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, w CJl W f',.) , """" VIII, Future Studies , The conclusions in this and the 1977 Salinity Status Report regarding effects of man's activities on salinity have been drawn primarily from published results dealing mainly with effects on infiltration, runoff, and sedimentation. Recent results (studies funded by BlM and U.S.D.I., Office of Water Research and Technology) have shown a relationship be- tween increased sal inity and increased runoff and soil loss. These data were used as a justification for this extrapolation. However, the dura- tion of the studies was short, 3 years at the maximum. Further studies relating to the effects on salinity levels of control of oil-gas acti- vities, mining, ORV, and grazing are needed. Additional data are also needed on the feasibility of controlling natural and man-caused point sources of salinity from groundwater. The following studies are suggested for future consideration in order to better understand the factors influencing salinity and the best means of reducing salt yields from public lands. A. Research on the effects of grazing on hydrologic responses, and ultimately on salinity, should be continued. As contrasted with previous studies, the main feature of this project would be the direct measurement of salinity as affected by grazing treatments. Data on other more conventional parameters, such as runoff, sedimentation, changes in vegetation, erosion, and infiltration properties, would also be collected. These data would improve our knowledge of the relationships between hydrologic responses and salinity. A demonstration and exgerimental evaporation pond salinity control project could e constructed. Salt Creek in western Colorado is a likely candidate for a site. Such a project would be studied to provide BlM with data on design problems, construction techniques and costs, maintenance problems and costs, evaporation rates, and effects on wildlife and other aspects of the environment. B. C. Water qualit data are necessary success of land use and activity ment plans). and monitorin allotment manage- In response to this and other resources I needs for information, a series of stream-gaging stations have been located in Colorado and Utah on ephemera 1 and perenni a 1 channel s. These gages are provi ding val uab 1 e data on salinity levels from arid and semiarid public rangelands. The stations are located in regions where little data on water quality have been previously collected. Maintenance and operation of these stations should be continued. In addition, biological data should be collected on the watersheds above the gaging stations. These would provide infor- . mation on factors relating to levels of salinity monitored by the gages. 3D ~'" "A_ __ ,.h;'~' ".,";_j:__,_"~,,_,,,.;;.'