Ducks Unlimited used this funding for the Swinomish Channel Restoration Project, which restored approximately 50 acres of former estuarine marsh along the Swinomish Channel west of Mt. Vernon, Washington. The restoration project had six distinct components: 1a - removal of wood culvert and installation of steel bridge; 1b - installation of second "Aberdeen-Style" Tidegate; 2 - Blind Channel Development; 3 - Oxbow Slough Restoration (former control reach); 4 - North Old Slough Channel Restoration; 5 - Fill removal near LaConner. The project restored natural functions and processes within the project area. The restoration of tidal marsh, blind sloughs and distributary channels will provide important rearing habitat for Skagit basin Chinook salmon, a Federally threatened species. The project also provided rearing habitat for several other salmonids species. Over 90% of the original estuarine marsh found in the Skagit River delta has been lost due to previous conversion to other uses. The loss of estuarine habitats has been determined to be a key factor in the decline of many salmonids populations, including Chinook and coho salmon. The Skagit Watershed Council and other groups have made the restoration and protection of estuarine marsh a high priority action needed to recover and maintain healthy salmon populations. In addition to providing important benefits to salmon, the project also provided ideal habitat to hundreds of species of fish and wildlife. Partners in this effort include: the Swinomish Tribe and the North American Wetlands Conservation Council.