The project is located on private agricultural land in the Lower North Fork (NF) Stillaguamish sub-basin, an area identified as a Second Priority for riparian restoration in the Stillaguamish Watershed Chinook Salmon Recovery Plan (The Plan) (2005). Within this sub-basin, degraded physical habitat conditions for salmonids include hydrology, sediment, riparian vegetation cover, large woody material, and floodplain connectivity (SIRC 2005). The Plan indicates that substantial improvement is needed in riparian forest canopy cover and species diversity, aquatic habitat complexity (especially along channel margins for juvenile rearing), and spawning gravel conditions.

Within the project boundary, sub-optimal conditions for salmonid spawning and rearing exist along a 1,500 foot reach of an unnamed tributary to the NF Stillaguamish, due in part to a lack of mature riparian forest and the presence of non-native invasive vegetation along the stream corridor. These conditions provide minimal floodplain roughness, bank stability, and shade to the channel. The Task Force will address the degraded habitat conditions along this tributary by controlling non-native vegetation within the riparian area, and by establishing an approximately 50 foot buffer along 1,500 linear feet of the tributary.

Proposed restoration actions will contribute to improved spawning and rearing conditions for several salmonid species including coho, chum, cutthroat, and rainbow trout by reducing fine sediment intrusion, and increasing cover and nutrient inputs into the stream. Owing to the project's proximity to the NF Stillaguamish, the project will also improve rearing conditions for juvenile Chinook salmon that may utilize the tributary.

The project presents an opportunity to complete a small-scale cooperative riparian enhancement project on private agricultural land, and will serve as a demonstration project to surrounding rural-residential and agricultural landowners.