Adaptive Management and Monitoring of LTPBR - Course Syllabus
Catalog Description
This course provides an introduction to adaptive management associated with Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes. Students learn how to build an adaptive management plan and associated monitoring plans for an LTPBR project.
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Title | Adaptive Management and Monitoring of Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes |
| Course Number | WATS 5625 |
| Semester | Spring |
| Credits | 1.0 Credit (1.5 CEU) |
| Level | Graduate / Undergraduate |
| Schedule | Online Lecture |
| Cross-listed | CEWA 5625 |
Schedule
Spring 2025
-
Matriculated USU Students: WATS 5625 Register via Banner
-
Professional / Continuing Ed: CEWA 5625 Registration
Registration opens November 10, 2025
| Class | Time | Day | Where | Dates | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adaptive Management of LTPBR | 1:30–4:15 pm | Tuesday | Online via Zoom | April 14, 21 2026 | Nick Bouwes |
This course is based on Module 6 from the self-paced workshop series.
Access Module 6 (slides, recorded lectures, exercises)
Course Sessions:
| Date | Module | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| 4/14/2026 | 6A–D | Introduction & Background of Adaptive Management |
| 4/21/2026 | 6E–F | Adaptive Management Frameworks for LTPBR |
Fees
- Matriculated USU Students: standard 1-credit tuition
- Continuing Education Students: $320 for 1.5 CEU (Includes $45 CEU processing fee)
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand why adaptive management improves restoration success and learning.
- Use adaptive management in low-tech process-based restoration.
- Create an adaptive management plan outlining objectives, expected outcomes, monitoring approaches, maintenance triggers, and potential phased improvements.
Instructor
Lead Instructor
Nick Bouwes
Ecologist, Adjunct Professor, USU
Principal, Anabranch Solutions
Office hours by appointment via Canvas
Affiliations:
To get in touch, please use Canvas messaging.
Course Resources
Course content will be organized into modules on Canvas. These will include:
- Lecture slides (PDF)
- Recordings (YouTube)
- Readings (PDF / textbook)
Assignments, rubrics, and assessment details will be posted in Canvas two weeks before the course begins.
Course Textbooks
Required Texts:
-
Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes: Design Manual
Free PDF • Amazon • BookBaby -
Pocket Field Guide
Free PDF • Purchase waterproof version
Focus chapters: 3, 4, and 6
Course Policies
Grading
| Grade | Range |
|---|---|
| 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% |
Attendance & Participation
Students are expected to participate in live discussions and complete all pre-readings before class. If you must miss a class, please refer to Canvas, lecture recordings, and contact your peers to catch up. USU’s policy on excused absences applies: USU Attendance Policy.
Additional University Policies
- Academic Integrity: USU Student Code on Academic Integrity
- Disabilities: Disability Resource Center
- Mental Health Support: CAPS and SafeUT App
- Library Resources: USU Libraries
- Title IX & Equity: USU Equity Office
- Diversity Statement: USU Diversity Resources
For full university-wide policies, see the USU Academic Policies Handbook.