{"id":3242,"date":"2026-04-24T15:33:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T15:33:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/?page_id=3242"},"modified":"2026-05-02T02:39:38","modified_gmt":"2026-05-02T02:39:38","slug":"travel-course-resource-policy-in-the-desert-southwest","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/?page_id=3242","title":{"rendered":"Travel Course: Resource Policy in the Desert Southwest"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">An immersive exploration of how dramatically resource management policies can differ across the United States. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:6px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Shaped by vast differences in geography and climate, environmental challenges rarely have one\u2011size\u2011fits\u2011all solutions. <strong>Las Vegas, Nevada <\/strong>stands in stark contrast to Burlington, Vermont, and the broader New England region\u2014yet all operate under the same federal policy framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through this trip, students will see these contrasts firsthand, gaining a deeper understanding of the wide range of policies that exist nationwide and why effective governance requires flexibility and regional awareness. The course highlights how federal, state, and local policies intersect, complement one another, and sometimes operate independently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While many students encounter policy differences through international travel, this experience turns the focus inward, revealing the impressive diversity of governance within the U.S. <strong>Students will examine how environmental priorities, stewardship practices, and public expectations differ across regions\u2014and why those differences matter for shaping responsive and effective policy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right has-large-font-size wp-container-content-69bc4bdf\"><strong>Dates<\/strong>: January 4 &#8211; 13, 2027<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right has-large-font-size\">POLS 2990 -or- ENVS 2990, 3 credits<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right has-large-font-size\"><strong>Program Fee:<\/strong> $4,582<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Included in the Program Fee:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>9 hotel nights<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ground transportation in Las Vegas and to all attractions and activities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Activity admission fees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>24\/7 emergency support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Breakfasts and 2 group dinners<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-primary-uvmgreen-color has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-b0360758f0d1b3be57c3ca69b526da82\"><strong>Application Deadline: September 16, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/qualtrics.uvm.edu\/jfe\/form\/SV_4G8o6wQAbztoROS\" style=\"border-radius:16px\">Apply now!<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100 is-style-outline is-style-outline--2\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" style=\"border-radius:16px\">Syllabus (coming soon!)<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Itinerary Highlights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-image-fill-element\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"960\" src=\"http:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/files\/2026\/04\/TUSK-Photo-1-scaled-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3248 size-full\" style=\"object-position:50% 50%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/files\/2026\/04\/TUSK-Photo-1-scaled-1.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/files\/2026\/04\/TUSK-Photo-1-scaled-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/files\/2026\/04\/TUSK-Photo-1-scaled-1-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Study how groundwater-dependent landscapes have evolved under dramatic climate shifts.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile is-image-fill-element\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Zion National Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Discover how the Virgin River has carved into sandstone and see how water availability, erosion, and watershed dynamics shape arid\u2011region landscapes.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" src=\"http:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/files\/2026\/04\/856ec02c691121c08ec3bbe6d7693f3da4695580-1600x1066-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3249 size-full\" style=\"object-position:50% 50%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/files\/2026\/04\/856ec02c691121c08ec3bbe6d7693f3da4695580-1600x1066-1.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/files\/2026\/04\/856ec02c691121c08ec3bbe6d7693f3da4695580-1600x1066-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/files\/2026\/04\/856ec02c691121c08ec3bbe6d7693f3da4695580-1600x1066-1-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/files\/2026\/04\/856ec02c691121c08ec3bbe6d7693f3da4695580-1600x1066-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/files\/2026\/04\/856ec02c691121c08ec3bbe6d7693f3da4695580-1600x1066-1-1568x1045.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-image-fill-element\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/files\/2026\/04\/hoover-dam-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3245 size-full\" style=\"object-position:50% 50%\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Hoover Dam<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A cornerstone of large-scale water management in the American West. Explore how engineered control of the Colorado river enables power generation, flood regulation, and water storage. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile is-image-fill-element\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Valley of Fire State Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Explore how intermittent water flows can shape desert geology and ecosystems.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"275\" height=\"183\" src=\"http:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/files\/2026\/04\/images.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3247 size-full\" style=\"object-position:50% 50%\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-image-fill-element\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"968\" height=\"648\" src=\"http:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/files\/2026\/04\/637405854708870000.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3250 size-full\" style=\"object-position:50% 50%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/files\/2026\/04\/637405854708870000.jpg 968w, https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/files\/2026\/04\/637405854708870000-768x514.