2026 CRAM Manager-Level Training 2-day Sacramento/Roseville
Description
CRAM 2-day Manager-Level Training Session
This training session is intended for resource managers, agency staff and professionals that require a working-level understanding of the California Rapid Assessment Method, or CRAM. This class will provide an understanding of what is included within condition assessments, what CRAM scores mean and how to interpret them, and how CRAM is an important part of resource management and project planning, design, and tracking. This class will not provide the participants with the skills needed to conduct CRAM assessments; people interested in being practitioners should take the 5-day practitioner-level class.
The session involves both classroom and field instruction, with the field component providing an understanding of how actual wetland conditions are reflected within CRAM scores. It is a fun, fast-paced, and collaborative class that will provide a new lens for looking at stream and wetland health.
This training will be held on November 12-13th, 2026 in Sacramento, CA. Your training instructors will be Sarah Pearce (SFEI) and Rebecca Payne (ICF), both members of the statewide Level 2 committee of the California Wetlands Monitoring Workgroup. The field sites will include riverine and depressional wetlands in the Sacramento/Roseville area. An initial email will be sent out about 6 weeks before the session, and the agenda and further details will be sent 2 weeks before the session. Appropriate footwear (waterproof knee boots and rugged field shoes such as hiking boots) are required.
Registration closes on October 26th. A minimum of 12 registrations are required to hold the class; a total of 24 registrations are available. If registration numbers are not met, we will work to reschedule the class in spring 2027. If the class fills, you will be placed on a waitlist.
Payment is preferred using a credit card through the Humanitix platform. Please reach out to Sarah Pearce (cram-training@sfei.org) if your organization requires an invoice or payment via check.
Agenda
- 8:30 am - 5:15 pm
Example Training Agenda
Days 1 and 2: Morning classroom time learning about CRAM. Afternoon field site focused on understanding how CRAM metrics are scored.
FAQs
- How do I reach out with a question?
Reach out via email to Sarah Pearce, the statewide training coordinator with any questions. cram-training@sfei.org
- What footwear is required?
Required footwear varies between classes and regions. Every class will require waterproof knee boots (those that come up to the bottom of your knee) and sturdy field shoes such as hiking boots. Some classes may require hipboots or chest waders, depending on water levels and the time of year.
- What expertise is required?
There are no strict requirements on expertise, however a working level understanding of streams and wetlands is necessary. Those that have spent time working in the field and are comfortable making visual observations will thrive. Don't fret if this isn't you- coming into class with a great attitude and willingness to spend all day in the field and learn is all that is required.
- Who typically attends CRAM training sessions?
CRAM training sessions often include a diverse group of professionals. Past participants have included State and Federal agency staff (e.g. USACE, Regional Board, CDFW, EPA, Coastal Conservancy, State Parks), environmental consultants, local agency staff (e.g. flood control districts, RCD staff, regional park staff), academics (college professors and graduate students), tribal environmental department staff, and field-based community-based organization technical staff. There is typically a wide range of expertise in the group, such as ecology, geology, botany, wetland science, hydrology, biology, soil science, and permitting specialists as examples.
- Are CRAM classes fun?
As answered by Sarah Pearce, the statewide CRAM training coordinator, that is in her 18th year of teaching CRAM: "CRAM training weeks are my most fun weeks of the year by far. The classes are so collaborative and friendly. We spend most of our time outside in beautiful streams and wetlands, and truly gain a group of new colleagues and friends during the week. There is lots of laughter to go along with the learning."
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