The gravity ditch is designed to provide river water to five off-channel ponds and side channels developed on the MSRF project. Four of these ponds are connected to the Twisp River by a free flowing outlet channel and provide off-channel rearing and over-wintering habitat. The fifth pond has been used for four years under an agreement between WA Department of Fish and Wildlife and MSRF for acclimation of UCR Steelhead. This pond is isolated from the other ponds by a stainless steel fish screen during acclimation periods. Re-habilitation of the ditch extending from the intake to the first (most up-stream) pond to provide improved habitat for over-wintering habitat was completed in 2006. The project confined within the boundaries of the existing ditch and surrounding upland areas resulted in re-connection of historically viable side channel habitat to the Twisp River. The project benefits fish and wildlife recovery efforts and provides opportunities for public outreach education and access. The project improved natural floodplain functions in the lower reach of the Twisp River and provides improved rearing habitat for listed species in the Twisp River. Removal of the existing push-up dam also improved in-stream fish passage.