diff --git a/.github/release-please.yml b/.github/release-please.yml
index d722d35a2..f87ac1ecc 100644
--- a/.github/release-please.yml
+++ b/.github/release-please.yml
@@ -35,6 +35,10 @@ branches:
     handleGHRelease: true
     releaseType: java-backport
     branch: 2.52.x
+  - bumpMinorPreMajor: true
+    handleGHRelease: true
+    releaseType: java-backport
+    branch: 2.51.x
 bumpMinorPreMajor: true
 handleGHRelease: true
 releaseType: java-yoshi
diff --git a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
index 26f85cb16..8a7fa3e30 100644
--- a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
+++ b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
@@ -147,6 +147,21 @@ branchProtectionRules:
       - cla/google
       - javadoc
       - unmanaged_dependency_check
+  - pattern: 2.51.x
+    isAdminEnforced: true
+    requiredApprovingReviewCount: 1
+    requiresCodeOwnerReviews: true
+    requiresStrictStatusChecks: false
+    requiredStatusCheckContexts:
+      - dependencies (17)
+      - lint
+      - clirr
+      - units (8)
+      - units (11)
+      - 'Kokoro - Test: Integration'
+      - cla/google
+      - javadoc
+      - unmanaged_dependency_check
 permissionRules:
   - team: api-bigquery
     permission: admin