The goal of LRAM is to provide a rapid and repeatable calculation of compensatory mitigation requirements for unavoidable impacts to jurisdictional wetlands that can be completed by users with various backgrounds and limited field data. LRAM does not focus on any specific ecologic function(s) or societal value(s) provided by wetlands, rather it infers functional and value output based on its ecological condition.

LRAM has several applications applicable to the USACE Regulatory Program for CEMVN project managers, permit applicants, and mitigation bank sponsors. LRAM has been developed to assist project managers in efficiently and consistently quantifying adverse impacts associated with permit applications and environmental benefits associated with compensatory mitigation projects. LRAM can also assist applicants in evaluating the scale of compensatory mitigation that would be required by an impact. Sponsors can evaluate a potential mitigation bank site to predict potential mitigation credits available depending upon different restoration/enhancement techniques.