REM 499 - Riparian Management and Restoration

(3 units) CO14

Analysis of the landscape, hydrologic, soils, and vegetative characteristics of both lotic and lentic riparian ecosystems, with a focus on integrated management and applied ecological practices used in restoration.

A mix of in-person, field learning, and online learning materials and activities. Part of the integrated Fall REM course block (REM411-REM498-REM499-REM490) with a MANDATORY multiple-day field trip. Students will receive a detailed full-semester schedule.

Maximum units a student may earn: 3

Prerequisite(s): REM 340 AND Jr./Sr. or Graduate Standing

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 2
Units of Laboratory/Studio: 1
Offered: Every Fall

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. apply numerous standard handbooks and approaches used by federal agencies for riparian management and restoration.
2. examine riparian ecosystems as interactions among ground and surface water hydrology; soil pedology and fluvial geomorphology; and plant and animal ecology.
3. describe potential or altered potential for a riparian area based upon hydrology, soils, geomorphology, vegetation attributes and processes across a diversity of riparian systems.
4. communicate the purpose and technical concepts for each item in the lotic and lentic proper function condition (PFC) assessment protocols to determine and report on the condition of riparian areas with differing potential and condition.
5. connect riparian functions and need for functions to strategies for riparian and watershed management of land uses including roads, grazing, logging, recreation, development, and preservation.
6. choose riparian restoration techniques and approaches based upon difference in naturalness, stability, risk, aesthetics, cost, and appropriateness for project goals and limitations.
7. focus riparian monitoring on specific, measureable, achievable, relevant and targeted objectives.
8. integrate and apply knowledge from throughout this and other classes by conducting an individual project to focus on riparian potential, functions, and restoration with objectives based monitoring.

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