WATS/CEWA 6626 - Course Syllabus
Catalog Description
Advanced course in site-scale planning of LTPBR projects using Riverscapes Studio. Students will assess current, historic and potential future conditions of riverscape health to prepare for design. One week short over video link.
Prerequisite Recommendations: Students are recommended to be proficient in GIS (See: getting started in QGIS for self-paced; see USU's Geospatial Collective for more formal training options).
Fall 2025 - Intro to LTPBR
- Matriculated USU Students: Register via Banner
- Continuing Ed/Professional Students: CEWA
| Class | Time | Days | Location | Dates | Instructor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online - Google Meet | 9:00 am - 12:00 noon; 2:00 to 4:00 pm | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Google Meet | Sep 29, 30, Oct 1, & 2, 2025 | Professor Joe Wheaton, Josh Gilbert, Zach Burgert, Phlip Bailey |
Instructor of Record
Office Hours - By appointment this semester.
Fees
- Matriculated Students: pay standard USU tuition. No additional fees.
- Continuing Education Students: $315 (includes $45 CEU processing fee).
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Use Riverscapes Studio to complete LTPBR Planning process for their own project.
- Apply concepts of Conservation Planning Process and LTPBR Planning taught in WATS/CEWA 5622, but with QRiS and quantiative mapping and analysis.
- Read a riverscape and document conditions using Riverscapes Studio Protocols.
- Analyze current, estimated historic and potential future riverscape health conditions for their project riverscape.
- Evaluate risks and opportuntiies and produce a defensible plan of recovery potential for their site to inform LTPBR restoration design.
- Create a presentation and report of their findings, post draft project to the Data Exchange, and if appropriate proposed actions to PBR Explorer.
Course Resources
The course will use:
- Slides (PDF)
- Video lectures (YouTube)
- Required readings (Design Manual + Pocket Guide)
We will NOT be using Canvas for this class. All communication outside of class time will be on our Advanced LTPBR Series Community on the Riverscapes Consortium. Assignments will be submitted by sharing your Riverscapes Studio Projects and as posts in our community.
Module 3 Resources from WATS/CEWA 5622 for reference.
Required Textbooks
Mandatory Texts — you may use digital or printed:
-
Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes: Design Manual
Free PDF or buy print from Amazon or BookBaby -
Pocket Field Guide
Free PDF or purchase waterproof version
Focus on Chapter 3 of the Design Manual.
Course Grading
Pass / Fail Grading based on completion of project assignments, final report and participation.
University Policies
USU policies apply, including:
- Attendance
- Academic Integrity
- Student Code
- Library Services
- Disability Resource Center
- Counseling & Mental Health
- Title IX & Equity
If you experience barriers or need accommodations, please reach out to the instructor or DRC as early as possible.