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Validation of the Oklahoma Rapid Assessment Method (OKRAM) in Depressional Wetlands Using EPA’S Three-Tiered Framework

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Abstract

Rapid assessment methods (RAMs) have become an integral part of state and federal wetland programs by providing a consistent method for monitoring and prioritizing wetland conservation efforts. RAMs evaluate condition along an anthropogenic disturbance gradient based on qualitative and quantitative measures of wetland indicators. However, RAM applicability outside of the intended region may be difficult or inappropriate due to differences in wetland types, natural variability, and types of stressors. Given the influence of regional and wetland variability on the effectiveness of RAMs, our approach focused on the development and validation of a method applicable to specific wetland types found in Oklahoma and other regions in the Central Great Plains. We applied the Oklahoma Rapid Assessment Method (OKRAM) in 28 depressional wetlands across the state and evaluated the method’s ability to detect condition along a disturbance gradient. We found consistent relationships between OKRAM scores and plant data (e.g., Floristic Quality Index, species richness, and diversity) and with a landscape assessment of anthropogenic disturbance. Based on our results, OKRAM has utility as a tool for differentiating between high and low quality depressional wetlands in Oklahoma, with potential for applicability across other regions of the Central Great Plains.

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Acknowledgments

Funding for this project was provided by a United States Environmental Protection Agency 104(b) 3 Wetland Program Development Grant (EPA# - CD-00F74001-01). Further support was provided by the Bollenbach Endowed Chair in Wildlife Management. We also thank the numerous landowners, refuge staff, and state biologists who granted access to study sites.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University, 008C Agricultural Hall, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA

    Sarah Gallaway & Craig Davis

  2. Oklahoma Conservation Commission, 2800 N. Lincoln Blvd, Suite 200, Oklahoma City, OK, 73105, USA

    Sarah Gallaway, Daniel Dvorett & Brooks Tramell

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  1. Sarah Gallaway
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  4. Brooks Tramell
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Correspondence to Sarah Gallaway.

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Gallaway, S., Davis, C., Dvorett, D. et al. Validation of the Oklahoma Rapid Assessment Method (OKRAM) in Depressional Wetlands Using EPA’S Three-Tiered Framework. Wetlands 40, 925–937 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-019-01238-8

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