WATS 5624 — Syllabus
Catalog Description
This course introduces Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes implementation. Students will construct low-tech structures like PALS (post-assisted log structures) and BDAs (beaver dam analogues) on student-designed restoration projects. Students explore consultation, permitting, and become proficient in construction safety and 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 Type | Hybrid Face-to-Face Lecture |
| Cross-Listed As | CEWA 5624 |
Schedule
Spring 2022 Implementation of LTPBR
- Matriculated Students: WATS 5624 — CNR 14340
- Non-Matriculated Students: CEWA 5624 — CRN 18885 (Register here)
| Class | Time | Day | Where | Dates | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Implementing LTPBR | 1:30–3:30 pm | Tuesday | Zoom | Apr 19, 2022 | Stephen Nicholas Bennett |
| Field Trip | 7:30 am–5:30 pm | Saturday | Field Trip | Apr 23, 2022 | Stephen Nicholas Bennett |
Course Outline
Course details, readings, and assignments are posted on Canvas:
Spring 2021 Canvas — WATS 5624
Students must watch pre-recorded lectures and complete readings before live discussions. Both the remote session and the Saturday field trip are mandatory.
| Date | Modules | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| 4/19/2022 | 5.2–5.5 | Overview, Consultation & Permitting, Logistics & Safety, Construction of PALS & BDAs |
| 4/23/2022 | 5.6 | Field Day (Saturday) — Constructing an LTPBR Project |
Module 5 Implementation Resources
Fees
Matriculated Students
- USU tuition for 1 credit hour (varies)
- $100 course fee for field trip supplies
Continuing Education Students
- $405 (includes $370 course fee + $39 CEU processing fee)
- Register for CEU Credit
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will:
- Understand aspects of the consultation and permitting process.
- Use low-tech construction techniques safely.
- Create an adaptive management plan including maintenance and future phases.
- Document as-built conditions.
Instructors
Lead Instructor
Stephen N. Bennett
Ecologist, Adjunct Professor (profile), Principal at Anabranch Solutions
Co-Instructor
Joseph Wheaton
Professor of Riverscapes (profile), Principal at Anabranch Solutions
Group Office Hours
- Wednesdays, 12–1 pm via Zoom
Instructor Affiliations
Course Resources
Course resources include slides (PDFs), recordings (YouTube), and required readings. Formative assignments and graded work are posted on Canvas.
Slides & Handouts
Textbooks
You will need:
Free electronic versions are linked above, or you can buy printed versions:
Primary chapters: 4 and 6 of the Design Manual.
Course Policies
Grading
| Grade | Percentage |
|---|---|
| A | 93–100% |
| A– | 90–92% |
| B+ | 87–89% |
| B | 83–86% |
| B– | 80–82% |
| C+ | 77–79% |
| C | 73–76% |
| C– | 70–72% |
| D+ | 67–69% |
| D | 60–66% |
| F | below 60% |
Points are awarded for quizzes and assignments on Canvas. Rubrics are provided.
University Policies
- USU Attendance & Excused Absence
- Student Code
- Academic Integrity
- Disability Resource Center
- Mental Health Resources
- SafeUT App
For additional USU policies on academic freedom, Title IX, diversity, and student rights, please visit the USU Policy Page.