The Yakima Basin Side Channels restoration project works to restore, enhance, and protect watershed function within the Yakima subbasin off reservation. Project work emphasizes restoration and protection in priority watersheds and reaches that support native salmonid stocks, particularly steelhead (Oncorhyncus mykiss; listed as "Threatened" within the Mid-Columbia ESU), spring Chinook (O. tshawytscha) salmon, and bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus; ESA "Threatened"). Watershed and habitat improvements also benefit fall Chinook (O. tshawytscha) summer Chinook (O. tshawytscha) and coho (O. kisutch) salmon, resident rainbow trout (O. mykiss), and cutthroat trout (O. clarki) and enhance habitat for many terrestrial and amphibian wildlife species. The Yakima Basin Side Channels restoration project is prioritized to address Naches and Upper Yakima tributary limiting factors of reduced stream complexity and channel structure, elevated summer water temperature, reduced floodplain connectivity and function, insufficient large wood in channels and degraded riparian condition in to restore sustainable and harvestable populations of salmon, steelhead and other at-risk species that were historically present in the Yakima subbasin. Additionally, the project will promote climate resiliency and cold water fish recovery. Since 75% of the off-reservation project area is in public ownership, maximum effectiveness is accomplished via cooperation with state, federal and NGO entities. The Yakima Basin Side Channels restoration project addresses goals and objectives presented in the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan, Yakima Subbasin Plan, Yakima River Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Plan, Yakima Steelhead Recovery Plan and the Yakima Bull Trout Action Plan.