Course Title: Plan river restoration works

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2014

Course Code: ENVI5078C

Course Title: Plan river restoration works

School: 155T Vocational Health and Sciences

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5305 - Diploma of Conservation and Land Management

Course Contact: Namrita Kaul

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4309

Course Contact Email: namrita.kaul@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Helen Corney

helen.corney@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 150

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

There are none

Course Description

This unit covers planning of river restoration works and defines the standard required to: restoration strategies are checked for compliance and discussed with client; develop erosion and sediment control measures; follow industry guidelines to establish fauna habitat and vegetation species; document the strategy and submit to the relevant consent authority; prepare a detailed works plan.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

AHCNAR505A Plan river restoration works

Element:

1. Establish client need

Performance Criteria:

1.1. The client expectations is discussed and confirmed.
1.2. Current impacting legislation and policies are explained to the client.
1.3. Possible strategies are discussed with the client and the best option confirmed in writing.

Element:

2. Develop the strategy to utilise restoration works

Performance Criteria:

2.1. Property ownership and boundaries are confirmed by checking maps and titles.
2.2. Profiles of river sections are determined from survey and aerial photographs.
2.3. Erosion control measures are developed and are consistent with industry principles and selection criteria.
2.4. Sediment control measures are developed consistent with industry principles and selection criteria.
2.5. Fauna habitats are developed following industry recommendations.
2.6. Vegetation species utilised within restoration project comply with industry guidelines.
2.7. River restoration strategies are established and documented in co-operation with the client and relevant consent authority.

Element:

3.Prepare a detailed works plan

Performance Criteria:

3.1. Selection criteria for earthwork structures or measures are checked against industry guidelines.
3.2. Habitat enhancement strategies checked against industry guidelines.
3.3. Plan is prepared according to enterprise guidelines and industry best practice.


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

Learning activities will include lectures, guest speakers and field trips.
 


Teaching Schedule

Week 1 10/7/14 Intro – Why restore?
Defining rivers

Week 2 17/7/14 The components of a river
River types

Week 3 24/7/14 Waterway Processes/Geomorphology

Week 4 31/7/14 Riparian Management

Week 5 7/8/14 Relevant legislation/Industry guidelines
Client needs, scenarios and strategies

Week 6 14/8/14 Planning for restoration/ Assessment tools
Management options

Week 7 21/8/14 Field Trip - Back Creek
River Restoration Works

Week 8 28/8/14 Back Creek lab prac

4/9/14 Field Trip – Damper Creek

Week 9 11/9/14 NO CLASS – BARMAH CAMP

Week 10 18/9/14 NO CLASS – self directed work - Assessment 1

SEMESTER BREAK

Week 11 25/9/14 Group meetings to discuss restoration plans
Compulsory attendance required

Week 12 2/10/14 NO CLASS – WONTHAGGI CAMP

Week 13 9/10/14 Managing Willows, Stock control

Week 14 16/10/14 Field Trip - Melbourne Water – River Restoration Project

Week 15 23/10/14 Test revision
ASSESSMENT 1 - DUE

Week 16 30/10/14 ASSESSMENT 2 - TEST

Week 17 6/11/14 Assessment review week – no class


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

A rehabilitaiton manual for Australian Streams - Volume 1 and 2 Ian D. Rutherfurd, Kathryn Jerie and Nicholas Marsh


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course may include practical assessment, project work, reports, tests and assignments


Assessment Tasks

ASSESSMENT 1: RIVER RESTORATION PLAN

RESTORATION PLAN

You are to select a river or stream that you are able to physically evaluate as a case study.
Provide a detailed assignment on the case for restoration of your selected river and how you plan to achieve it. (You should utilise concepts discussed in class and other guides such as the 12 Principles of Restoration to assist you).

Your assignment should include:
• A map and drawings or photo’s of the river.
• A description of the ‘reach’ that you have chosen to work with.
• An outline of your goals for restoring your stream/river
• A description of stakeholders
• Your assessment of the reach – its assets and problems
• Your priorities for restoration and how you will meet these priorities
• Management strategies that you are going to apply. When and why?
• What processes you will use to monitor and evaluate your project

 

ASSESSMENT 2: TEST

You will be given a 1.5hr short answer test on the material that has been covered throughout the semester. Questions on the test will relate to:
• underpinning knowledge,
• common terms,
• current policies and legislation
• river restoration techniques


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

  • Students need to pass both assessments to pass this course
     
  • Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension will not be corrected.
     
  • Extension of time for submission of assessable work- A student may apply for an extension of up to 7 days from the original due date. They must lodge the application form (available on the web http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf ) at least the day before the due date. The application is lodged with the School Admin Office on Level 6, Bdg 51. Students requiring longer extensions must apply for Special Consideration (form available on the Web). For missed assessments such as exams- you (& your doctor if you are sick) must fill out a special consideration form. This form must be lodged at the HUB or online with supporting evidence (eg medical certificate), prior to, or within, 48 hours of the scheduled time of examination.
     
  • If you miss an assessment task due to unavoidable circumstances, you need to follow the procedure of special consideration and apply within the allowed time frame.
     

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