MnRAM 3.3 Database Training

Visual Quick Start User Manual 1 1

Contents of this slideshow

• Database information – Downloading MnRAM software – Getting started entering data – Overview of reports • Using MnRAM highlights – Field/office procedures – List of all questions – Step by step through all the questions 2 2

Disclaimer

• 3.3 is in beta release—not yet fully tested (although much improved over 3.2).

• Your comments are welcome.

• If you don’t see a soil type, watershed, or other item you expect in a drop-down list, contact us.

• MnRAM is being improved all the time. Planning for Version 4.0 has already begun.

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Downloading MnRAM 3.3

www.bwsr.state.mn.us/wetlands/mnram/index.html

the file to your hard drive.

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Downloading MnRAM 3.3, cont.

Documentation to supplement MnRAM: These will help you understand the assessment tool, how to prepare for field work, and one way to manage the data after you collect it. They are not required to run the program. Comprehensive Guidance includes a written Quick Reference guide.

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Opening the Database

This is the first screen of an empty database. Click .

These are a standard Microsoft security warnings. Click on each screen.

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Adding a New Wetland

• Wetland Name can be any combination of text +/or numeric id.

• LocationID will fill in automatically.

• Three-digit identifier unique to each wetland in a cluster (see Comprehensive Guidance) or leave blank.

• Letter indicates first (a) or subsequent assessment visits.

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Using the Wetland ID Search

Pick your site from this list to start adding data.

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Project Name

• Assigning a Project Name is optional.

• A single Project Name for multiple, related Wetland IDs allows grouping of records in Reports.

• The database aspect of MnRAM is fully utilized when a single copy is used to store wetland quality information. Instead of making several copies of the database for each project, assign unique Project Names 9 9

Wetland Size

Existing wetland area (0.0001 if none).

Estimated original size of the total wetland if effectively drained or filled areas were restored (not including any buffer area). Restorable area and % drained/altered is calculated automatically in the database.

Successful creation projects will show negative restorable acreage, upon completion.

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Adding a New Wetland ID Using

• If several wetlands share similar characteristics, you can copy data from one record over to another… 11 11

Copy Wetland: Two Options

• If you are entering an additional wetland “on the fly,” use “Copy to New Wetland” to name the new wetland now.

• If you entered all your wetland names ahead of time, use the simple “Copy Wetland” option.

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Copy wetland record, cont.

Reminder: will result in identical location data. Don’t forget to return to to change the ID of the new wetland.

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Wetland photos

If you want to attach a photo, press on the General Information tab...

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Wetland photos, cont.

From this window you add, view, or delete photos. Choose the “open folder” icon to browse to a folder with photo files (set up ahead of time).

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Wetland photos, cont.

Add photos one at a time. Click the “camera” icon to view the photo. Once the photo is open, double-click the image to close it.

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Import/Export data

• Use this feature to – Import data from a previous version of MnRAM – Export data to an excel file for custom sorting – Compile data from different users into a single copy of the database.

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Import/Export data, cont.

Only records that are checked “complete” on the Summary tab will be exported.

 • Importing will overwrite existing wetlands with new data if their Wetland IDs match.

• To import without overwriting, use the option.

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Import GIS data

• Set up in comma-delimited format.

• Comprehensive Guidance has detailed instructions.

• Imported data will overwrite existing data with same Wetland ID.

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Update functional summary

• This option no longer has a function.

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Getting Data Out: Reports

Run Summary Report Individual Site Response Individual Site Print Summary 21 21

Run Summary Report

Subsets of records can be filtered for: – Project – Location – Complete status of record Report Choices: – Numeric or Text – Veg or Functional (click to see sample report) 22 22

Individual Site Response Summary

Shows your responses to each question for a single site.

Does not show vegetation rating.

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Site Summary Report

• A complete summary of the wetland • Numeric and text ratings of all functions.

• Vegetative communities, with ratings.

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Data Collection Procedures

• Plan ahead to ensure quality data.

• Comprehensive Guidance covers: – Procedures for an actual inventory.

– Map notation, GIS labeling, managing incoming field data, etc.

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Data Collection Procedures, cont.

• Collect background documentation: – Site survey, hydrology, topography, aerial photos, soils data • Review other project information • Enter all Wetland IDs • Answer certain marked questions: – Database red highlighted – Excel fieldsheet

italicized

– Text version “

~

” in left margin 26 26

Entering Data: Getting Started

• Start on the General Information tab.

