5-day General CRAM Training - Riverside

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.

Classroom Portion

• Will be 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

Field Portion

• 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

This training will be held on October 2-6th. Your lead training instructor will be Linnea Spears-Lebrun from SWCA, a member of the statewide Level 2 committee of the California Wetlands Monitoring Workgroup. The field sites will include various wetlands in the Riverside area.

Schedule and Logistics

Registration closes on September 5, 2023; a decision to hold or to cancel the session will be made on this date based upon number of registrations (minimum of 20 registrations needed). If registration numbers are not met, we will cancel the session and transfer your registration to another field location or refund fees in full minus $85 admin fee. If the participant must withdraw before September 5th we will transfer registration to another class with no charge or refund in full minus $85 admin fee. Withdrawal between September 6 and September 20th can transfer or receive a 50% refund. No refund after September 21st. Course agenda and details will be emailed to participants two weeks prior to the session.

Field Equipment

Participants will need appropriate footwear (knee boots, hiking boots/sturdy field shoes, and hipboots/chest waders) and field clothing. Please be prepared for multiple days in the field.