GEOL 476
WATERSHED MANAGEMENT
GEOL 476. Watershed Management
Three hours lecture (3).
Prerequisites: Eight hours of geology, math through precalculus, and senior standing or consent of instructor.
This course investigates the physical watershed system and the effects of land use on the quantity and quality of water resources. Students will be exposed to a variety of “tools” available to manage the watershed and water as a product of the watershed. Included will be an introduction to the roles of the various governmental agencies and private organizations in the practice of watershed management.
This course approaches the water resource as a product of the geologic and hydrologic setting or watershed from which it drains. An overview of the physical principles determining the pathways through which water passes in the watershed system will be presented with an emphasis on how the various pathways affect the amount, timing, and quality of the water exiting the watershed. A considerable portion of the course will be dedicated to investigating the effects of various land uses such as timber harvesting, grazing, and urbanization on the water product of a watershed. The practice of watershed management will be covered by looking at various tools or methods that have been used to modify the functions of the watershed to achieve a desired effect in the water output from the watershed. Case studies of watershed management successes and failures will be presented and discussed.
The course includes a combination of instructor lectures and class discussions supporting extensive assigned readings. In addition to a supporting text(s), readings from regulatory guidelines, example planning and/or compliance documents, and supporting information and case studies on the World Wide Web are assigned and discussed.
The overall goal of this course is to provide the student with the perspective and tools to conduct a basic analysis of water resource problems and formulate directions for detailed watershed planning and management. To accomplish this, the course should help the student:
1. understand the water resource as a “product” of physical and chemical watershed functions.
2. become familiar with the factors determining the quantity and quality of a particular water resource.
3. become familiar with the major “tools” of watershed management.
4. develop a functional level of “ground sense” in the field of water quality and quantity management (e.g. how much is 20 cfs, what are realistic objectives for water quality, who really makes things happen in water issues).
Progress toward attainment of the goals of the course will be evaluated based on 2-4 examinations, written homework assignments, and class presentations. Evaluation of assignments will emphasize demonstration of conceptual understanding of the concepts, familiarity with topics, use of appropriate form, and clarity and professionalism of presentation.
None
Date Action Reviewed by
September 10, 2001 Reviewed and Approved Stephen Lenhart, Chair