The Yakama Nation used this funding to help purchase the Holmes property, which encompasses 37.63 acres and a 2400' side channel of the Yakima River near Ellensburg, WA. The entire property is within the geomorphic floodplain. The lack of side-channel connectivity is a limiting factor in fish production in the Yakima; this acquisition slowed the attrition of floodplain function. The 100-year floodplain and side channel were permanently protected as habitat for natural production. The surface water right, totaling 3.31 cubic feet per second and 677 acre feet per year, is now managed for instream flow restoration. Research conducted by Yakama Nation, WDFW, University of Montana, and Central Washington University identified this reach as highly productive for salmonids. Broad floodplains support active hyporheic zones. Alcoves (like the Holmes' side channel) support robust densities of juvenile fish. These habitats are exceptionally important, given the regulated flow of the Yakima River. Artificially high summer flows diminish main stem rearing habitat quality, making stable side channels even more important. This project is expected to benefit Chinook salmon and steelhead. Yakama Nation biologists had an ongoing dialogue with the landowners which resulted in purchase of this property.