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Guidance Publications
Description Resource(s)
California Wetland Monitoring Workgroup Tenets of a State Wetland and Riparian Monitoring Program (WRAMP) 72 pages; April 2010 CWMW_WRAMPTenets.pdf (1.79 MB)
CRAM Flowchart

Updated CRAM Flowchart; July, 2016

UPDATED CRAM Flowchart_July2016.pdf (237.01 KB)
CRAM User's Manual version 6.1

April 2013

2013-04-22_CRAM_manual_6.1 all.pdf (1.17 MB)
Data Quality Assurance Plan for CRAM

Data Quality Assurance Plan for CRAM, California Wetland Monitoring Workgroup, version 7; October 2018

CRAM data QA plan v7-2018.10.pdf (768.55 KB)
Technical Bulletin: Using CRAM to Assess Wetland Projects as an Element of Regulatory and Management Programs California Wetlands Monitoring Workgroup This document supports consistent and appropriate application of CRAM for regulatory, mitigation, and restoration projects across a variety of state and federal agency programs. It does not constitute official guidance or policy by any agency, rather it addresses a set of technical issues and considerations. Users are encouraged to consult with agency staff on questions regarding use of CRAM in specific project circumstances. September 2019 98 pages 2019CRAM_TechnicalBulletin.pdf (3.49 MB)
Field Books (SOPs)
Description Resource(s)
CRAM Photo Dictionary

The CRAM Photo Dictionary, which should be used in conjunction with a CRAM field book, is a compilation of photographic examples used to assist practitioners in correctly identifying the visual indicators or the specific narrative used to score many of the metrics. Some examples are specific to a single wetland type and some are universal across wetland types. The wetland types included in this photo dictionary are Estuarine, Riverine, and Depressional wetlands.

CRAM Photo Dictionary_June2013.pdf (76.91 MB)
CRAM Field Books - Bar Built Estuarine

Includes paper CRAM forms and data sheets. Bar Built Estuarine version 6.1; May, 2013

May2013_CRAM Field Book BBE_v61.pdf (10.62 MB)
BBE_Datasheet_v61.pdf (193.09 KB)
CRAM Field Books - Depressional

Includes paper CRAM forms and data sheets. Depressional version 6.1; February, 2013

2013.03.19_CRAM_Fieldbook_Depressional_final_0.pdf (5.99 MB)
Depressional datasheet_revised.pdf (201.32 KB)
Changes to Depressional Field Book 5.0.2 to 6.1_0.pdf (404.79 KB)
CRAM Field Books - Episodic Riverine

Includes paper CRAM forms, changes to Episodic Riverine Field Book 1.0 to 6.2, data sheets, and photo dictionary. Episodic Riverine version 6.2; June, 2020.

Episodic Riverine CRAM Field Book_v6.2.pdf (3.92 MB)
Changes to Episodic Riverine Field Book 1.0 to 6.2.pdf (150.36 KB)
Episodic Riverine CRAM datasheet_v6.2_September 2020_0.pdf (294.97 KB)
Episodic Riverine Physical Structure Photo Dictionary_September 2020_0.pdf (20.81 MB)
CRAM Field Books - Estuarine

Includes paper CRAM forms, changes to Estuarine Field Book 6.0 to 6.1, and data sheets. Estuarine version 6.1; January, 2013

2013.03.19_CRAM Field Book Estuarine 6.1_0.pdf (13.32 MB)
Changes to Estuarine Field Book 6.0 to 6.1_0.pdf (410.46 KB)
Estuarine datasheet_v.6.1.pdf (160.17 KB)
CRAM Field Books - Riverine

Includes paper CRAM forms, changes to Riverine Field Book 6.0 to 6.1, and data sheets. Riverine version 6.1; January, 2013
 

2013.03.19_CRAM Field Book Riverine 6.1_0.pdf (5.17 MB)
Changes to Riverine Field Book 6.0 to 6.1_0.pdf (406.53 KB)
CRAM_Riverine datasheet_v.6.1.pdf (199.46 KB)
CRAM Field Books - Slope

Includes field book, forms, data sheets, and photo dictionary. Slope version 6.2; October, 2017
Note: eCRAM forms are not currently available for v6.2.

eCRAM forms not available for v6.2.pdf (96.76 KB)
CRAM Slope Wetland Field Book v6.2_2018-09-05.pdf (4.09 MB)
Changes to Slope Fieldbook Version 6.1 to 6.2.pdf (104.11 KB)
CRAM Slope Wetland v6.2 Forms Only_2018-09-05.pdf (239.2 KB)
CRAM Slope Wetland Photo Dictionary_2017.pdf (16.86 MB)
CRAM Field Books - Vernal Pools (Individual) Includes field book, list of changes from v6.1, forms, data sheets, and endemic plant list. Individual Vernal Pools version 6.2; March, 2020 Individual Vernal Pools CRAM 6.2 Field Book 2020.3.31.pdf (1021.42 KB)
Changes to Individual VP Field Book 6.1 to 6.2.pdf (107.82 KB)
Individual Vernal Pools CRAM 6.2 Forms Only 2020.03.31.pdf (149.92 KB)
CRAMVernal Pool Endemics-2020.pdf (81.7 KB)
CRAMVernal Pool Endemics-2020.xlsx (25.33 KB)
CRAM Field Books - Vernal Pools (Systems)