• Project name and Watershed.

• Other location data is optional.

• Size of existing and original size of wetland (anything = zero, enter “0.0001”).

• Record special notes and purpose of assessment.

(See next slide for screen view and animated highlights) 27 27

General Information

28 28

Drop-down lists

• Some drop-down lists can be edited.

• Most are restricted, to limit confusing duplicates.

• Report missing choices to the MnRAM coordinator.

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Entering area data

• Formula calculations

require

area data.

• If the current size is zero, enter 0.0001.

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Introduction tab

• Background history and purpose of wetland assessment and ranking structure.

• No data entry on this page.

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Using MnRAM

• Next set of slides for manual and digital users.

• Some data recording differs in manual versus database version, esp. in vegetation portion.

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Special Features tab

• Check all that apply.

• Use scroll bar to see lower portion of page: Some special features “bump” a wetland into an Exceptional rating. Others are for record-keeping.

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Special Features in detail, a-f

Is the wetland part of, or directly adjacent to, an area of special natural resource interest?

Check those that apply: a. b. c. d. e. f. ____ Designated trout streams or trout lakes (see MnDNR Commissioners Order 2450 Part 6262.0400 subparts 3 and 5) (

If yes, Fishery Habitat Rating is Exceptional

).

____

Calcareous fen (Special Status see MN Rule Chapter 7050)

purposes.

(If yes, Vegetative Diversity/Integrity functional rating is Exceptional) Consult MN DNR for regulatory

____ Designated scientific and natural area (

If yes, then Aesthetics/Recreation/Education/Cultural functional rating is Exceptional)

. ____ Rare natural community (refer to MnDNR County Biological Survey/Natural Heritage)

(If yes, Vegetative Diversity/Integrity is Exceptional, also if question 36 is yes and Wildlife Habitat functional rating is Exceptional);

____ High priority wetland, environmentally sensitive area or environmental corridor identified in a local water management plan, ____ Public park, forest, trail or recreation area. 34 34

Special Features in detail, g-m

35 35

In the field

• Equipment: – Laptop/tablet – Field sheets – GPS • References – Site, topo map – aerials 36 36

#1: Identify Plant Communities

• Up to five communities may be listed.

• Each community’s contribution to the whole wetland is counted as a percentage of 100%.

• Communities less than 10% are not counted*.

37 37 *With one exception (see next slide)

• 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Floodplain forest, 3B – High Sedge meadow, 13A Shrub-carr, 8B – High Shallow, open water, 16A Shallow marsh, 13B – High – High Unsure after seeing the ratings? Reconsider your classification.

community] 1 2 4 3 5 38 38

#1: Identify #3: Rate ~ Plant Communities ~

• # 1 Identify communities.

• Fill in Cowardin and Circular 39 ratings for each community.

• #3 Rate each community for quality.

#2 is a separate table...

39 39

#2: Dominant Species/Cover class

Identify the dominant species that make up at least 10% coverage… Click here for a drop-down Cover Category list… 40 40

#2: Dominant Species drop-down list

• Look up species by common/group name or by scientific name.

• Click the Display Name Toggle to alternate.

• Don’t try to list every plant.

• Use the <3% cover class only for rare or invasive species.

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Image file for diagrams

To access the images, press “Image” 42 42

Field Worksheet: Side 1

• On the Excel worksheet, each community has its own section.

• You enter cover class and invasives, as well as community quality.

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#2: Dominant species

• Text version: list by community – Each community has a space for the dominants or invasive plants • Digital version: one list for entire site – No breakdown by community – List the dominant plants from the entire site • Whether text or database, this list is for record-keeping only: species entries do not affect ratings 44 44

#2: Cattail Key/Table

• For help distinguishing among native, invasive, and hybrid cattail, click on the Key (for a written description) or Table (summary version).

(click for image) 45 45

#4-5: Rare or endangered vegetation

4. Y N Are state or federally listed rare plant species or species found or known to be found recently?

If Special Features questions d or i [rare natural community and rare plant species] are answered yes, then this question is yes and Vegetative Diversity function is Exceptional.

5. Y N Is the wetland plant community scarce or rare within the watershed, imperiled (S2), or critically imperiled (S1).?

