Module 1.2 Build your own BDA/PAL

We call this the "Parking Lot BDA Exercise" and there are two main goals. First, we use the exercise to break the ice at workshops, get people working together, and get people outside and break up the lectures. Second, we use the exercise to get people thinking about all the decisions that need to be made when constructing a low-tech PBR structure (or any restoration structure). We normally provide a set of instructions and the materials for the parking lot exercise. Since this is an online class, you can use these instructions on page 55 of the LTPBR Pocket Guide as a loose guide to build your own BDA. Use materials you have around your house, yard, etc. You can build this in your kitchen, office, backyard, or grandma's farm - that's up to you. 

Use this discussion forum to post:

1. A picture of your BDA and identify the floodplain, banks, wetted channel, direction of flow, and structure type
2. List at least three questions you had (or would have) related to building a BDA or PALS that were stimulated by the exercise. Speculate what the answer to your question likely is. Here's an example. Question - Where should I locate the structure in the stream? Answer - It depends what your goals are - if you want to make a large pond, locate a BDA where it can back up water into a large, low elevation, accessible area.