Problem 1: Low Levels of Marine-Derived Nutrients Historically, naturally spawning salmon provided a plentiful source of MDN to ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest. With declines in naturally spawning salmon species, the associated decline of MDN's has been identified as a possible limiting factor for Salmon Recovery in SW Washington (LCFRB, 2010). All sub-basin recovery plans note that nutrient problems may exist in our target watersheds. By dispersing hatchery salmon carcasses into our target watersheds, LCFEG is replicating an important ecological function that has declined due to diminished salmon runs. Problem 2: Impaired Riparian Function Creating and maintaining a resilient riparian canopy is critical to the health of SW Washington watersheds. Riparian conditions are generally considered poor across the Lower Columbia region. The Integrated Watershed Analysis riparian assessment (LCFRB 2004), which modeled riparian impairment across the region using vegetative cover characteristics, indicates that most of the region suffers from moderately impaired riparian conditions. For example, reduced stream canopy cover was identified as a limiting factor in all Washougal River priority areas (LCFRB 2010). All our target rivers and their tributaries have been degraded over the last 200 years due to human disturbance. Land use changes such as logging, road building, and development have impacted riparian vegetation and function, resulting in poorly vegetated and highly erodible rivers and streams. By dispersing willow cuttings in these watersheds, we will address the issues associated with these changes and will benefit ESA-listed salmonids.