Includes field book, list of changes from v6.1, forms, data sheets, and endemic plant list. Vernal Pool Systems version 6.2; March, 2020

Vernal Pool Systems CRAM Field Book 2020.3.31.pdf (1.31 MB)
Changes to VP Systems Field Book 6.1 to 6.2.pdf (112.26 KB)
Vernal Pool Systems CRAM 6.2 Forms Only 2020.03.31_0.pdf (149.86 KB)
CRAMVernal Pool Endemics-2020_0.pdf (81.7 KB)
CRAMVernal Pool Endemics-2020_0.xlsx (25.33 KB)
Training Videos
Description Resource(s)
Bar Built Training Video

A step-by-step instructional video on how to conduct a Bar Built wetland CRAM assessment.
 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3e3A5s3KyQ&feature=youtu.be
Depressional Training Video

A step-by-step instructional video on how to conduct a Depressional wetland CRAM assessment. Winner of the 2014 W3 Silver Award for educational training! 
 

http://youtu.be/i25wGKZWNqI
Estuarine Training Video

A step-by-step instructional video on how to conduct an Estuarine wetland CRAM assessment.

http://youtu.be/lgaxs4VWmLE
Riverine Training Video

A step-by-step instructional video on how to conduct a Riverine wetland CRAM assessment.
 

http://youtu.be/YraK1kTHE4U
CRAM Training Materials
Description Resource(s)
CRAM Training Course Prospectus

This document includes a generic CRAM training description and 5-day training agenda. It serves as the template for trainings that take place annually around the State.  Specific trainings may make changes to the agenda, but all topics are covered in each training.

Prospectus_final.docx (24.62 KB)
CRAM Development
Description Resource(s)
A practical guide for the development of a wetland assessment method: the California experience

2006. Sutula, M.A., E.D. Stein, J.N. Collins, A.E. Fetscher, R. Clark. Journal of the American Water Resources Association 42(1):157-175.
 

WREB4201_157-175.pdf (2.28 MB)
CRAM Module Development CRAM Module Development Status_simple.pdf (41.08 KB)
Information for 3rd party developers of CRAM-related documents and materials

1 page; December 6, 2010

2010-12-06_CRAM disclaimer.pdf (69.21 KB)
Steps to Develop a Module for the California Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands (CRAM)

7 pages; March 17 2011

Steps to Develop a Statewide CRAM Module_03212011_final.pdf (291.42 KB)
Versions of CRAM methodology Versions of CRAM methodology https://www.cramwetlands.org/versions
Wetlands Demonstration Project Steering Committee Charter

draft; 2 pages; May 22 2006

WDP_SC_2Pager_v4.pdf (674.53 KB)
Validation Studies
Description Resource(s)
Assessing California's bar-built estuaries using the California Rapid Assessment Method

 Heady, W.N., R.P. Clark , K. Connor , C. Clark , C. Endris , S. Ryan , S. Stoner-Duncan. Ecological Indicators, Volume 58, November 2015, Pages 300-310

mailto: ​Kevin O'Connor<[email protected]>?subject=Request%20copy
Devlopment of an Assessment Framework for Dry Ephemeral and Intermittent Streams in California and Arizona

Mazor, R., J. Brown, E. Stein, J. Olson, M. Robinson, A. Caudillo, S. Johnson, G. Mak, C. Clarke, K. O’Connor, K. Hammerstrom, R. Clark. SCCWRP Technical Report #1176. March 2021.

2021-03_1176_DryStreamsAssessmentFramework.pdf (3.32 MB)
Validation of a Wetland Rapid Assessment Method: Use of EPA's Level 1-2-3 Framework for Method Testing and Refinement

Stein E.D. , A.E. Fetscher, R.P. Clark, A. Wiskind, J.L. Grenier, M. Sutula, J.N. Collins, C. Grosso. Wetlands 29(2):648-665. 2009

A case study of the validation of the riverine and estuarine modules CRAM. This work evaluated responsiveness of the method to β€œgood” vs. β€œpoor” wetland condition, ability to represent a range of conditions, internal redundancy, alternative combination rules for constituent metrics, and reproducibility of results. The use of existing avian diversity, benthic macroinvertebrate indices, and plant community composition datasets as validation of CRAM results demonstrated. Results indicate that CRAM is an effective tool for assessing general riverine and estuarine wetland condition based on its correspondence with multiple independent assessments of condition. This study demonstrates that, when validated, rapid assessment methods provide a meaningful and reliable tool for assessing wetland condition.

