The Stillaguamish Tribe used this project to reconnect a 2500' remnant side channel that was disconnected from the mainstem North Fork Stillaguamish in the 1930s when the railroad built tracks between the channel and the river. During this time the river downcut and the side channel (slough) filled with organic debris and fine sediment from associated land uses such as logging and livestock grazing. The initial two phases of this project removed a 2-3 foot layer of "muck" and enough bed material to put the channel at the elevation of the river. The final phase of construction installed new corrugated metal culverts to connect the slough to the river at both ends allowing continuous flow through the channel and providing winter and summer rearing for chinook juveniles. In addition, a log jam complex was installed near the upstream culvert to provide backwater refugia for smolts entering the side channel. Riparian areas were planted with a mix of native conifer, hardwood, and conifers upon completion of the project. Numerous studies have shown a dramatic decline in the miles of side channel habitat throughout the watershed (Pess et.al. 2000, Sno. Co. SWM 2000-2003). This project opened up 2500 feet of side channel with associated wetlands and riparian habitat. This project created critical rearing and refuge habitat during winter storm events. Currently less than 2% of Chinook salmon juveniles rear in fresh water for a year before going out to sea (Griffith et al. 2005). By re-connecting quality side channel habitat, we expect to increase the survival of fish using this life history trajectory. During the two seasons since construction fish surveys have documented the use of the side channel by Chinook, Coho and Chum salmon.