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Assessment Tools

Woman sitting in brown grasses, writing on clipboardTools are available to help natural resource professionals rapidly assess the ecological functions and values of wetlands and streams at a particular site.

The Oregon Rapid Wetland Assessment Protocol, Stream Function Assessment Method, and Agate Desert Vernal Pool Assessment Method quantify the functions and values of wetlands and streams based on observable indicators. In most cases, these assessments are required by state rule to predict  the loss of wetland and stream functions and values that could occur as a result of a project. The assessments can also be used to ensure compensatory mitigation actions appropriately replace lost functions and values.
 
Trainings on these assessments are periodically available.

Oregon Rapid Wetland Assessment Protocol

The ORWAP is a standardized tool that enables users to rapidly assess the functions and values of wetlands. Results from ORWAP (including all completed worksheets, maps, and reports) must be included in DSL removal fill permit application package. Components of the ORWAP are provided below. They are also available on the Aquatic Mitigation Portal of Oregon Explorer.
 
The current version of ORWAP should be used for most assessments, except for cases in which a site has been assessed over a period of years using an older version of ORWAP. In these cases, you will need to use the same older version of ORWAP, available below.

To conduct an assessment, first download and review the ORWAP calculator​ and Users Manual​, which provides step-by-step instructions for using this tool. Next, navigate to Explorer Portal and follow the manual instructions to make site maps. Information on using ORWAP for state and federal regulatory permit programs can be found in Appendix F of the Users Manual.
 
The ORWAP calculator is an Excel spreadsheet. Users should complete the cover page and use the other sheets to enter office data, using the maps and other supplemental tools provided below. Field data should be entered while in the field and following site visits. Based on this input, the scores sheet fill automatically generate function and value scores.
 
To easily collect data in the field, download and print the following PDF versions of forms:
 
The following tools are helpful references to consult as you conduct your assessment.
Previous versions of ORWAP are provided below. They should only be used for sites being assessed over a period of years that were evaluated using an older version of ORWAP.
 
Version 3.1
ORWAP User's Manual
Errata for V.3.1
ORWAP Calculator (Excel Spreadsheet)
Cover Page Form
Field Data Form T (tidal)
Field Data Form F (nontidal)
Field Data Form S  (stressor)
ORWAP Supplemental Information (Excel Spreadsheet)
Technical Supplement
 
Version 2.0.2
ORWAP Calculator (Excel Spreadsheet)
ORWAP Supplemental Information (Excel Spreadsheet)
Cover Page Data Form
Office Data Form
Field F Data Form
Field S Data Form 
 
Version 2.0.1
ORWAP Calculator (Excel Spreadsheet)
ORWAP Supplemental Information (Excel Spreadsheet)
Cover Page Data Form
Office Data Form
Field F Data Form
Field S Data Form
 
Version 2.0
If you used version 2.0 and completed data entry, please contact Paul Adamus ​for instructions on migrating answers into the updated version 2.0.2.  This is important due to several cell/formula errors discovered in version 2.0.  Version 2.0.1 was the first version maintained for future use.​



Stream Function Assessment Protocol
The SFAM is a tool that can be used to assess the functions and values of streams that are non-tidal and wadable.

Start by reviewing the SFAM user manual, which provides instructions on how to complete the assessment. For current guidance on how to use SFAM for state regulatory permitting programs, consult the DSL Removal-Fill Guide.
 
Next, complete the SFAM Workbook​. Fill in queries on the cover page of the spreadsheet and use the other sheets to enter office and field data. Use the SFAM map tool as an offsite resource to answer questions in the values worksheet. Follow the instruction in the users manual to complete a field assessment.  The completed field data sheets will automatically fill in the answer to questions in the functions worksheet.  Based on the inputs in the cover page, values sheet, and field data sheets, scores will be automatically calculated in the values, functions, subscores, and scores sheets.
 
The following tools are helpful references to consult as you conduct your assessment.
  • The SFAM Scientific Rationale​. Descriptions of the models, illustrations of each measure scoring index, details on the supporting literature, and example scenarios for using SFAM in stream restoration design and predicting change in stream functions. The Oregon Stream Classification System is also described in an appendix to this document.

Vernal Pool Functional Assessment Method
The Vernal Pool Functional Assessment Model enables users to assess the functions and values of vernal pool wetlands in the Agate Desert, located in Jackson County, Oregon. 

Anyone conducting a vernal pool assessment should first review the Vernal Pool Assessment Methodology Manual​, which provides information on method development and scoring. Next, complete the Vernal Pool Assessment Method master spreadsheet.​​

Assessment Trainings and Resources

The Department offers ORWAP and SFAM trainings through a partnership with Clackamas Community College's Environmental Learning Center.

2024 ORWAP Training Workshop
The workshop will be held: 
  • May 7 (Tue.) 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Virtual Classroom
  • May 9 (Thurs.) 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Field Day in Salem, OR
  • May 15 (Wed.) 9 a.m. - Noon | Virtual Classroom
Registration is NOW OPEN! Visit the ORWAP Eventbrite page for the full course details and to register. Workshop cost is $780. 

ORWAP workshop registration will open in March. This course is expected to fill up quickly. 

2024 SFAM Training Workshop
The workshop will be held September 17, 19, 25, 2024. Details coming soon! Add your name to the wait list here to gain early access to registration.

Questions about Registering for Trainings?
Please contact Renee Harber at Clackamas Community College with any questions about registering for ORWAP or SFAM trainings.

CONTACT

Melody Rudenko, Mitigation Specialist
503-508-4035
Melody.Rudenko@state.or.us

Grey Wolf, Mitigation Specialist
503-586-8610
Grey.Wolf@dsl.oregon.gov

Resources