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Implementation of LTPBR - Course Syllabus

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Catalog Description

This course introduces Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes implementation. Students will construct low-tech structures like PALS (post-assisted log structures) and BDAs (beaver dam analogues) on student-designed restoration projects. Students will also explore consultation, permitting, construction safety, and logistics.

TitleImplementation of Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes
Course NumberWATS 5624
Semester OfferedSpring
Credits1.0 Credit (1.5 CEU)
LevelsGraduate / Undergraduate
ScheduleOnline Lecture / In-Person Field Trip
Cross-listedCEWA 5624

Schedule

Spring 2026 - Implementation of LTPBR

Registration opens November 10, 2025.

ClassTimeDaysLocationDatesInstructor
Implementing LTPBR1:30–4:15 pmTuesdayvia ZoomApr 7, 2026Joe Wheaton
Implementing LTPBR8:00 am–5:00 pmSaturdayField TripApr 18, 2026Joe Wheaton

Course assignments and materials will be posted in Canvas two weeks prior to the first class.

Course Outline

DateModulesTopics
4/7/20265.2–5.5Overview, Consultation & Permitting, Logistics, Equipment & Safety, Construction of PALS & BDAs
4/18/20265.6Field Day (Saturday): Constructing an LTPBR Project

Mandatory attendance is expected for both the lecture and field trip.

Module 5 - Implementation Materials (slides, videos, exercises)

Fees

  • Matriculated Students: standard USU tuition rates plus a $100 course fee for field trip materials and equipment.

  • Continuing Education Students: $420 for 1.5 CEUs
    (includes $45 CEU processing fee)

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will:

  1. Understand the consultation and permitting process
  2. Apply low-tech construction techniques safely
  3. Create an adaptive management plan including maintenance and next-phase considerations
  4. Document as-built conditions

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

To contact your instructor, please use Canvas discussion boards or direct messaging.

Instructor Affiliations

1. Utah State University, QCANR
1. Utah State University, QCANR
2. Anabranch Solutions
2. Anabranch Solutions

Course Resources

You can capture an as-built of your construction very Fast

Using QRiS, you can get yourself from nothing to an as-built very fast as I show you in the video below. With as-builts, we are simply capturing what was built. You can compare with a Design data capture event in QRiS, but this is not necessary. As-builts become the basis for indivdual reporting of projects in the PBR Explorer!

QRiS - As-Built Protocols

Riverscape Studio has As-Built Protocols for capturing implementation efforts. You will do this as part of the projects you build.

PBR Explorer

The Process-Based Restoration Explorer is a Riverscapes Consortium hosted community for sharing about your PBR efforts and actions. Think of it like Strava for PBR.

Content

Chapter 6 LT-PBR Manual

Chapter 6 of LTPBR Design Manual is on Implementation

Module 5 Self-Paced Modules

These are the pre-recroded lectures and readings for Module 5

Course Textbooks

LT-PBR Manual

The 2019 Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes Design Manual (Free/Required). Focus on Chapter 5 & 6 of the Design Manual.

Pocket Guide

A LTPBR Pocket Guide to take with you into the field (Optional)

Focus on Chapters 4 and 6 of the Design Manual.

Grading

Points will be awarded based on quizzes and assignments, with rubrics posted in Canvas.

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%

Attendance Policy

Attendance is required for all class meetings and the field day. Please see USU attendance policies.

University Policies

USU’s policies on:

apply to this course. Please review them as part of your academic responsibilities.