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

California Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands v. 5.0.2 – Chapter 3
3.8.2 Initial QA/QC Procedures for Data Collectors
Part of the value of CRAM is its ability to yield reproducible results for wetlands of similar
condition, regardless of the data collector. Quality control procedures should be employed to
assure that the data collectors or assessors are using the same approach and are obtaining
information accurately when conducting CRAM assessments. For large wetland projects having
numerous AAs and for ambient assessments involving multiple wetlands, it is recommended
that at least 10% of the AAs be revisited by an independent CRAM assessment team and
compared to the original assessments for the same AAs. The replicate scores should be within
10% of the original scores for each attribute.
Beginning in 2008, CRAM Training Courses will be offered through the Extension Service of
the University of California at Davis (http://extension.ucdavis.edu/). Each three-day courses
provides an introductory lecture, training on 2-3 wetland types, and training on eCRAM.
In addition to taking on or more CRAM training courses through UC Davis Extension, all
CRAM practitioners are advised to carefully read and understand the most recent version of the
CRAM User’s Manual before they begin conducting assessments. The User’s Manual and CRAM
training materials are available at the CRAM web site (www.cramwetlands.org). Supporting
materials include a photo-glossary with picture examples of many of the terms and wetland
characteristics described or referenced in the User’s Manual. These materials are intended to
help users develop an understanding of the complete range of conditions for each metric, and
arrive at consistent conclusions about wetland condition.
The initial quality control procedures for any assessment involve a basic review of the AA map
and the summary scoring sheet. The recommended topics for the initial quality control are listed
in Table 3.12 below.
Table 3.12: Recommended topics of initial QA/QC.
Recommended Topics of Initial QA/QC for CRAM Results
• AA map quality: hardcopy maps must be clear enough to be readily digitized.
AA maps must be on geo-rectified imagery with minimum pixel resolution of
3 m (i.e., each pixel should represent no more than 9 m 2 ).
• Summary data sheet: make sure all fields of information for site name, wetland
type, date of assessment, personnel making the assessment, etc. are complete
and legible.
• Summary score sheet: make sure that every metric and attribute has a correct
score, and that the overall site score is also correct.
• Summary stressor sheet: make sure the stressor checklist has been completed.
3.8.3 Initial Quality Control Procedures for Data Managers
The main objective of data management is to assure that the data are accurately collected and
verified for analysis and interpretation by CRAM practitioners and resource managers.
Procedures described in this User’s Manual are designed to help assure the accuracy and
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