diff --git a/.github/release-please.yml b/.github/release-please.yml
index e31f046214..ba18707fd2 100644
--- a/.github/release-please.yml
+++ b/.github/release-please.yml
@@ -23,5 +23,12 @@ branches:
       - >-
         google-cloud-bigtable/src/main/java/com/google/cloud/bigtable/Version.java
     branch: 2.2.x
+  - bumpMinorPreMajor: true
+    handleGHRelease: true
+    releaseType: java-backport
+    extraFiles:
+      - >-
+        google-cloud-bigtable/src/main/java/com/google/cloud/bigtable/Version.java
+    branch: v2.6.x
 extraFiles:
   - google-cloud-bigtable/src/main/java/com/google/cloud/bigtable/Version.java
diff --git a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
index 4a2c04441f..eb1713524e 100644
--- a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
+++ b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
@@ -60,6 +60,21 @@ branchProtectionRules:
       - 'Kokoro - Test: Integration'
       - cla/google
       - OwlBot Post Processor
+  - pattern: v2.6.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
+      - OwlBot Post Processor
 permissionRules:
   - team: yoshi-admins
     permission: admin