(CRAM) For Wetlands User's Manual Version 5.0.2

California Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands v. 5.0.2 – Chapter 2
Narrative Descriptions of Alternative States. For each type of wetland, the narrative
descriptions of alternative states represent the full range of possible condition
from the worst conditions that are commonly observed to the best achievable
conditions, for each metric of each attribute in CRAM.
Indicators. These are visible clues or evidence about field conditions used to select
the best-fit narrative description of alternative states for CRAM metrics.
Metric Score. The score for a CRAM metric is the numerical value associated with
the narrative description of an alternative state that is chosen because it best-fits
the condition observed at the time of the assessment.
Attribute Score. An attribute score is the percent of the maximum possible sum of
the metric scores for the attribute.
CRAM Score or AA Score. A CRAM score or AA score indicates the overall
condition of an Assessment Area. It is calculated as the percent of the maximum
possible sum of the attribute scores for the Assessment Area.
2.2 Conceptual Framework
CRAM was developed according to a set of underlying conceptual models and assumptions
about the meaning and utility of rapid assessment, the best framework for managing wetlands,
the driving forces that account for their condition, and the spatial relationships among the
driving forces. These models and assumptions are explicitly stated in this section to help guide
the interpretation of CRAM scores.
2.2.1 Management Framework
The management framework for CRAM is the Pressure-State-Response model (PSR) of adaptive
management (Holling 1978, Bormann et al. 1994, Pinter et al. 1999). The PSR model states that
human operations, such as agriculture, urbanization, recreation, and the commercial harvest of
natural resources can be sources of stress or pressure affecting the condition or state of natural
resources. The human responses to these changes include any organized behavior that aims to
reduce, prevent or mitigate undesirable stresses or state changes. Natural resource protection
depends on monitoring and assessment to understand the relationships between stress, state,
and management responses. The managers’ concerns guide the monitoring efforts, and the
results of the monitoring should influence the managers’ actions and concerns.
Assessment approaches vary in that they may evaluate any or all aspects of the pressure-stateresponse
model. Pressure indicators describe the variables that directly cause (or may cause)
wetland problems, such as discharges of fill or urban encroachment. State indicators evaluate
the current condition of the wetland, such as plant diversity or concentration of a particular
contaminant in the water. Response indicators demonstrate the efforts of managers to address
the wetland problem, such as the implementation of best management practices. The approach
used by CRAM is to focus on condition or state. A separate stressor checklist is then used to note
which, if any, stressors appear to be exerting pressure affecting condition. It is assumed that
managers with knowledge of pressures and states will exact more effective responses.
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