Project elements included assessing the large volume of existing habitat and population data available for the San Lorenzo River, collecting and analyzing existing data related to physical habitat conditions, and reviewing existing hydrologic and geomorphic data developed for the watershed. The result of this analysis was a set of two documents. The first consisted of an Enhancement Plan for the watershed describing the current status of the steelhead population, spawning and rearing conditions, a limiting factors analysis, and a set of programmatic recommendations to improve habitat conditions within the watershed.

Recommendations included removing partial barriers in the mainstem and erosion control projects in areas tributary to the middle reach of the mainstem. Specific projects to address these priorities were outlined in the second document, the Action Plan. Conceptual level engineering designs were developed for nine partial passage barriers and six erosion control projects.