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Planning LTPBR - Course Syllabus

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Most of the content for this course is free and available to everyone. However, registration is required to access the Canvas course where assignments will be submitted and graded. If you register as a Continuing Education particpant, see here for how to access your account and Canvas.

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.

TitlePlanning for Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes
Semester OfferedSpring
Credits1.0 Credit (1.5 CEU)
LevelsGraduate / Undergraduate
ScheduleOnline Lecture
Course NumberWATS 5622
Cross-listedCEWA 5622

Schedule

Spring 2026

Registration opens November 10, 2025

ClassTimeDayDatesInstructor
Planning LTPBR1:30–4:15 pmTuesdayJan 27, Feb 3, 10, 2026Joe Wheaton

Join by Zoom

Meeting ID: 825 5988 3088; Passcode: 759284

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).

DateModuleTopics
1/27/20263.1 & 3.2Intro to Planning and Reading Riverscapes
2/3/20263.3Planning Phase
2/10/20263.4Planning 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)

First Class Resources

Fees

  • Matriculated Students: pay USU tuition rates for 1 credit
    (no additional course fees)

  • Continuing Education Students: $320 for 1.5 CEUs (includes $45 processing fee)

Course Objectives

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

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

Instructor

Joe Wheaton, Professor of Riverscapes, Utah State University
Joe Wheaton, Professor of Riverscapes, Utah State University

Joe’s Office Hours: Monday 13:00–14:00 MT on Google Meet

For questions, use Canvas discussion boards or direct email.

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

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

Grading

GradeRange
A93–100%
A-90–92.9%
B+87–89.9%
B83–86.9%
B-80–82.9%
C+77–79.9%
C73–76.9%
C-70–72.9%
D+67–69.9%
D60–66.9%
Fbelow 60%

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