– Amanda Johnson & Patty Cervenka
For our July activity for the VWMP, Project Manager, Amanda Johnson demonstrated how the NC WAM can be used to evaluate the condition of a wetland.
This volunteer activity included a review of the NC WAM manual, preliminary desktop analysis, and a visit to the Walnut Creek Wetland Center in Raleigh, NC on the morning of July 23, 2022.
The NC WAM is a field method that can be used to determine the level of function of a wetland relative to the reference condition (where appropriate) for each of 16 NC wetland types.
To complete the NC WAM assessment form that will generate function ratings and an overall wetland rating, a desktop analysis and field assessment is required.
NC WAM Manual
To use the NC WAM in any official capacity, one must go through the training class (3 days of training and an exam) to become certified as trained. This activity was for demonstration and research purposes. The latest version of the NC WAM manual can be found here: NCWAM Manual | NC DEQ.
Objectives
The objectives of this volunteer activity were to:
- Become familiar with the purpose of NC WAM and how it may be used
- Practice using the NC WAM assessment form
- Develop an understanding of what factors may affect the condition and health of a wetland
We are looking forward to the upcoming VWMP activities including a visit to the new Carolina Wetlands Association office to review some of the data we have collected so far and our wetland monitoring site visits in September. For more information on the pilot Volunteer Wetland Monitoring Program, visit the VWMP Webpage.
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