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WATS/CEWA 5624 - Syllabus

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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 will also explore consultation, permitting, construction safety, and logistics.

TitleImplementation of Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes
Course NumberWATS 5624
Semester OfferedSpring
Credits1.0 Credit (1.5 CEU)
LevelsGraduate / Undergraduate
ScheduleHybrid Face-to-Face Lecture
Cross-listedCEWA 5624

← Back to Spring 2025 LTPBR Courses


Schedule

Spring 2025 - Implementation of LTPBR

ClassTimeDaysLocationDatesInstructor
Implementing LTPBR1:30–4:15 pmTuesdayvia ZoomApr 8, 2025Joe Wheaton
Implementing LTPBR7:30 am–5:30 pmSaturdayField TripApr 12, 2025Joe Wheaton

Course assignments and materials will be posted in Canvas two weeks prior to the first class.


Course Outline

DateModulesTopics
4/8/20255.2–5.5Overview, Consultation & Permitting, Logistics, Equipment & Safety, Construction of PALS & BDAs
4/12/20255.6Field Day (Saturday): Constructing an LTPBR Project

Mandatory attendance is expected for both the lecture and field trip.

Module 5 - Implementation Materials (slides, videos, exercises)


Fees

  • Matriculated Students: standard USU tuition rates plus a $100 course fee for field trip materials and equipment.

  • Continuing Education Students: $415 for 1.5 CEUs
    (includes $370 course fee + $45 CEU processing fee)
    Registration opens Nov 6, 2024.


Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will:

  1. Understand the consultation and permitting process
  2. Apply low-tech construction techniques safely
  3. Create an adaptive management plan including maintenance and next-phase considerations
  4. Document as-built conditions

Instructor

Joe Wheaton

  • Professor of Riverscapes, Utah State University
  • Principal, Anabranch Solutions
  • Office hours: Tuesdays 11:00–12:00 MT in NR360 or on Zoom

To contact the instructor, please use Canvas messages or the course discussion boards.


Instructor Affiliations


Course Resources

This course uses slides (PDF), videos (YouTube), and required readings (provided PDFs or textbook) as the primary resources. Assignments and rubrics will be delivered in Canvas.

Key Materials:

Required Texts:


Grading

Points will be awarded based on quizzes and assignments, with rubrics posted in Canvas.

GradeRange
A93–100%
A-90–92.9%
B+87–89.9%
B83–86.9%
B-80–82.9%
C+77–79.9%
C73–76.9%
C-70–72.9%
D+67–69.9%
D60–66.9%
Fbelow 60%

Attendance Policy

Attendance is required for all class meetings and the field day. Please see USU attendance policies.


University Policies

USU’s policies on:

apply to this course. Please review them as part of your academic responsibilities.