The reconnection of this side channel restores floodplain connectivity, large wood abundance, and channel complexity. The reconnection of the side channel on both ends (upstream and downstream) will create new, high quality spawning habitat for Hood Canal Summer Chum within the project site, and activating the floodplain at this location will benefit spawning habitat downstream by promoting sediment processes return to a more natural state. Additionally, the reestablishment of the side channel and subsequent improved ability for the river to access its floodplain will decrease flow velocities during high water events. Slower flow velocities will reduce the potential of Summer Chum redds to be lost due to scour, and thus improve incubation survival rates. The proposed project is to develop a final design that will include both the most recent preliminary design on the upstream connections and the existing preliminary design on the lower portion of the oxbow channel. We will also request funding to implement the recommended project actions in the design. Fill will be removed from two areas upstream in the oxbow channel in order to connect the channel and adjacent wetlands to an existing side channel during high flow events. The previous restoration actions proposed in the original phases of the project (16-1472) and are updated with the latest design elements from the current phase of the project (21-1038).