2009-06_Stein et al_CRAMValidation.pdf (700.46 KB)
Validation of the California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) Slope Wetland Module

Pearce, S., C. Clark, S. Lowe. Prepared by the San Francisco Estuary Institute. October 2017.

CRAM Slope Wetland Validation Report_2017.pdf (1.63 MB)
Validation of the California Rapid Assessment Method Depressional Wetland Module: Final Report

Clark, C., S. Stoner-Duncan, S. Pearce, K. O' Connor, K. Hammerstrom, R. Clark. Prepared by the Central Coast Wetlands Group. December 2017.

CRAM Depressional Validation Report_2017.pdf (1.59 MB)
Validation of the California Rapid Assessment Method for Vernal Pool Systems: Final Report

Clark, C., L. Teunis, J. Vollmar, K. Hammerstrom, K. O' Connor, R. Clark. Prepared by the Central Coast Wetlands Group. November 2017.

CRAM Vernal Pool Validation Report_2017.pdf (1.32 MB)
Condition assessment in California using CRAM
Description Resource(s)
Demonstration of an integrated watershed assessment using a three-tiered assessment framework

Solek, C.W., E.D. Stein, M.A. Sutula. Wetlands Ecology and Management 19(5):459-474. 2011.

2011-10-18_Level 1-2-3 demo_WEM_PUBLISHED.pdf (2.12 MB)
State of the State’s Wetlands

The Status of Perennial Estuarine Wetlands in the State of California Fact Sheet

http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/swamp/wetlands.shtml
Use of CRAM in the evaluation of mitigation projects in California

Ambrose, R. F. , J. C. Callaway , and S. F. Lee . 2006. An evaluation of compensatory mitigation projects permitted under Clean Water Act Section 401 by the California State Water Quality Control Board, 1991–2002. Report to the State Water Resources Control Board. University of California. Los Angeles, CA, USA.
December 2004, 253 pages

2006-08-23_Ambrose_Wetland Mitigation Study - Complete Report.pdf (3.16 MB)
Wetlands Demonstration Project (WDP)

California’s Wetland Demonstration Program Pilot. A Final Project Report to the California Resources Agency MA Sutula, JN Collins, R Clark, RC Roberts, ED Stein, CS Grosso, A Wiskind, C Solek, M May, K O’Connor, AE Fetscher, JL Grenier, S Pearce, A Robinson, C Clark, K Rey, S Morrissette, A Eicher, R Pasquinelli, K Ritter.

WDP_Technical_Report_24 December 2008.pdf (4.71 MB)
Related Publications
Description Resource(s)
EPA Guidance Document

Elements of a State Water Monitoring and Assessment Program for Wetlands. 12 pages; April 2006

Wetland_Elements_Final.pdf (89.91 KB)
EPA Wetland Monitoring & Assessment: A Technical Framework

2 pages; April 8 2003

EPA_Monitoring_TechFramework_Link.pdf (189.64 KB)
Review of Rapid Methods for Assessing Wetland Condition

M. Siobhan Fennessy, Amy D. Jacobs, and Mary E. Kentula EPA/620/R-04/009 January 2004

http://www.wrmp.org/docs/cram/EPA_Rapid_Method_Review.pdf
Riparian Rapid Assessment Method for California (RipRAM)

Web page provides an overview and description of current development activities for RipRAM.

https://www.mlml.calstate.edu/ccwg/ripram/
Testing the Basic Assumption of the Hydrogeomorphic Approach to Assessing Wetland Functions

Hruby, T, Environmental Management Vol. 27, No. 5, pp. 749–761

http://www.springerlink.com/content/aak519wyfexyktn7/?MUD=MP
Wetland Assessment Alphabet Soup: How to Choose (or not Choose) the Right Assessment Method

2009. Stein, E., M. Brinson, M. Rains, W. Kleindl, and F. Hauer, Wetland Science and Practice, Vol. 26, No. 4.

2010-01-28_Wetland Assessment Alphabet Soup_WSP_Dec2009.pdf (560.3 KB)
Field Materials
Description Resource(s)
A Guide for Field Identification of Bankfull Stage in the Western United States

View a video on field identification of bankfull stage (USDA Forest Service) 

Grid overlay

View grid overlay for aerial photographs and instructions

2009-04-27_grid.pdf (33.25 KB)
2009-04-27_Instructions for grid.pdf (213.22 KB)
Percent cover

View graphic for estimating percent cover (USDA-NRCS, 2002)

2009-08-26_EstimatingPercentCoverNRCS.pdf (34.51 KB)
Plant Identification Resources
Description Resource(s)
California Native Plant Society workshops and trainings

Workshops conducted by professional botanists to teach identification of many common wetland and riparian California plant species

http://cnps.org/cnps/education/workshops/
California Vernal Pools

A collection of vernal pool information and resources

http://vernalpools.org/
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.

