WATS 6900 §4 – Syllabus
Catalog Description
Students explore the planning process for Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration (LTPBR) of riverscapes, including mapping, condition assessment, and recovery potential estimation to support projects.
Title | Planning Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes |
---|---|
Semester Offered | Spring |
Credits | 1.0 Credit hour (1.5 CEU) |
Levels | Graduate/Undergraduate |
Schedule | Hybrid Face-to-Face Lecture |
Cross-listed | CEWA 5700 (becomes WATS/CEWA 5622 in 2022) |
← Back to Spring 2021 LTPBR Courses
Schedule
Spring 2021 – Planning LTPBR
- Matriculated Students: ST:PLANLOWTEC PRCBASED REST RI - 12075 - WATS 6900 - 004
- Non-Matriculated Students: 26395 - CEWA 5700 - LB3
Class | Time | Days | Where | Dates | Instructors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Planning LTPBR | 1:30–3:30 pm | Tuesdays | Zoom | Mar 9, 16, 23, 2021 | Joseph Wheaton, Stephen Bennett |
Canvas Link:
Canvas Course Page
Students are expected to complete pre-recorded lectures and readings before each class meeting.
Class Meetings
Date | Modules | Topics |
---|---|---|
Mar 9 | 3.1, 3.2 | Intro to Planning Process, Reading Riverscapes |
Mar 16 | 3.3 | Planning Phase |
Mar 23 | 3.4 | Planning Applied to Your Own Riverscape |
Module 3 resources (slides, lectures, and exercises):
Module 3 – Planning
Fees
- Matriculated Students: USU tuition (details). No additional course fee.
- Continuing Ed Students: $265.79 (register here)
Register for Module 3 – Planning
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Differentiate the collection & analysis phase of NRCS Conservation Planning from other phases, and recognize parallels to other restoration planning processes.
- Explore and read riverscapes to identify valley-bottom extents and structural forcing zones of influence.
- Evaluate current conditions of a riverscape and estimate a realistic recovery potential for LTPBR.
- Recast restoration objectives using realistic, S-M-A-R-T indicators (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound).
Instructors
-
Joseph Wheaton
- Website
- Associate Professor of Riverscapes, USU
- Anabranch Solutions
- Office Hours: Wednesday 12–1pm (Zoom) or by appointment
-
Stephen Bennett
- ResearchGate
- Ecologist, USU Adjunct Professor, Anabranch Solutions
- Office Hours: By appointment
Group Office Hours: Wednesday 12–1pm on Zoom
Canvas Messaging Preferred: please use Canvas for communications.
Instructor Affiliations
Course Resources
Course materials include slides (PDF), recorded lectures (YouTube), and readings from the Design Manual or Pocket Guide. All assignments, rubrics, and resources are available through Canvas.
Course Textbooks
- Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes: Design Manual (PDF, Amazon, BookBaby)
- Pocket Field Guide (PDF, purchase waterproof)
Focus will be on Chapter 3 of the Design Manual.
Grading
Grade | Range |
---|---|
A | 93–100% |
A- | 90–93% |
B+ | 87–90% |
B | 83–87% |
B- | 80–83% |
C+ | 77–80% |
C | 73–77% |
C- | 70–73% |
D+ | 67–70% |
D | 60–67% |
F | below 60% |
Rubrics and evaluation details are in Canvas.
University Policies
This course follows all USU academic policies, including:
- Attendance & Excused Absences
- Academic Integrity
- Academic Freedom & Responsibilities
- Withdrawal/Incompletes
- Disability Resources
- Mental Health & SafeUT
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
If you experience difficulties, the university offers Counseling and Psychological Services and encourages use of the SafeUT App for 24/7 crisis help.