CRAM Resources
Sharing knowledge, lessons learned, and resources among CRAM practitioners
Field equipment
- Data entry
- Testing has shown that eCRAM works best with one of the following browsers: Firefox 3 (Win or Mac), Firefox 4 Mac, Google Chrome, Safari 5, or Internet Explorer 9.
- Remember to save/upload your data to the server periodically when entering data.
- The "Wetland disturbances and conversions" box will remain red even when data have been entered; however, this does not affect the CRAM score calculation.
- View graphic for estimating percent cover (USDA-NRCS, 2002)
- View hardware recommendations & tips
- View grid overlay for aerial photographs and instructions
- View video on field identification of bankfull stage (USDA Forest Service)
Interactive mapping and aerial imagery
- Bing Maps: Provides high quality maps and aerial imagery with the capability of zooming into a site
and using the Bird's Eye View feature. - California Coastal Records Project: Provides online access to over 57,300 aerial photographs of the California coastline, from the Oregon to the Mexican Border.
Plant identification
The following websites may be useful in conducting the office assessment portion of a CRAM assessment.
- Central California Wetland Plants: An online guide by the Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District
- Estuarine Plant Guide: Field guide to assist in recognizing and identifying commonly encountered plants in estuarine wetlands. Although developed primarily for the southern California region, many of the species listed are found statewide.
- Guide to Native and Invasive Plants of the Storke Ranch Vernal Pool Open Space: Guide to managing vernal pools in the Greater Santa Barbara Area (Hildner 2009)
- Guide to Native and Invasive Streamside Plants: Restoring Riparian Habitats in Ventura County & along the Santa Clara River in Los Angeles County (2006)
- National Wetland Plant List: An online guide by the Army Corps of Engineers provides general botanical information about wetland plants throughout North America (includes distribution maps, photos, and search capabilities); used extensively in wetland delineation and restoration, and the development of compensatory mitigation goals. [Note: Select "All Botanical Searches" from side navigation bar].
- Riverine Plant Guide: Field guide to assist in recognizing and identifying commonly encountered plants in riverine wetlands. Although developed primarily for the southern California region, many of the species listed are found statewide.
Structural patch type identification
- Photos of CRAM structural patch types (courtesy of Moss Landing Marine Laboratories)
Tide prediction
- A CRAM practitioner recommends the web-based tide predictor hosted by Mobile Geographics (based on XTide)
- A CRAM practitioner recommends WXTide32, a free Windows tide and current prediction program that can be used offline (based on XTide)
- The XTide site offers a listing of XTide derivatives for Mac, Palm, and other platforms
- NOAA offers Tides Online
