From the variable grades, an overall grade is created for each reach. This grade reflects a composite score from each of the assessment variables using a weighted average as covered in the table below. If a reach lacked sufficient data for a given variable or metric, that variable or metric was excluded from the grading.
Identifying metric, variable and reach grades as well as prioritization of reaches and potential restoration projects required a significant effort from Learning By Doing, a large team of consultants and a dedicated group of stakeholders. Grades are designed to indicate general conditions, and provide context for reach and project prioritization, and to track changes over time. The grading & prioritization process are summarized in the infographic below:
