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1.960 Introduction This interim guide describes the components and objec- tives of a monitoring plan and, where possible, it provides references. Where reference material is not available, as in the discussion on Onfarm Economics, the report details common monitoring techniques and discusses statistical considerations in preparing sampling designs and data analysis. It describes some monitoring principlesaild con- cepts, but does not prescribe specific monitoring programs; Monitoring programs have to be tailored in- dividually to address the impacts, management goals, and , conditions at the project site, This interim guide is in- tended to provide the reader with the background re- quired to develop a monitoring and evaluation plan that would ensure consistency throughout the salinity control program. Monitoring is the orderly collection, analysis, and inter- pretation of data to evaluate progress in meeting program goals. Salinity monitoring is used to evaluate what is hap- pening to salinity loading in the Colorado River Basin, why it is happening, and what program adjustments might be re- quired to meet salinity program goals. Salinity control projects have goals different from those of more traditional U.S. Bureau of RecIamati()ilorSoilCon- servation Service projects. Their success cannot be judged simply by completion of a structure or implementation of onfarm practices. Often, project results ,are not readily ap- parent. These projects must be approached philosophical- ly from ,a research standpoint rather than a pure engineer- ing standpoint. Planning requirements cannot be com- pletely generaIized, because each project is different. Therefore, each project needs a data-collection program designed to provide the information necessary to project and subsequently evaluate the effectiveness of that in- dividual project.