Central Coast Wetlands Group

The main goal of this multi-year project is to further the development of a common set of tools and state infrastructure to implement a comprehensive monitoring and assessment program through partnerships of regional experts and resource managers, and provide leadership for the development of a statewide wetlands monitoring program. With these tools in use throughout the state for riverine, estuarine, and vernal pool/depressional wetlands, the Central Coast Wetlands Group is implementing a process to update, standardize, and refine the California Rapid Assessment Method for all validated modules.

Major products will include:

• an updated CRAM manual independent of the field books,
• annual revisions to the CRAM manual, field books, and eCRAM,
• revised descriptions and definitions of CRAM metrics to reflect input from CRAM reviews,
• a standardized set of CRAM training materials with annual updates to reflect changes in the manual and field books,
• 36 audits sites located around the state for training and wetland tracking purposes,
• new training materials to assist in the identification of plants and physical features useful for CRAM assessments,
• biannual meetings of the expanding CRAM PI team to address updates and revisions existing CRAM modules,
• and support for the development of the L2 Committee within the California Wetland Monitoring Workgroup.