WATS 5620 - Intro to LTPBR
Catalog Description
This course provides an introduction to Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes, covering riverscape degradation, restoration principles, and low-tech technique examples.
| Title | Introduction to Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes |
|---|---|
| Course Number | WATS 5620 |
| Semester Offered | Spring |
| Credits | 1.0 Credit hour (1.5 CEU) |
| Levels | Graduate / Undergraduate |
| Schedule | Hybrid Face-to-Face Lecture |
| Cross-listed | CEWA 5620 |
← Back to Spring 2024 LTPBR Courses for University Credit or Professional CEU
Schedule
Spring 2024
- Matriculated: WATS 5620 Banner Link
- Non-USU / Professional: CEWA 5620 Registration
| Class | Time | Days | Where | Dates | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intro to LTPBR | 1:30–4:15 pm | Tuesdays | Zoom | Jan 9, 16, 23, 2024 | Joe Wheaton |
Course Schedule / Outline
Students should complete the readings and pre-recorded lectures before attending live sessions. Group exercises and discussions will be completed during live class time.
| Date | Module | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 9 | 1.1 | Background & Scope of Degradation, Build Your First BDA |
| Jan 16 | 1.2 | Intro to Low-Tech Tools, Guiding Principles |
| Jan 23 | 1.3 | Partnering with Beaver, Synthesis |
This course is based on Module 1 from the self-paced materials.
Module 1 Resources (slides, videos, exercises)
Fees
-
Matriculated Students: standard USU tuition rates
(no additional course fee) -
Continuing Education: $315 (includes $270 course fee + $45 CEU processing fee)
Registration for Spring 2024 is full.
Course Objectives
This introductory course is a foundation for more advanced LTPBR coursework. By the end, students will be able to:
- Understand the scope and seriousness of riverscape degradation.
- Identify a vision for healthy riverscapes.
- Recognize various low-tech restoration practices.
- Use Principles of Riverscape Health to assess conditions.
- Distinguish low-tech PBR principles from traditional restoration approaches.
- Explain why beaver activity is often a key part of process-based restoration.
Instructors
Joe Wheaton
- Profile
- Professor of Riverscapes
- Office Hours: Tuesdays 11:00–12:00 MT (NR360 or via Zoom)
- Department Directory
Sandra Johnson (Teaching Assistant)
- Masters Student, MoER Program
- Restoration Technician
Instructor Affiliations
Course Resources
Slides, videos, and readings are organized by module in Canvas. Assignments, rubrics, and grades will also be managed there.
Module 1 Resources (slides, videos, exercises)
Course Textbooks
Mandatory Texts:
Free PDFs available, or purchase hard copies:
-
Design Manual (Amazon, BookBaby)
Focus chapters: 1, 2, 7
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% |
Points will be awarded for quizzes and graded assignments in Canvas. Rubrics are posted in Canvas.
University Policies & Procedures
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