Spring 2023 CEWA-5623-MW1 XL

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WATS/CEWA 5623 Designing 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 Design Course provides an introduction to designing Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes. Students will design their a LTPBR restoration project. Students are expected to watch pre-recorded lectures and complete the reading assignments prior to our class meetings, where those topics will be discussed and exercises completed as a group. We will briefly review the Planning Phase where risk, space, condition, and recovery potential was assessed, then we will contrast the design process of typical engineering projects and LTPBR projects, describe the key components of a LTPBR design, and conclude with formulating designs for typical situations. Students are also invited to an optional, Saturday field trip where they can execute the field-based design process for a real project that will be built in the Implementaion course Links to an external site.. Beyond that optional field trip, students will be expected to take their own field trip to a real riverscape of their choosing and complete a design assignment.

We are so excited that you are interested in learning about LTPBR 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: Course Objectives

This introductory course is focused on creating LTPBR designs . By the end of this course, students will:

  1. Develop familiarity with the core components of LTPBR design process Links to an external site..
  2. Understand the difference between an engineering-based design process and the LTPBR design process.
  3. Create a complete low-tech PBR field design for a first phase of restoration in an impaired riverscape.
  4. Learn how to use a zone of influence to convey design hypotheses assocaited with structural forcing.
  5. Assess the degree of uplift associated with a design phase (as proportion of recovery potential) and plan for further phases to achieve full recovery potential.

 

Step 3: 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 4: Canvas Orientation

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Step 5: 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.