Advanced LTPBR Design
Learn to use Riverscapes Studio for advanced site-scale design of LTPBR projects. Students will conduct desktop designs, discuss field designs, prepare design report and learn about regulatory permit application.
Online · October 13–16, 2026 · 1 graduate credit or 1.5 CEUs · Registration open
Register through USU Continuing Education
Matriculated USU Students - Register via Banner
Course Overview
| Course Number | Format | Dates | Credit | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WATS/CEWA 6627 | Live online | October 13–16, 2026 | 1 Graduate Credit (1.5 CEUs) | Standard Tuition or $330 |
Who Should Attend
This advanced short course is designed for restoration practitioners, natural-resource professionals, graduate students, and GIS users who want to apply riverscape network models to project planning. Participants should already be comfortable working in GIS. Previous LTPBR coursework is helpful but not required.
What You Will Learn
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Use Riverscapes Studio to complete the LTPBR design process for their own project.
- Apply conservation planning and LTPBR design concepts using mapping and quantitative analysis.
- Set clear project objectives based on the riverscape conditions and problems identified during planning.
- Select the locations and types of LTPBR treatments and describe the expected short- and medium-term effects of those actions.
- Develop a practical design that accounts for construction needs, access, staging, material sources, risks, and site constraints.
- Estimate how proposed treatments may improve riverscape conditions and contribute to the site’s recovery potential.
- Complete a full LTPBR design and report, publish the project to the Riverscapes Data Exchange, and, when appropriate, share proposed actions on PBR Explorer.
Prerequisites
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). Students are also expected to have completed WATS/CEWA 6626 (Advanced LTPBR Planning) and WATS/CEWA 5623 (Intro to LTPBR Design) or have equivalent experience.
Instructor of Record
Office Hours - By appointment this semester.
Schedule
| Class | Time | Days | Location | Dates | Instructor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online - Google Meet | 9:00 am - 12:00 noon; 2:00 to 4:00 pm | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Google Meet | Oct 13 - 16, 2026 | Professor Joe Wheaton , Jordan Gilbert, and Philip Bailey |
Registration
- Matriculated USU Students: Register via Banner
- Continuing Ed/Professional Students: CEWA
Fees
- Matriculated Students: pay standard USU tuition. No additional fees.
- Continuing Education Students: $330 (includes $45 CEU processing fee).
Course Resources
The course will use:
Main Course Resources Page
The main page for course materials and resources is on the QRiS Webiste.
QRiS & QGIS
Riverscapes Studio plugin to QGIS will be the software used in this course.
Chapter 5 LT-PBR Manual
Chapter 5 of LTPBR Design Manual is on Desig
Module 4 Self-Paced Modules
Content from WATS/CEWA 5623 Module 4 on Design
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.
Community Resources
These communities from the Riverscapes Consortium are great places to ask questions, connect with colleagues and share your work.
Advanced CEWA LTPBR Series Community
The community for connecting with others in this class and the advanced series of Adavanced LTPBR courses. This is in lieu of Canvas.
Riverscapes Studio Users
Community of QRiS Users. Stay up to date on latest releases, webinars, trainings, ask questions and share your work.
LTPBR of Riverscapes - Practitioner Community
This community is intended to facilitate exchange between practitioners of LTPBR anywhere in the world.
Textbook
LT-PBR Manual
The 2019 Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes Design Manual (Free/Required). Focus on Chapter 3 of the Design Manual.
Pocket Guide
A LTPBR Pocket Guide to take with you into the field (Optional)
Course Grading
Pass / Fail Grading based on completion of project assignment and participation. Simple: do the work - pass.
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.