Restoration and protection projects found in this project folder are located in the Sauk River upstream of the confluence with the Suiattle River within the rearing range of lower and upper Sauk Chinook stocks. This rearing range is characterized in the lower section (from Darrington downstream) by a relatively wide floodplain and a moderate level of floodplain disturbance, while in the upper section (upstream of Darrington) the floodplain is significantly narrower, and has a relatively low level of disturbance. The lower section has a much larger amount of off-channel habitat than the upper section, primarily because of the lower gradient and wider floodplain. The lower section has one of the largest lengths of off-channel habitat per unit mainstem length of any of the rearing ranges.

The approximately 67 ha or 164 ac of floodplain in and near the town of Darrington are isolated or impaired by roads or streambank armoring. Because of the development here this reach should be evaluated in more detail, Some practical restoration actions might include increasing the span length of the Sauk Prairie Bridge and removing riprap from some of the properties downstream of the Hampton Mill. The purpose of restoration here is to restore mainstem channel complexity and the development of off-channel habitat through the process of natural channel migration on the Sauk River. It is important in both sections of this range to protect the current conditions by keeping roads, hydromodifications and developments out of the floodplain and avoiding timber harvest in the floodplain.

Those projects contributing to the recovery goals in the Skagit Chapter of the Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Plan have project numbers beginning with the number 10.09, a reference to the chapter and section in that document. All other projects either pre-date the recovery plan or benefit other species.