The Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group developed preliminary project designs for replacing a blocked culvert at the Davis Slough outlet with a bridge.Davis Slough is an off channel habitat feature associated with the Middle Skagit River floodplain that is located near RM 41 on the Skagit River. Davis Slough provides approximately 4.5 acres of high quality rearing habitat, but is currently disconnected from the river by the South Skagit Highway. The site was identified as a high priority barrier in an analysis conducted by the Skagit River System Cooperative in 2003 (Smith and Waldo, 2003). A single 48” culvert allows water to drain from the slough to the Skagit River, but that culvert is periodically blocked by beaver dams and/or subsequent sediment & debris deposition and thus often represents a complete blockage to fish passage. Because the culvert is undersized and vulnerable to beaver activity efforts to clear the blockage and maintain functional fish passage have been unsuccessful. Water flows into Davis Slough from four small tributary streams. Floods in the Skagit River also historically routed flow into Davis Slough via several overland flow paths, but water from these sources is currently prevented from entering Davis Slough by the South Skagit Highway. There are no cross-drains present. The preliminary design project developed evaluated 3 conceptual alternatives (30% level) for replacing the barrier culvert, and four conceptual alternatives for improving tributary and floodplain habitat and restoring natural hydrologic pathways. This is Phase 1 of a 3 Phase Project. Phase 2 will involve completion of final designs and preparation of a contractors bid packet. Phase 3 will involve construction of the bridge and cross drains and riparian restoration.