(CRAM) For Wetlands User's Manual Version 5.0.2

California Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands v. 5.0.2 – Table Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Version History of CRAM Methodology ..........................................................................................i
Acknowledgments ...............................................................................................................................iii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................1
CHAPTER 1: NEED, GOAL, STRATEGIC CONTEXT, INTENDED USES, AND
GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE ........................................................................................3
1.0 Introduction.............................................................................................................................3
1.1 Statement of Need..................................................................................................................3
1.2 Justification for Rapid Assessment.......................................................................................3
1.3 Goal and Intended Use..........................................................................................................5
1.4 Related Rapid Assessment Efforts in California and Other States .................................6
1.5 Geographic Scope...................................................................................................................6
1.6 Supporting Information Systems..........................................................................................6
1.7 Organization and Coordination to Develop CRAM .........................................................7
1.7.1 Core Team...............................................................................................................7
1.7.2 Regional Teams ......................................................................................................7
CHAPTER 2: KEY TERMS, CONCEPTS, ASSUMPTIONS, AND
DEVELOPMENTAL PROCESS .........................................................................9
2.0 Overview..................................................................................................................................9
2.1 Key Terms................................................................................................................................9
2.2 Conceptual Framework....................................................................................................... 10
2.2.1 Management Framework................................................................................... 10
2.2.2 Rapid Assessment ............................................................................................... 11
2.2.3 Forcing Functions, Stress, Buffer, and Condition ......................................... 11
2.2.4 Condition, Ecological Service, and CRAM Scores ........................................ 11
2.3 Developmental Framework................................................................................................ 13
2.3.1 Basic Design......................................................................................................... 13
2.3.2 Calibration............................................................................................................ 13
2.3.3 Validation ............................................................................................................. 14
CHAPTER 3: PROCEDURES FOR USING CRAM .............................................................. 17
3.0 Summary................................................................................................................................ 17
3.1 Step 1: Assemble Background Information..................................................................... 17
3.2 Step 2: Classify the Wetland and Riparian Areas ............................................................ 18
3.2.1 General Definitions of Wetlands and Riparian Areas ................................... 18
3.2.2 Wetland Typology............................................................................................... 20
3.4 Step 4: Verify the Appropriate Assessment Window..................................................... 26
3.5 Step 5: Establish the Assessment Area (AA)................................................................... 27
3.5.1 Hydro-geomorphic Integrity ............................................................................. 27
3.5.2 AA Size................................................................................................................. 28
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