Spring 2023 CEWA-5622-MW1 XL

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WATS/CEWA 5622 Planning Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration

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Start Here

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 goal of this course is to introduce you to the topic of planning and assessment of low-tech process-based restoration. We use the NRCS Conservation Planning Process to organize the assessment and to structure the planning, implementation, and evaluation process within an Adaptive Management Framework. In this course, students will:

  1. Use a structured planning and adaptive management framework to guide assessment, design, implementation, and evaluation of a LTPBR project.
  2. Gather and analyze a variety of data to assess riverscape condition, recovery potential, risks, and potential to implement LTPBR. 
  3. Describe the riverscape setting, valley bottom extent, types of flow, sediment, and wood regimes, and the potential to support beaver.
  4. Develop S-M-A-R-T (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) objectives to evaluate progress. 

We are 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. You can reach me at stephen.bennett@usu.edu and our class TA, Sydney Southers, at sydney.southers@usu.edu

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:

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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. Links to an external site. 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/85735561749?pwd=cDZRa0xtTlI0Z0FDdUgvMHR3eFFoQT09 Links to an external site.

Meeting ID: 857 3556 1749
Passcode: 226410

CC Attribution This course content is offered under a CC Attribution Links to an external site. license. Content in this course can be considered under this license unless otherwise noted.