WATS 6900 §3 – Course Syllabus

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Catalog Description

Students explore the science and case studies that encouraged Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration (LTPBR) of riverscapes. You’ll gain exposure to key experiments and studies, and come to understand the state of current LTPBR science as well as where knowledge gaps remain.

Title	Science & Case Studies of Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes
Semester Offered	Spring
Credits	1.0 Credit hour (1.5 CEU)
Levels	Graduate/Undergraduate
Schedule Types	Hybrid Face-to-Face Lecture
Cross-Listed As	CEWA 5700 (becomes WATS/CEWA 5621 in Spring 2022)

Schedule

Spring 2021 – Science of LTPBR

Matriculated Students: ST:SCI&CASE STUD LOWTECH RIV - 12054 - WATS 6900 - 003
Non-Matriculated Students: CEWA 5700 - 26394 - LB2

Class	Time	Days	Where	Dates	Instructors
LTPBR Science & Case Studies	1:30–3:30 pm	Tuesdays	Zoom	Feb 9, 23 & Mar 2, 2021	Nicolaas Bouwes, Stephen Bennett, Joe Wheaton

Canvas Link:
Canvas Course Page

Students are expected to complete pre-recorded lectures and reading before each class meeting.

Class Meeting Modules

Date	Modules	Topics
Feb 9	2.1, 2.2	Intro & Resilience
Feb 23	2.2	Case Studies (Bridge Creek, Asotin Creek)
Mar 2	2.3	State of the Science

Module 2 resources (slides, lectures, and exercises):
Module 2 – Science

Fees

Matriculated Students: standard USU tuition (details). No extra course fee.
Continuing Ed Students: $265.79 (register here)

Course Objectives

This course builds on the Introduction to LTPBR and aims to help you:

Identify scholarly literature and scientific foundations of low-tech process-based restoration
Understand how key LTPBR studies build confidence in PALS, BDAs, and related treatments
Recognize the outstanding knowledge gaps in LTPBR science

Instructors

Nicolaas Bouwes
- ResearchGate
- Aquatic Ecologist, USU Adjunct Professor, Anabranch Solutions
- Office Hours: By appointment
Stephen Bennett
- ResearchGate
- Ecologist, USU Adjunct Professor, Anabranch Solutions
- Office Hours: By appointment
Joseph Wheaton
- Website
- Associate Professor of Riverscapes, USU
- Office Hours: Wednesday 12–1pm (Zoom) or by appointment

Group Office Hours: Wednesday 12–1pm on Zoom

Instructor Affiliations

Canvas Messaging Preferred: please use Canvas for communications.

Course Resources

All slides, handouts, and assignments are linked in Canvas:

Spring 2021 Canvas Course

Textbooks:

Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes: Design Manual (PDF, Amazon, BookBaby)
Pocket Field Guide (PDF, purchase waterproof)

Grading

Grade	Range
A	93–100%
A-	90–93%
B+	87–90%
B	83–87%
B-	80–83%
C+	77–80%
C	73–77%
C-	70–73%
D+	67–70%
D	60–67%
F	below 60%

Rubrics and assessment criteria are provided in Canvas.

University Policies

This course follows all USU academic policies including: