Topics in Sustainable Agriculture -- Water and Watersheds CSS 499/599

Water and Watersheds Issues of Sustainable Agriculture A Distance Education Video Series CSS 499/599, CRN 41416 & 41418
The overriding theme of most issues in agriculture today is sustainability in all its various facets - environment, economics, social impacts.		Videotape Speakers and Topics Links to related web pages and other resources Class Requirements and Grading Instructor

Class Overview

This is a one-credit pass/no-pass class consisting of eight videotapes each approximately one hour in length. Each tape is a recording of a seminar presented during Winter Term 2000 on water and watersheds and revolves around the central theme of sustainable agriculture. The course requirements are simple - watch each tape, write a short paper about each presentation, a longer paper on salmon recovery in the Pacific Northwest and an additional longer paper if taking the class at the 500 level. Details on these requirements are given below. A web site is maintained for the class with information links. All class writing assignments may be submitted electronically to the instructor. Papers may also be submitted as hard copy if this is easier for a particular student.

Beginning in Spring term 2002, this class can be accessed through the OSU's teaching and learning portal (Blackboard). Students enrolled in CSS 499/599 classes are encouraged to use this system to participate in on-line discussion groups about issues related to water and watersheds with other students in the course.

Students will need to order the videotapes for this course from the OSU bookstore, by calling the toll free number (800) 595-0357. The videos will be sent by mail, or they can be picked up at the textbook counter on the lower level of the bookstore. There is a $60 rental fee for the videos for each class. This fee is nonrefundable.

Videotape Speakers and Topics

Video Number	Speaker Occupation	Subject
1	Dr. Benno Warkentin, Professor Emeritus, OSU Dept. of Crop and Soil Science. Former Director of the OSU Water Institute	An overview of water issues and the watershed concept.
2	Dr. George Taylor, State Climatologist, OSU College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences	Where does water come from & what is changing our supply?
3	Dr. John Bolte and Ms. Patricia Berger, OSU Dept. of Bioresource Engineering	Charting and planning for change in a river basin using global positioning and modeling
4	Jay Nicholas, Governors Office	Implementation of the Oregon Plan for salmon recovery and implications for watersheds.
5	Dr. Steve Griffith, USDA- Agricultural Research Service	The effect of riparian zones on water quality - results from watershed monitoring studies in the South Willamette Valley.
6	Jordan Maley, OSU Extension Agent, Gilliam County - the Fairy Canyon Project John Runyon, McKenzie Watershed Council	Local planning for watershed management - the watershed council concept east and west
7	Jim Love, farmer and irrigator, Forest Grove, Oregon	The rubber hits the road, Part I - a grower's view of water use in the Willamette Valley
8	Dr. Ken Rykbost, researcher and superintendent, OSU Klamath Experiment Station	The rubber hits the road, Part II - Water conflicts in the Klamath Basin - irrigators, suckers and salmon - can everyone's water needs be met?

Class Requirements and Grading

The class is graded pass/fail. To pass students must do the following:

View all tapes.
Write a one-page personal viewpoint paper on each presentation. What did you think of what was said? Do you agree with the speaker? Is there a particular idea that you liked or disliked? How does what was said relate to some personal experience? Papers are to have one-inch margins on all sides and be 12-font, Times Roman, single-spaced. Include your name, the speakers name and topic at the top of each report.
Write a three-page paper (same format as for single page papers) with at least five references (journal article, magazine articles, web page sites, etc.) on the issue of salmon recovery in the Pacific Northwest. Address at least these three issues: 1) Should we have a plan for salmon recovery in the PNW? Why or why not? 2) What are the major problems you see in instituting a salmon recovery plan? 3) How will natural resource users and other citizens of Oregon be affected by a recovery plan and who should bear the cost and/or pay the costs of the plan? Other issues may be addressed as well. Some references are given on the class web site.
Those students who are taking the class for graduate credit must do an additional three-page paper (same format as above) on a topic of their choice related to any of the class presentations. The instructor must approve this topic in advance.