The California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) is a tool for assessing the condition of wetlands and streams at scales ranging from individual projects to watersheds, regions, and statewide. CRAM, alone or with other assessment methods, can be used to assess current conditions, understand potential factors impacting wetland/stream condition, evaluate alternative project sites and designs, and assess project performance. CRAM should be regarded as an integral component of a suite of monitoring methods. CRAM, by itself, is rarely adequate to assess all the aspects of condition for any wetland or stream and cannot be used as the sole method to evaluate restoration design. CRAM is most useful when applied as part of an integrated wetland or stream assessment program that includes both rapid and detailed assessment methods.

The following summary recommendations from this Technical Bulletin pertain to technical concerns highlighted by CRAM practitioners and agency staff in recent years. These recommendations are consistent with, but do not substitute for, any CRAM training, the CRAM Manual, CRAM Module Field Books, or the rest of this Technical Bulletin. This Technical Bulletin assumes that the reader is a trained CRAM practitioner and/or has completed a Manager Level Training. Full understanding of these recommendations requires studying this Technical Bulletin and the other CRAM supporting materials in their entirety.