next to Bass Lake is one of largest in the county (140 acres), is State Priority Habitat, and needs protection. Cristy Cr. connects the lakes to Green River and contains cutthrout and rainbow trout. The complex is in a county-designated Area Highly Susceptible to Groundwater Contamination; preserving the complex would ensure continued year-round groundwater recharge to Green R. This project is needed to permanently protect a very sensitive area. Of the 107 acres identified for acquisition in this proposal, 85 acres are riparian. Extensive development pressure exists because parcels in the complex are developable, near lakes, have views of Mt. Rainier, & access to Hwy. 169. Protecting the complex is supported by several public agency documents. The project compliments previous efforts to protect the lake complex & over 3,500 acres preserved by State Parks and County along the Green River. Preservation would also provide an opportunity to construct a trail linking the lakes with the Green River Gorge trail network.