5-day General CRAM Training - Irvine

This training session will provide the skills necessary to consistently conduct accurate assessments of wetlands using CRAM, and will provide guidance on the use of CRAM for ambient and project assessment and monitoring. The session involves both classroom and field instruction, with an emphasis on the field component. To successfully complete the course, participants will be required to pass a written and a field-based proficiency examination.

This training will be held on March 17-21, 2025. Your training instructors will be Richard Beck (Michael Baker International) and Erik Larsen (AECOM), both members of the statewide Level 2 committee of the California Wetlands Monitoring Workgroup. The field sites will include various wetlands in Orange County. Course agenda and details will be emailed to participants two weeks prior to the session.

Registration closes on March 7, 2025. A total of 24 registrations are available. If the class fills you will be placed on a waitlist.

If a registered participant must withdraw before March 7, we will transfer registration to a later class (2025 or 2026) with no charge, or will refund in full minus $120 admin fee. No refund after March 7th.

• Will be indoors and in-person during the first two mornings of class
• Will focus on the structure of CRAM, how each metric is scored, the differences/similarities between modules, how CRAM can be used in project planning, monitoring and tracking, and how CRAM fits into the Level 1-2-3 WRAMP framework and supports monitoring and assessment of aquatic resources in a watershed context
• Will include practice exercises for participants to gain experience in the method before the field portion begins

• Participants will visit and perform assessments at 8 field sites
• Participants will gain experience in accurately and consistently conducting assessments
• Each class will visit a unique set of wetland types within their region

Participants will need appropriate field clothing (pants, long sleeves, layers) and footwear: 1) hiking boots/sturdy field shoes, and 2) knee boots. Based upon the amount of precipitation that falls in the spring, it could be helpful for participants to bring hipboots or chest waders if they own them. We will communicate as early as possible on the need for these boots. Please be prepared for multiple days in the field.

Host or Publisher California Wetland Monitoring Workgroup