WATS/CEWA 5622 - Course Syllabus

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Catalog Description

This course introduces the planning process for Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration (LTPBR) of riverscapes. Students will learn how to map riverscapes, assess current conditions, and estimate recovery potential to support LTPBR projects.

Title	Planning for Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes
Semester Offered	Spring
Credits	1.0 Credit (1.5 CEU)
Levels	Graduate / Undergraduate
Schedule	Hybrid Face-to-Face Lecture
Course Number	WATS 5622
Cross-listed	CEWA 5622

← Back to Spring 2025 LTPBR Courses for Credit or CEU

Schedule

Spring 2025

Matriculated USU Students: WATS 5622
Non-USU / Professional Students: CEWA 5622

Registration opens November 6, 2024

Class	Time	Day	Dates	Instructor
Planning LTPBR	1:30–4:15 pm	Tuesday	Jan 28, Feb 4, 11, 2025	Joe Wheaton

Course assignments and resources will be available in Canvas two weeks before the course start date.

Course Meeting Outline

Students will be expected to watch pre-recorded lectures and complete assigned readings before class. During class, group exercises and discussion will deepen understanding. Students will also take a virtual field trip and are encouraged to take a real field trip (self-guided).

Date	Module	Topics
1/28/2025	3.1 & 3.2	Intro to Planning and Reading Riverscapes
2/4/2025	3.3	Planning Phase
2/11/2025	3.4	Planning Applied to Your Own Riverscape

This course is based on Module 3 from the self-paced LTPBR series.

Access Module 3 Materials (slides, recordings, exercises)

Fees

Matriculated Students: pay USU tuition rates for 1 credit
(no additional course fees)
Continuing Education Students: $315 for 1.5 CEUs (includes $270 course fee + $45 processing)
Registration opens November 6

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Differentiate the collection & analysis phase of the NRCS Conservation Planning Process from other phases, and recognize its overlap with other restoration planning processes.
Read and interpret riverscapes to identify valley bottom extents and understand zones of influence of structural forcing.
Evaluate current conditions of a riverscape and estimate recovery potential using LTPBR.
Recast restoration objectives by articulating realistic, S-M-A-R-T (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) indicators.

Instructor

Joe Wheaton
Professor of Riverscapes
Principal, Anabranch Solutions

Office Hours: Tuesdays 11:00–12:00 MT (in-person NR360 or via Zoom)

For questions, use Canvas discussion boards or direct email.

Instructor Affiliations

Course Resources

Course content includes:

Lecture slides (PDF)
Pre-recorded lectures (YouTube)
Readings (provided PDFs or textbook)

Assignments will be posted in Canvas. Formative and graded assignments will have criteria and rubrics provided in the grade book.

Access Module 3 Materials

Course Textbooks

Required Texts

Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes: Design Manual
Free PDF or available in hard copy via Amazon or BookBaby
Pocket Field Guide
Free PDF or waterproof print version available here

The focus will be on Chapter 3 of the Design Manual.

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%