Yes if Special Features question b is answered yes. If the wetland community identified in Question #1 is 3A (not dominated by silver maple), 4A, 4B, 7A, 7B, 10A, 13A, 13B (mixed emergent marsh not dominated by cattails), 14A, 15A,

AND

has a High quality rating from Question #2, then this question is yes and Vegetation function is Exceptional; otherwise continue with following questions.

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#5 Guidance, rare community

Guidance:

The Mn DNR Natural Heritage Program collects, manages, and interprets information about nongame animals, native plants, and plant communities to promote the wise stewardship of these resources. The Natural Heritage Program has developed a ranking system that is intended to reflect the extent and condition of natural communities and species in Minnesota. These ‘state ranks’ have no legal ramifications, they are used by the Natural Heritage Program to set priorities for research and for conservation planning. They are grouped as follows:

State Element Rank: S1

: Critically imperiled in the state because of extreme rarity.

S2:

Imperiled in state because of rarity.

S3: S4: S5:

Rare or uncommon in state.

Apparently secure in state.

Demonstrably secure in state.

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#6: Pre-European-settlement Condition

Y N Does the wetland represent pre European-settlement conditions?

(e.g. MnDNR Native Plant Communities publication) If yes, then Vegetation function is Exceptional (continue to answer subsequent questions). Created wetlands would not qualify, regardless of quality.

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Formula: Vegetative Integrity/Diversity

There are four ways to report this function: Individual Community Scores:

maintain raw data as recorded.

Highest Quality Community:

report the highest functioning community.

Non-Weighted Average Quality of all Communities:

straight average

Weighted Average Quality Based on Percentage of Each Community:

multiply each community rating by its percentage, then add all together.

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Field Worksheet: Side 2

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 12 13 14 15 16

MNRAM 3.0 Wetland Assessment Methodology Score Sheet MnRAM

• Four columns per sheet

#

7 8 9

10

11

Wet ID _________ Wet ID _________ Wet ID _________ Rating Rating Rating

Depressional/Isolated, Depressional/Isolated, Depressional/Isolated, Depressional/Isolated,

Local Watershed Area--immediate drainage (acres)

Depress'l/Flow-through, Depress'l/Flow-through, Depress'l/Flow-through, Depress'l/Flow-through, Hydrogeomorphology and Topography (circle one)

or

Depress'l/Tributary, Riverine, Lacustrine, Peatland, Floodplain, Depress'l/Tributary, Riverine, Lacustrine, Peatland, Floodplain, Depress'l/Tributary, Riverine, Lacustrine, Peatland, Floodplain, Depress'l/Tributary, Riverine, Lacustrine, Peatland, Floodplain,

Maximum Water Depth

(inches) :

% inundation

: Slope, Other : Slope, Other : Slope, Other :

Estimated size of existing wetland (acres)

SOILS:

Upland/Wetland (survey classification + site) another as expected, etc.)

Outlet characteristics for flood retention H M L N/A H M L N/A H M L N/A H M L N/A Dominant upland land use

H M L

H M L

H M L

H M L

H M L

H M L

H M L

H M L

Soil condition (wetland) H M L H M L H M L H M L 24 25 26

F-T: Emergent vegetation (% cover)

Flow-through emerg. veg. (roughness coefficient)

Sediment delivery ____ %

H M L

H M L ____ %

H M L

H M L

Upland buffer average width (feet) (% of each, minimum 20%)

H M L

H M L

H M L H M L

H M L

H M L

H M L (% percent of each)

H M L

(% in each category)

____ %

H M L

H M L

H M L

H M L

H M L

H M L

____ feet

H M L

H M L

H M L ____ %

H M L

H M L

H M L

H M L

H M L

H M L

____ feet

H M L

H M L

H M L

50 50

Field Worksheet: useful tips

• The italicized questions require maps or other data to be answered.

• Every other question is formatted as bold just to make it easier to read.

