The Chewuch River has been slow to recover from the removal of wood in the early half of the 1900's. Many of the forest stands along the project area provide low rates of natural wood recruitment. In addition, channel and stream bank alterations have reduced the ability of stream channels to effectively retain wood once it has been recruited. Recreation and road development have also reduced the potential for new wood to fall into the river. These factors have led to a decrease in pool habitat in the river; beyond what would occur naturally. The Chewuch River Watershed Analysis (USDA 1994), Upper Columbia Salmon-Steelhead Recovery Plan (UCSRB 2007), and the MVRD's Draft Lower Chewuch Watershed Action Plan (USDA 2010) each identify the lack of habitat diversity in the Chewuch River as limiting fish productivity for fish in the Methow sub-basin. Each plan identified the need to increase large wood quantities, pool frequency and quality, and to re-establish side- and off-channel habitat in the Chewuch River. The Chewuch River Mile 17 to 20 Fish Enhancement Project was designed to address the following: Protect existing areas where high ecological integrity and natural ecosystem processes persist. Increase habitat diversity by adding instream structures where appropriate to initiate a more natural process. Protect and restore riparian habitat along spawning and rearing areas and identify long-term opportunities for riparian habitat enhancement.