This report includes recommendations for study design and methods for data collection. It is assumed that this report will be used as a guide for preparing monitoring study plans. The field methods presented here are for monitoring the effectiveness of riparian restoration during the initial and intermediate stages of establishment and community development at the site and stream reach scales. The stipulated period is 10 years, which is the time that access to treated sites is allowed under FRGP contracts. The methods focus on tree and shrub vegetation. Other methods will be appropriate for monitoring functions either in locations where riparian vegetation already exists and is being protected (e.g., through a conservation easement), for projects involving herbaceous wetland restoration or for long-term studies of stream response to riparian restoration. For example, studies of large wood recruitment to streams should be conducted using the field methods in Monitoring the Effectiveness of Instream Habitat Restoration.