Dams and dikes built on the Elwha River have induced sediment starvation and severely disrupted habitat in its estuary. Dam removal through the Elwha Ecosystem Restoration project will reopen 70 miles of riverine habitat and reestablish river sediment processes, but does not restore the disrupted estuary functions that significantly impact the Elwha estuary and ecosystem. The Place Road (west) dike (co-owned by the Elwha Tribe and a private landowner) is a dominant limiting factor in the Elwha estuary. The resulting 7 acres of impounded west estuary are privately owned. Long-term estuary restoration goals for the Elwha estuary include conservation easements and additional dike modifications. SRFB-funded nearshore assessment work in the Elwha west estuary has led to private landowner interest in considering estuarine ecosystem scale restoration goals. Local landowners have a strong interest in restoring fish access to the estuary. This timely project has three components. It provides: 1. Fish passage to 7 acres of the Elwha west estuary via a minimum of one fish passage structure; 2. Initial scoping for feasibility of conservation easements for the west estuary; and 3. A one-year baseline survey to define current conditions of the estuary prior to fish passage installation, critical for ongoing citizen dialog. ESA-listed Puget Sound Chinook, bull trout, and steelhead; chum, pinks, cutthroat, and forage fish will benefit from reconnected river and estuary habitat.