CRAM Training

Training

The California Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands and riparian areas (CRAM) has been developed as a tool for standardized and cost-effective assessment of wetland condition. This training session will provide the skills necessary to consistently conduct accurate assessments of wetlands using CRAM, and will provide guidance on the use of CRAM for ambient and project assessment and monitoring. The session involves both classroom and field instruction, with an emphasis on the field component. To successfully complete the course, participants will be required to pass a written and a field-based proficiency examination.

Objectives

The Practitioner CRAM Training is structured as a 5-day "General CRAM Training". This 5-day course provides a broad understanding of the methodology, assumptions, and background to conduct field assessments for multiple types of wetlands. Sessions will equip practitioners with overall knowledge of how CRAM is used to assess multiple types of wetlands, and also details specific to each type. However, the field portion of each session will focus on two specific wetland types, so that practitioners gain experience in accurately and consistently conducting assessments using these two CRAM modules.

Previously trained practitioners that have attended at least 5 days of training (2 modules) are considered fully trained (meaning the equivalent of the current 5-day training). Previously trained practitioners that have attended a 3-day training are considered trained only in the module that they attended (most likely Riverine or Vernal Pools). Starting in April 2013, new practitioners will need to attend and successfully complete a 5-day format session to be considered fully trained in CRAM.

The only exception to the training structure is for Vernal Pool wetlands. This wetland type will continue to be taught as a single wetland module, separate from the 5-day general CRAM training. This is due primarily to the unique nature of the metrics in the module and the plant species found in these wetlands, which limit the time frame and locations in which the training can be offered.

Read the CRAM Training Course Prospectus

General Training for Practitioners

CRAM practitioners that have completed the 5-Day General Training, previously known as Practitioner-Level training, are qualified to conduct field assessments. This course trains practitioners who will primarily be conducting site assessments, interpreting CRAM scores, designing assessment or monitoring projects, writing reports using CRAM data, and interacting with managers and agency staff. It provides participants with a broad understanding of the methodology, assumptions, and background of the method, as well as with intensive field-based practice to be able to accurately conduct field assessments for multiply wetland types. The field portion will focus on two specific wetland types, however practitioners will be equipped with the skills to conduct an assessment on any wetland type, with the exception of Vernal Pools. A specific 3-day Vernal Pools class is required for assessments in this wetland type.

To be considered fully trained and qualified to conduct field assessments, the practitioner must have successfully completed:

• a 5-day General Training, or
• a 3-day training plus an additional 2-day training in another module (this structure applied prior to 2013)

Those practitioners that have attended a 3-day Vernal Pool training are trained in the Vernal Pool module only.
Those practitioners that have attended a 3-day Riverine training (prior to 2013) are trained in the Riverine module only.

Manager-Level Training (for project managers, designers, planners, and regulatory staff)

The 2-day Manager-Level training is intended for project managers, designers, planners, and regulatory staff that need a fundamental understanding of CRAM and its application for project management and regulatory applications. This course does not provide the rigorous hands-on field time conducting assessments that the General Training provides, and thus these participants will not develop the skills necessary to conduct field assessments.

Training Frequency

The Level 2 Committee (CRAM oversight committee) of the California Wetland Monitoring Workgroup recommends that practitioners remain current in the method. It is recommended that:

• If trained in 2013 or later, and have conducted very few assessments, the practitioner should attend a 1-Day Refresher Training. This class is also helpful for those practitioners that have been practicing regularly.
• If trained prior to 2013, and have conducted very few assessments, the practitioner should attend a 5-Day General Training.
• If trained prior to 2013, and have been regularly practicing, the practitioner should attend either a 1-Day Refresher Training or a 5-Day General Training.

If an error in any training record is found, please contact [email protected].