Ala Spit is located in Island County (Water Resources Inventory Area 6), on the northeast shore of Whidbey Island, Washington. Ala Spit has a pocket estuary that is located less than three miles from the Skagit River delta. It provides vital rearing and cover habitat for endangered species act (ESA) listed Chinook and other salmonid species as they transition from their freshwater habitats in the Skagit River to the Pacific Ocean. The project addressed a priority action (preservation of habitat for Chinook and other salmon species) and in a priority area (i.e., pocket estuary accessible to Skagit River juvenile salmon), and targeted priority fish species (i.e., Skagit Chinook salmon). In 1995, Island County successfully acquired two grants to purchase Ala Spit, which was at risk of being developed. The property purchase included 5 acres of uplands and 8 acres of spit. The site became a very popular area for a variety of recreational activities including birding, clamming, fishing, and walking trails. After Island County purchased the land in 1995, it was recognized that erosion along the southern end of the spit was threatening to create a breach point that would result in habitat degradation and a loss of pedestrian access. A feasibility study to evaluate the geologic processes causing thinning of the spit and the environmental impacts from the potential loss in habitat would be required for the restoration of the site. Island County completed the feasibility study (Phase I) and 30% of the design for remediation in 2006. Island County was a successful recipient of Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SFRB) money for Architectural/Engineering Services to complete the proposed design and construction (Phase II) for removing the riprap revetment. The riprap revetment removal was proposed as the most cost effective approach for increasing total habitat area, restoring physical processes, and protecting habitat functions critical for the survival of Chinook and other salmon species as well as forage fish and other marine species and their habitat, while maintaining the current use of Ala Spit County Park by the public. To this end, final engineering design plans, specifications, and cost estimate (PS&E); a performance monitoring plan (currently being implemented); and bid documents were prepared and permits were obtained for the removal of the riprap and bulkhead sections. In October of 2011, the restoration work of removing riprap was successfully completed. Department of Ecology match funding was utilized by Island County staff for project management to oversee design and construction of Ala Spit. The value of the SRFB grant is $ 267,538 and Island County was responsible for a 15% ($47,199) match. The total project was $ 314,737. A Monitoring Plan was developed to determine to which extent the primary goal of the project is achieved and to assess to which extent the salmon and forage fish habitat is restored through the project implementation. ICPH has contracted with Washington State University Beach Watchers (WSUBW) to conduct physical monitoring twice per year for a minimum of three years to observe the changes to the spit and monitor progress. An intpretive sign was installed at Ala Spit to educate patrons on the natural beach process and the importance of this site to juvenile salmon. A dog-waste station was also installed to prevent bacterial contamination from dog waste into the surronding waters.