WATS 5622 - Course Syllabus

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Catalog Description

This course provides an introduction to the planning process for Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration (LTPBR) of riverscapes. Students will learn to map riverscapes, assess conditions, and estimate recovery potential to support LTPBR projects.

Title	Planning for Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes
Semester Offered	Spring
Course Number	WATS 5622
Credits	1.0 Credit (1.5 CEU)
Levels	Graduate / Undergraduate
Schedule	Hybrid Face-to-Face Lecture
Cross-listed	CEWA 5622

← Back to Spring 2023 LTPBR Courses for Credit or CEU

Schedule

Spring 2023 - Planning LTPBR

Matriculated Students: WATS 5622 - 16925
Professional Students: CEWA 5622

Class	Time	Days	Location	Dates	Instructor
Planning LTPBR	1:30–3:30 pm	Tuesdays	Zoom	Jan 31 & Feb 7, 14, 2023	Stephen Nicholas Bennett

This course uses Module 3 from the self-paced materials.

Access Module 3 Materials

Course Schedule / Outline

Full schedule and assignments will be posted on Canvas:
Canvas Course Page (Spring 2023)

Students should review pre-recorded lectures and complete reading assignments before attending each session.

Meeting Date	Module	Topics
1/31/2023	3.1 & 3.2	Intro to Planning Process, Reading Riverscapes
2/07/2023	3.3	Planning Phase
2/14/2023	3.4	Applying Planning to Your Own Riverscape

Fees

Matriculated Students: regular USU tuition rates for 1 credit
(~$721–$2716 per credit depending on residency and level)
Register on Banner
Continuing Education Students: $315 total
(closed for 2023)

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Differentiate the collection & analysis phase of the NRCS Conservation Planning Process and recognize similarities to other planning processes.
Explore riverscapes to identify valley bottom extents and the zones of influence for structural forcing.
Evaluate current conditions of a riverscape and estimate recovery potential using LTPBR.
Recast restoration objectives with S-M-A-R-T (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) indicators.

Instructor

Stephen N. Bennett

Ecologist, Adjunct Professor
ResearchGate Profile
Anabranch Solutions
Office Hours: by appointment

Instructor Affiliations

Course Resources

Slides (PDF), videos (YouTube), and readings are provided in Canvas. Assignments, rubrics, and grading criteria are detailed on Canvas.

Canvas Course Page

Module 3 - Planning Materials

Course Textbooks

Required Texts:

Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes: Design Manual
Free PDF or Amazon / BookBaby
Pocket Field Guide
Free PDF or purchase waterproof copy

Main focus: Chapter 3 of the Design Manual

Evaluation Methods and Grading

Points are awarded through quizzes and assignments on Canvas. Rubrics are provided for each.

Grade	Range
A	93–100%
A-	90–92.9%
B+	87–89.9%
B	83–86.9%
B-	80–82.9%
C+	77–79.9%
C	73–76.9%
C-	70–72.9%
D+	67–69.9%
D	60–66.9%
F	below 60%