California Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands - State Water ...

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California Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands v. 5.0.2 – Chapter 3 3.2.2 Wetland Typology In determining the appropriate wetland typology for CRAM, the Core Team considered the ecological typology used by NWI, the hydro-geomorphic (HGM) classification used by the USACE, and typologies used in state policy. The NWI typology emphasizes the habitat functions of wetlands. The HGM typology emphasizes wetland hydrology and landscape position. While the Core Team considered the need to be consistent with both of these typologies, it also considered the need to recognize the kinds of wetlands named in California wetland protection policies. The hierarchical CRAM typology reflects all of these considerations, but it favors the HGM classification system overall, with sub-types that reflect State policy. The CRAM typology consists of six major wetland types, four of which have sub-types (Table 3.4 and Figure 3.2). Additional sub-types can be added in the future as needed. Table 3.4: The CRAM Wetland Typology. CRAM Wetland Types Riverine Wetlands Depressional Wetlands Playas Estuarine Wetlands Lacustrine Wetlands Slope Wetlands CRAM Sub-types (these are recognized for some but not all metrics) Confined Riverine Wetlands Non-confined Riverine Wetlands Individual Vernal Pools Vernal Pool Systems Other Depressional Wetlands no sub-types Perennial Saline Estuarine Wetlands Perennial Non-saline Estuarine Wetlands Seasonal Estuarine Wetlands no sub-types Seeps and Springs Wet Meadows Some wetlands will have undergone a conversion from one type to another due to either natural or anthropogenic events. For example, a channel avulsion may capture a depressional wetland and convert it to a riverine system, or construction of a dam may impound a stream and convert it to a lacustrine system. In any case, the wetland should be evaluated according to its current type and condition. Metric scores should be assigned using the ratings for the current state of the wetland, without regard for what the wetland might have been in the past, or what it might become in the future. However, for converted wetlands, the historical type as well as the existing type should be noted. The stressor checklist enables the user to document if the wetland is currently being stressed by the conversion (i.e., if the process of conversion is continuing and a significant source of stress). 20
California Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands v. 5.0.2 – Chapter 3 Figure 3.2: Flowchart to determine wetland type and sub-type. Non-confined Riverine Confined Riverine Yes No Valley width is at least twice channel width Marine not appropriate for CRAM Riverine No Is hydrology fully or partially tidal for at least 1 month during most years Yes No Evidence of strong freshwater influence Spring or Seep Yes Slope Wet Meadow No Occurs on slope or base of slope Yes Yes Flow-through system with channelized flow between distinct inlet and outlet START Flow-through system with channelized flow between distinct inlet and outlet No Groundwater is primary water source Yes Estuarine Is hydrology tidal at least 11 months most years No Seasonal Estuarine Yes Vegetation adapted to seasonal drying Yes No Yes No Prone to seasonal drying under natural hydrologic regime No Foreshore and Channel banks dominated by salttolerant plants Yes No Evidence of extreme pH or salinity with vascular vegetation only on perimeter of seasonal wet area Yes Associated with lentic water body (>8 ha. and 2m. deep) No Depressional Yes Saline Estuarine Non-saline Estuarine Playa No No Lacustrine Flora characterized by Vernal Pool specialists Yes Vernal Pools Many pools hydrologically interconnected Yes No Vernal Pool System Individual Vernal Pool 21
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Laurel % Steve Landscape Joshua Ave
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