Summer flows are decreasing in the Middle Fork due to climate change and irrigation withdrawals. Less water in the river means that it heats up more quickly, sometimes resulting in major salmon and steelhead die-offs. Flow increase projects will help mitigate for the ongoing effects of climate change by ensuring a more stable flow through the summer. Flow increase projects include the direct acquisition of water rights from those who hold them, often through a purchase; reconnection of spring flows; and water diversion closures.

Flow increase projects aim to increase stream flow and thus quality and quantity of available fish habitat, especially in summer, when low flows can limit available places for adult migrating salmon to rest or for juvenile fish to rear. Increasing flows also helps to cool down water temperatures and help heat-sensitive species like salmon survive through often lethally-hot summer temperatures.