WATS 5624 - Syllabus

WATS 5624 Header

Catalog Description

This course introduces the implementation of Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration (LTPBR) of riverscapes. Students will build low-tech structures such as PALS (Post-Assisted Log Structures) and BDAs (Beaver Dam Analogues) on student-designed restoration projects. Students will also learn about consultation, permitting, construction safety, and logistics.

Title	Implementation of Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes
Course Number	WATS 5624
Semester Offered	Spring
Credits	1.0 Credit (1.5 CEU)
Levels	Graduate / Undergraduate
Schedule	Hybrid Face-to-Face Lecture
Cross-listed	CEWA 5624

← Back to Spring 2023 LTPBR Courses

Schedule

Spring 2023 Implementation of LTPBR

Class	Time	Day	Location	Date	Instructor
Implementing LTPBR	1:30–3:30 pm	Tuesday	via Zoom	Apr 11, 2023	Stephen N. Bennett
Field Trip	7:30 am–5:30 pm	Saturday	In the field	Apr 15, 2023	Stephen N. Bennett

Outline dates and assignments will be posted on Canvas:
Spring 2023 Canvas

Course Outline

Students are expected to complete the pre-recorded lectures and readings before each class. Both the Zoom discussion session and the Saturday field trip are mandatory.

Date	Modules	Topics
4/11/2023	5.2–5.5	Overview, Consultation & Permitting, Logistics, Equipment & Safety, Construction of PALS & BDAs
4/15/2023	5.6	Field Day (Saturday) - Building an LTPBR Project

This course is based on Module 5 from the self-paced materials.
Module 5 - Implementation Materials

Fees

Matriculated Students: current USU tuition plus a $100 course fee for field trip expenses (supplies, equipment, safety).
(Tuition varies from $712–$2716 per credit depending on residency and level)
Continuing Education Students: $415 total (including a $370 course fee + $45 CEU processing fee). Registration is closed for 2023.

Course Objectives

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

Understand consultation and permitting processes
Use low-tech construction methods safely
Create an adaptive management plan including maintenance and future phases
Document as-built conditions

Instructor

Lead Instructor

Stephen N. Bennett
Ecologist, Adjunct Professor
Principal at Anabranch Solutions
Office hours: by appointment through Canvas

Instructor Affiliations

Course Resources

Slides (PDFs), lecture videos, and assigned readings are provided in Canvas. Assignments (formative and graded) and their grading rubrics are also posted on Canvas.

Canvas Course Page (Spring 2023)

Also see
Module 5 - Implementation Resources

Required Texts

Students should have access to both a hard copy or free PDF of these resources:

LTPBR Design Manual (also on Amazon or BookBaby)
Chapters 4 and 6 will be emphasized.
LTPBR Pocket Guide (waterproof versions available here)

Grading

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%