2011-05-10_Estuarine Plant Guide.pdf (18.15 MB)
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) 

2009-11-16_Hildner2009_VernalPoolPlntGd.pdf (7.34 MB)
Guide to Native and Invasive Streamside Plants

Restoring Riparian Habitats in Ventura County & along the Santa Clara River in Los Angeles County (2006)

VCPD2006_RipPlntGde.pdf (12.24 MB)
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].

http://rsgisias.crrel.usace.army.mil/NWPL/
Early Factsheets
Description Resource(s)
CRAM Factsheet

2 pages; December 2008

2008-11_Calif CRAM Factsheet Nov10 HiRes.pdf (503.48 KB)
CRAM Prospectus

Overview of CRAM: Why are we doing this? What is it? How is it being developed? What are its possible applications? Who can use it, and when will it be available?
2 pages; January 24 2008

2008-01-24_CRAM Prospectus.pdf (97.63 KB)
Field Books (SOPs) - Previous Versions
Description Resource(s)
CRAM Field Books - Episodic Riverine

Includes paper CRAM forms and data sheets. Episodic Riverine version 1.0; December, 2015. 

CRAM_Fieldbook_EpisodicRiverine_v1.0.pdf (4.54 MB)
CRAM Episodic Stream Photo Dictionary.pdf (21.63 MB)
CRAM_Worksheets_EpisodicRiverine_v1.0.pdf (1.36 MB)
Episodic_datasheet_v6.1.pdf (105.05 KB)
CRAM Field Books - Slope

Includes paper CRAM forms, and data sheets. Slope version 6.1; February, 2013

9_9_14_Slope Wetland Field Book v6.1.pdf (3.33 MB)
Slope Wetland Blank Datasheets_v6.1.pdf (235.59 KB)
CRAM Field Books - Vernal Pools (Individual)

Includes paper CRAM forms, changes made to the Individual Vernal Pools Field Book 6.1 from version 6.0 , and forms. Individual Vernal Pools version 6.1; January, 2013

Individual Vernal Pools CRAM 6.1 Field Book 2013-4-24.pdf (1.29 MB)
Individual Vernal Pools CRAM 6.1 Forms Only 2013-4-22_0.pdf (181.81 KB)
Changes to VP Field Books 6.0 to 6.1_1.pdf (100.95 KB)
CRAMVernal Pool Endemics-final.pdf (171.82 KB)
CRAMVernal Pool Endemics-final.xlsx (24.84 KB)
CRAM Field Books - Vernal Pools (Systems) Vernal Pool Systems CRAM 6.1 Field Book 2013-6-6_0.pdf (6.58 MB)
Changes to VP Field Books 6.0 to 6.1.pdf (100.95 KB)
Vernal Pool Systems CRAM 6.1 Forms Only 2013-6-6_0.pdf (247.95 KB)
CRAMVernal Pool Endemics-final_0.pdf (171.82 KB)
CRAMVernal Pool Endemics-final_0.xlsx (24.84 KB)
Includes paper CRAM forms, changes made to the Vernal Pool Systems Field Book 6.1 from version 6.0 , and forms. Vernal Pool Systems version 6.1; January, 2013
CRAM Manual and Field Books, version 4.2.3

CRAM manual (vol. 1) and field books (vol. 2) for version 4.2.3.

CRAM 4.2.3_Vol1_17Oct06.pdf (20.73 MB)
CRAM 4.2.3_Vol2_17Oct06.pdf (6.63 MB)
CRAM Manual and Field Books, version 4.2.3

CRAM manual (vol. 1) and field books (vol. 2) for version 4.2.3.

CRAM 4.2.3_Vol1_17Oct06_0.pdf (20.73 MB)
CRAM 4.2.3_Vol2_17Oct06_0.pdf (6.63 MB)
CRAM Manual and Field Books, version 6.0

March 2012

2012-04-05_CRAM_manual_6.0.pdf (12.57 MB)
2012-04-17_CRAM Field Book Riverine.pdf (4.89 MB)
2012_03_09_CRAM Field Book Estuarine.pdf (1.95 MB)
Vernal Pool Systems CRAM 6.0 Field Book 2012-03-21.pdf (6.62 MB)
CRAM User's Manual version 5.0

September 2007

2007-09-18_CRAM 5.0.pdf (89.66 MB)
CRAM User's Manual version 5.0.1

 October 2007

2007-10-17_CRAM 5.0.1.pdf (24.43 MB)
CRAM User's Manual version 5.0.2

CRAM User's Manual version 5.0.2, September 2008

2008-09-30_CRAM 5.0.2.pdf (26.08 MB)