diff --git a/.github/release-please.yml b/.github/release-please.yml
index dcaee0fb..88513672 100644
--- a/.github/release-please.yml
+++ b/.github/release-please.yml
@@ -7,6 +7,10 @@ branches:
     handleGHRelease: true
     releaseType: java-yoshi
     branch: java7
+  - bumpMinorPreMajor: true
+    handleGHRelease: true
+    releaseType: java-backport
+    branch: 3.1.x
 bumpMinorPreMajor: true
 handleGHRelease: true
 releaseType: java-yoshi
diff --git a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
index aa250b39..3938039e 100644
--- a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
+++ b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
@@ -46,6 +46,20 @@ branchProtectionRules:
       - units (11)
       - 'Kokoro - Test: Integration'
       - cla/google
+  - pattern: 3.1.x
+    isAdminEnforced: true
+    requiredApprovingReviewCount: 1
+    requiresCodeOwnerReviews: true
+    requiresStrictStatusChecks: false
+    requiredStatusCheckContexts:
+      - dependencies (8)
+      - dependencies (11)
+      - lint
+      - clirr
+      - units (8)
+      - units (11)
+      - 'Kokoro - Test: Integration'
+      - cla/google
 permissionRules:
   - team: yoshi-admins
     permission: admin