WATS 6900 §6 – Course Syllabus

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Catalog Description

This course introduces the implementation phase of Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration (LTPBR) of riverscapes. Students will design and build low-tech structures such as PALS (post-assisted log structures) and BDAs (beaver dam analogues), and gain skills in consultation, permitting, construction safety, and project logistics.

Title	Implementation of Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes
Semester Offered	Spring
Credits	1.0 Credit hour (1.5 CEU)
Levels	Graduate/Undergraduate
Schedule Types	Hybrid Face-to-Face Lecture
Cross-Listed As	CEWA 5700 (WATS/CEWA 5624 from 2022 onward)

← Back to Spring 2021 LTPBR Courses

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Schedule

Spring 2021 – Implementation of LTPBR

• Matriculated Students: ST:IMP LOWTEC PRCBAS REST RIV - 37989 - WATS 6900 - 006
• Non-Matriculated Students: 26398 - CEWA 5700 - LB5

Class	Time	Days	Where	Dates	Instructors
Implementing LTPBR	1:30–3:30 pm	Tuesday	Zoom	Apr 20, 2021	Scott Shahverdian, Joe Wheaton, Stephen Bennett, Nicolaas Bouwes
Implementing LTPBR	7:30 am–5:30 pm	Saturday	Field Trip	Apr 24, 2021	Same instructors

Canvas Link:
Canvas Course Page

Course Meeting Modules

Date	Modules	Topics
Apr 20	5.2–5.5	Overview, Consultation & Permitting, Logistics & Safety, PALS & BDA Construction, Adaptive Management
Apr 24	5.6	Field Day – Practical Project Construction

Module 5 resources (slides, lectures, and exercises):
Module 5 – Implementation

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Fees

• Matriculated Students: standard USU tuition (details) + $100 course fee for field trip (covers construction supplies, travel, safety gear, etc.)
• Continuing Ed Students: $371.88 (register here)

Register for Module 5 – Implementation

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Course Objectives

By the end of this course, you will:

1. Understand consultation and permitting processes
2. Apply safe low-tech construction techniques
3. Create an adaptive management plan for maintenance and future phases
4. Document as-built conditions and field results

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Instructors

• Scott Shahverdian

  • ResearchGate
  • Fluvial Geomorphologist, Associate Design Geomorphologist at Anabranch Solutions
  • Office Hours: By appointment

• Stephen Bennett

  • ResearchGate
  • Ecologist, USU Adjunct Professor, Principal at Anabranch Solutions
  • Office Hours: By appointment

• Joseph Wheaton

  • Website
  • Associate Professor of Riverscapes, USU
  • Office Hours: Wednesday 12–1pm (Zoom) or by appointment

• Nicolaas Bouwes

  • ResearchGate
  • Aquatic Ecologist, USU Adjunct Professor, Principal at Anabranch Solutions
  • Office Hours: By appointment

Group Office Hours: Wednesday 12–1pm on Zoom

Canvas Messaging Preferred: please use Canvas for communication.

Instructor Affiliations

• USU Watershed Sciences
• Anabranch Solutions
• Eco-Logical Research

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Course Resources

This course is built around modules with slides, videos, and readings. All materials and assignments are posted on Canvas.

Spring 2021 Canvas Course

Additional module resources:
Module 5 – Implementation

Course Textbooks:

• Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes: Design Manual (PDF, Amazon)
• Pocket Field Guide (PDF, purchase waterproof)

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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 assessment criteria are described in Canvas.

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University Policies

This course complies with all USU academic policies, including:

• Attendance & Excused Absence
• Academic Integrity
• Student Code of Conduct
• Withdrawal & Incomplete Grades
• Disability Resources
• Diversity & Inclusion Resources
• Mental Health Resources

For a complete list, refer to:
USU Academic Policies and Procedures

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