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 968px) 100vw, 968px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clark County Water Reclamation District Facility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Clark County Water Reclamation District facility demonstrates how advanced wastewater treatment and reuse can sustain growing desert communities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nevada Dept. of Environmental Protection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Nevada Department of Environmental Protection plays a central role in managing the state\u2019s scarce water resources by regulating water quality, overseeing watershed protection, and guiding sustainable use in one of the driest regions in the country.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"269\" height=\"187\" src=\"http:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/files\/2026\/04\/images-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3246 size-full\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cost Breakdown: <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-right\" data-align=\"right\"><strong>UVM Tuition<br><\/strong><em>UVM Winter and Spring Break courses are part of your spring tuition bill. Undergraduates pay same full-time tuition if within <\/em>12-19 credit hours total. Graduate students pay by credit hour. <\/td><td><strong>Enrolled in 12-19 credits<\/strong>: $0<br>For students enrolled in more than 19 credits: Additional per credit hour above 19 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uvm.edu\/studentfinancialservices\/undergraduate-tuition-and-fees\">see rates<\/a>)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-right\" data-align=\"right\"><strong>Program Fee<br><\/strong><em>Includes accommodations, group ground transportation, activities, entrance fees, and some meals. The amount billed to you by SFS on your Spring bill reflects the program fee minus $450 (non-refundable deposit) which you will pay upon acceptance.<\/em><\/td><td>$4,582<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><tfoot><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-right\" data-align=\"right\">Total Billable Amounts (paid to UVM):<\/td><td>Tuition + $4,582<\/td><\/tr><\/tfoot><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-right\" data-align=\"right\"><strong>Estimated Out of Pocket Expenses<br><\/strong><em>Meals not included in the program fee, supplies, ground transportation not included in the program fee<\/em>.<\/td><td>$430<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-right\" data-align=\"right\"><strong>Airfare<\/strong><br><em>Estimated from BTV to Las Vegas. If you will be departing from a different airport, your costs may be lower. Estimated with 1 carry-on bag. <\/em><\/td><td>$750<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><tfoot><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-right\" data-align=\"right\">Total paid Out of Pocket:<\/td><td>$1,180<\/td><\/tr><\/tfoot><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:25% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"717\" height=\"717\" src=\"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/files\/2026\/04\/Doc_Bradley.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3326 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/files\/2026\/04\/Doc_Bradley.jpg 717w, https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/files\/2026\/04\/Doc_Bradley-600x600.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 717px) 100vw, 717px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Jonathan &#8220;Doc&#8221; Bradley, Program Leader<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Lecturer, Department of Political Science<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Jonathan \u201cDoc\u201d Bradley earned his PhD and Master of Political Science at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 2019. He earned a Bachelor of Psychology at the University of Arkansas and a Bachelor of Religious Studies at North Carolina State University. His area of specialties are religion &amp; politics, as well as environmental politics. His research interests are the influence of religion on conservative politics, and how various religions advocate for or against environmental issues. He has co-published on abortion attitudes in emerging democracies and political understanding of the role of religion in politics. The nickname \u201cDoc\u201d comes from being a medic in the US Army.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignfull is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-bottom is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-primary-uvmgreen-color has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-7b63b0329ce05c1586cbaf7ac554cf68\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:0.2\">Still have questions?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500;line-height:1.5\">Email <a href=\"mailto:cas.discovery@uvm.edu\">cas.discovery@uvm.edu<\/a> &#8212; our team would be happy to assist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-50 has-custom-font-size is-style-outline has-regular-font-size is-style-outline--3\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/\" style=\"border-radius:100px\">CAS Experiential Learning Home Page<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"423\" src=\"http:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/files\/2024\/06\/UVM_CAS_Stacked-G.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-763\" style=\"width:auto;height:80px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/files\/2024\/06\/UVM_CAS_Stacked-G.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/files\/2024\/06\/UVM_CAS_Stacked-G-768x301.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:75px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An immersive exploration of how dramatically resource management policies can differ across the United States. Shaped by vast differences in geography and climate, environmental challenges rarely have one\u2011size\u2011fits\u2011all solutions. Las Vegas, Nevada stands in stark contrast to Burlington, Vermont, and the broader New England region\u2014yet all operate under the same federal policy framework. Through this &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/?page_id=3242\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Travel Course: Resource Policy in the Desert Southwest&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7574,"featured_media":3370,"parent":2026,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3242","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","entry"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/files\/2026\/05\/hoover-dam-1-600x400.jpg","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/files\/2026\/05\/hoover-dam-1-600x600.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3242","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/7574"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3242"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3242\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3377,"href":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3242\/revisions\/3377"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2026"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3370"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.uvm.edu\/cas-experiential-learning\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3242"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}