• If the question asks for a percentage of H-M-L, put the percentage of each under the correct heading:

H M L

20% 60% 20% 51 51

#7: Topographic data

Describe

the hydrogeomorphology of the wetland and associated topography (check those that apply): ___ Depressional/Isolated (no discernable outlets) ___ Depressional/Flow-through (apparent inlet and outlet) ___ Depressional/Tributary (outlet but no perennial inlet or drainage entering from upstream subwatershed) ___ Riverine (within the river/stream banks) ___ Lacustrine Fringe (edge of deepwater areas)/Shoreland ___ Extensive Peatland/Organic Flat ___ Slope ___ Floodplain (outside waterbody banks) 52 52

#8-10: Site data

8. Approximate maximum depth of standing water in the wetland (inches): ______ Percent of wetland area inundated: ______% 9. What is the estimated area of the wetland's immediate drainage area in acres?_____

10. Wetland size. This information should have been entered on the General Information page. The number remains as a placeholder.

53 53

#11: Soils data

• – Survey Classification(s):

Adjacent upland (within 500 feet)

–

Wetland area

click for image of soil data website

54 54

MnRAM Rating Questions

• Starting with #12, questions are answered (generally) by filling in A-B-C.

• Each question has guidance to assist the user in interpreting the question and understanding how to answer in difficult site conditions… 55 55

Guidance, how to

• For help with individual questions, click the “?”… …then use the scroll bar to read the text: 56 56

Questions #12 - 22

#12: Outlet/Flood retention #13: Outlet/hydrologic regime #14: Upland conditions/Immediate upland land use #15: Wetland soil condition 16-18: Flow-Through Wetlands #16: Wetland vegetation #17: Detention of floodwater #18: Sediment delivery #19: Upland watershed soils #20: Stormwater runoff #21: Subwatershed wetland density #22: Channelization 57 57

#23–28: Upland area quality

• #23: Buffer width • #24: Upland area management • #25: Upland Area Diversity and Structure • #28: Nutrient loading • Upland Diversity & Structure (#25) measures the quality of that cover as habitat for native species. 58 58

#29-34: Shoreland Questions

#29: Shoreline wetland? #30: Rooted Shoreline Vegetation #31: Wetland width #33: Erosion potential (opportunity) #30: Percent cover (density) #31: Average width (in-water area) #32: Emergent shore protection #33: Shoreline erosion #34: Bank protection 59 59

#35-41: Habitat

• • • • • • • #35: Rare wildlife #36: Rare / natural community #37: Open water/cover interspersion #38: Veg. community interspersion #39: Detritus #40: Wetland Interspersion #41: Barriers to wildlife movement 60 60

#42–44: Amphibian habitat #45–47: Fish habitat

#42: Amphibian –hydroperiod #43: Amphibian—Fish #44: Depth for Overwintering #45: List Wildlife Species #46: Fishery Quality #47: List fish species 61 61

#48-57: Aesthetics/values

• • • • • • • • • • #48: Unique/rare Opportunity #49: Visibility #50: Opportunity for use/nearby population #51: Ownership #52: Public Access #53: Human Disturbance #54: Viewshed Quality #55 Spatial buffer #56: Recreational use (potential) #57: Commercial effects and wetland quality 62 62

#58-63: Hydrogeology

• #58: Wetland Soils • #59: Land use/runoff • #60:Wetland size/soils • #61: Hydroperiod • #62: Inlet/Outlet for GW • #63: Topographic relief 63 63

#64-72 Restoration-related questions, Optional #64: Hydrologic Restoration Potential #65: Landowners #66 Wetland Size #67: Potential Buffer Width #68: Restoration Ease #69: Hydrologic Alteration #70: Potential Classification #71: Stormwater Sensitivity #72: Nutrient Loading 64 64

Formulas

• See Comprehensive Guidance for a description of all the formulas.

• Formulas are also visible “in action” on the digital version of the Excel field worksheet.

65 65

Run summary report

• The last tab is the summary report.

• Formulas are used to arrive at numeric ratings for each function.

• Each Vegetative Community is listed with its rating, as well as the other options for that function.

• Scroll to see all functions.

(click for image) 66 66

Management Classification

A standard method for assessing MnRAM results, endorsed by the MnRAM Workgroup.

• Guide policy approaches using MnRAM wetland data.

• Two levels allow flexibility for regional landscape or policy differences.

67 67

MC Preset Options: “Basic” or “Increased”

Basic

Protection: fewer wetlands will remain in the “Preserve” category

Increased

Standard keeps more wetlands in the stronger protection levels.

68 68

Known bugs

Deleting an entry from #24-25-26 without entering a zero may result in a run-time error. Pressing will return you to the field to correct your error.

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BWSR MnRAM Support

Natasha DeVoe (651) 205-4664 [email protected]

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