Hannah C
I thought Brian was an excellent instructor. I do not feel there should be any changes. He gave the group may opportunities to ask questions as well as test our knowledge. Everything was very valuable for me.
Ohio Rapid Assessment Method (ORAM) for Wetlands
ORAM is used in Ohio's wetland permitting program to categorize wetlands for permit reviews and is also an excellent rapid assessment tool for determining wetland ecological condition.
Course Overview
This comprehensive (2-day) course prepares participants to conduct accurate wetland assessments using ORAM, Ohio's state-recognized method for categorizing wetlands in permit reviews and determining ecological condition.
This course covers:
- ORAM background, concepts, and scientific validation
- Evaluation protocols for six metrics and 14 sub-metrics
- Wetland categorization procedures for antidegradation classification
- Hands-on field training at diverse wetland sites
- Assessment challenges and problem-solving techniques
- Data form completion and scoring methodology
- Certificate of successful course completion
Upcoming Courses
Register for an upcoming course or see our previous courses.
View All Course OfferingsJul 14th - Jul 15th
Midwest Biodiversity Institute
$525.00
Last day to register is Jun 25th.
Jun 23rd - Jun 24th
Midwest Biodiversity Institute
$525.00
Last day to register is Jun 4th.
Course Details
ORAM provides a relatively quick way to place a wetland in its correct antidegradation category for Ohio's state and federal wetland permit reviews. ORAM is also an excellent rapid assessment tool for determining wetland ecological condition, and can serve as a highly accurate human disturbance gradient. ORAM is recognized in Ohio rule and law as the method to be used to categorize both federal jurisdictional and isolated wetlands in Ohio, and has served as a model for many other rapid assessments that are in use across the United States.
Day One: Classroom Instruction at MBI
This day will focus on the background and concepts underlying the method and explanation of the protocols for conducting ORAM evaluations. Scientific data that demonstrates the accuracy of ORAM will be presented and participants will receive instruction on the correct way to evaluate and score each of six metrics and 14 sub-metrics. The protocols to assemble all of the information on a single wetland will then be applied in order to place it in the appropriate category.
Day Two: Field Training
Participants will visit nearby wetlands that present different assessment challenges, and will learn how to produce ORAM evaluations that accurately incorporate the principles learned in the classroom. Wetlands from each of three categories recognized in Ohio will be visited and evaluated. The resulting ORAM data forms will be reviewed in the field and used to illustrate and support the correct way to score each of the metrics and sub-metrics.
Results
Participants can expect to leave the course with a firm understanding of the methods for accurate wetland assessments using ORAM. Upon completion of the two-day training, participants should be confident in their abilities to effectively evaluate wetlands in the field and know how and where to seek additional guidance when needed. Participants will receive a certificate documenting successful course completion.
* Continuing educations credits are available for this course (as certified by the Society of Wetland Scientists Professional Certification Program).
Our Reviews
Testimonials
Hannah C
I felt the content and scope were very relevant to learning and understanding ORAM methodology.
Mitchell M
This training directly touched on all the topics within the ORAM form with which I had questions about, and provided me with the necessary tools to more accurately score wetlands.
Michael R
MBI's ORAM course is extremely in-depth and provides clarity for some of the more objective assessment criteria, as well as a great experience in the field.
Nick V
I thought it was very well done and covered all ORAM caveats.
Rick N
Excellent, fun and educational
Kristy S
The content of the course was perfect for the projects that our company completes
Lisa B
MBI's PHWH course made me more comfortable and confident assessing primary headwater streams and using the HHEI to score streams.
Anonymous
Fantastic! The training did a great job of preparing me to identify and analyze all the various conditions that can be present in a headwater stream, and
Allie E
Thorough, great practice and good mix of hands on vs in classroom training
Anonymous
The training was great! The field portion was especially great
Our Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Our Training & Courses
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Yes, as long as the person who made payment/paid for the course sends an email message from the email account on record to info@mbieducation.com prior to the start time of the first day of the course. The e-mail must indicate the name, e-mail and phone number of the new participant.
Yes - we ask that course participants provide their own transportation to and from field sites. However, we encourage car pooling and will make every attempt to minimize the number of vehicles traveling to the field sites.
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