(CRAM) For Wetlands User's Manual Version 5.0.2

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California Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands v. 5.0.2 – Chapter 2 understandable; (2) comprehensive and appropriate; (3) sensitive to obvious variations in condition; (4) able to produce similar scores for areas subject to similar levels of the same kinds of stress; and (5) tended to foster repeatable results among different practitioners. The calibration phase was also used to test and select methods of calculating, scaling, and weighting scores for metrics, attributes, and AAs. Calibration has involved iterative adjustments to the classification system and the metrics during multiple field tests by each Regional Team. The amount of revision has declined steadily, but minor changes are expected to continue as the number of CRAM users and the amount of its use increases. For the CRAM version used in the Validation Phase, all the regional teams were able to meet the targeted within-team and between-team QAQC standards of 10% and 20%, respectively, for each metric. Table 2.2: CRAM Site Attributes and Metrics. Attributes Metrics Buffer and Landscape Context Structure Hydrology Physical Biotic Landscape Connectivity Buffer: Percent of AA with Buffer Average Buffer Width Buffer Condition Water Source Hydroperiod or Channel Stability Hydrologic Connectivity Structural Patch Richness Topographic Complexity Plant Community: Number of Plant Layers Present or Native Species Richness (vernal pools only) Number of Co-dominant Species Percent Invasion Horizontal Interspersion and Zonation Vertical Biotic Structure 2.3.3 Validation The purpose of the validation phase was to assess the overall performance of CRAM by regressing metric scores and attribute scores on Level 3 data representing expected relationships between condition and function or service (Table 2.3). The same models were used to guide alternative approaches for weighting and combining scores. CRAM performed best using the simplest combination rules without any weighting. The level of performance was adequate for the functions and services represented by the selected Level 3 data. The validation phase for estuarine wetlands and riverine/riparian systems was completed with CRAM version 4.0. The other types of wetlands will be validated as CRAM is implemented. A full report of the validation efforts to date is available at www.cramwetlands.org. 14
KEY SERVICES Short- or long-term surface water storage California Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands v. 5.0.2 – Chapter 2 Table 2.3: Expected relationships among CRAM attributes, metrics, and key services. Buffer and Landscape Context Buffer and Landscape Connectivity Metrics Water Source Hydrology Hydroperiod or Channel Stability Hydrologic Connectivity 15 Physical Structure Structural Patch Richness Topographic Complexity Number of Plant Layers Number of Codominant Species and Native Species Richness Biotic Structure Percent Invasion Horizontal Interspersion and Zonation X X X X X X X Subsurface water storage X X X X Moderation of groundwater flow or discharge X X Dissipation of energy X X X X X Cycling of nutrients X X X X X X X X X Removal of elements and compounds X X X X X X Retention of particulates X X X X X X X Export of organic carbon X X X X X X Maintenance of plant and animal communities Vertical Biotic Structure X X X X X X X X X X
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(CRAM) For Wetlands User's Manual Version 5.0.2

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