WATS/CEWA 5620 Introduction to Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration

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Hello Folks,

Welcome to the LTPBR Short Course Series.

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I am Stephen Bennett, the instructor for this class. I am a research scientist and adjunct professor in the Department of Watershed Sciences. I work closely with Dr. Joe Wheaton and Dr. Nick Bouwes on research related to low-tech process-based restoration. One of my main research tasks is being the lead investigator of a long-term experiment testing the effectiveness of LTPBR at increasing riverscape health and fish productivity in southeast Washington.

The reason this course exists is to introduce you to the topic of low-tech process-based restoration. We will review the scope and causes of riverscape degradation, low-tech restoration approaches, principles of riverscapes and restoration, and highlight the potential of partnering with beaver. These are not new methods, but the goals are different than traditional form-based approaches because we seek to engage natural processes to do most of the work to restore the system. We also promote using stages of restoration (i.e., not a one and done approach) where we emphasize initially mimicking, quickly promoting, and eventually sustaining natural processes.

We are so excited that you are interested in becoming part of this LTPBR movement and encourage you to take advantage of the many resources we provide to help you in this class and your career. Please read all the information below, and post any questions you have to the course discussion boards.

Cheers,

Stephen Bennett, Ph.D.

435-757-5668 | stephen.bennett@usu.edu

Links to an external sitDepartment of Watershed Sciences
5210 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

Step 2: Purchase and/or download your textbooks

Your textbooks include:

Wheaton J.M., Bennett S.N., Bouwes, N., Maestas J.D. and Shahverdian S.M. (Editors). 2019. Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes: Design Manual. Version 1.0. Utah State University Restoration Consortium. Logan, UT. 286 pp. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.19590.63049/2

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Wheaton JM, Wheaton A, Maestas J, Bennett S, Bouwes N, Shahveridan S, Camp R, Jordan C, Macfarlane W, Portugal E, Weber N. 2019. Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes: Pocket Field Guide. Utah State University Restoration Consortium. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.28222.13123/1

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Both the manual and pocket guide Links to an external site. are available for free download here and at lowtechpbr.restoration.usu.edu. However, you can get a hard copy of manual for ~$60 Links to an external site. and waterproof hard copy of Pocket Guide here for $12. Note these are the same texts we use in the other four LTPBR courses.

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Step 3: Canvas Orientation

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Step 4: Understand Course Structure

Watch the assigned lecture and do the assigned reading prior to the Tuesday Class on which it is assigned.
Complete the quiz prior to lecture (these can be repeated to get the highest score you want). However, they are due on Tuesday at 1:30 PM before class so that you actually do the reading and watch the lectures so we can have a meaningful discussion.
The one big assignment is due on the Friday after our last (third) course meeting.

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Next Steps: Begin course content

Zoom Link

Join Zoom Meeting
https://usu-edu.zoom.us/j/88147342464?pwd=ZVpMdVNYS2U2L2U5QnZBQ1NJSElhUT09

Meeting ID: 881 4734 2464
Passcode: riverscape