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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

School of Natural Resources

From Earth to Sky and Everything In Between

Tadd Barrow


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Tadd Barrow

Hi, I’m Tadd Barrow, extension educator with the School of Natural Resources. I work primarily with surface water quality issues, particularly the restoration of degraded lakes, developing procedures for predicting toxic blue-green algae in lakes and surface-water quality management. In general, I research aquatic ecosystems and transfer researched lake-management techniques to the public via extension programs.

Much of my statewide work is in the areas of surface-water quality extension and education. I meet with public and private landowners, lake owners, residential lake associations, lake managers and lake users, as well as junior and senior high school students to educate them about good water-quality practices for maintaining healthy fisheries, safe recreational uses and aesthetics. For example, the heavy use of fertilizers near surface water can reduce water quality and promote toxic algae growth. With the right information and methods, landowners can correct those problems and create a healthier environment.

My office also fields calls from the public about water-quality issues. Based on the volume and the type of questions received, we can determine the public’s needs and uses of Nebraska’s rivers, streams, lakes and ponds, then tailor our research to address them. My recent focus has been working with toxic blue-green algae. I have developed a statewide lake volunteer monitoring program to assess water quality and the presence or absence of toxic algae. I am also an integral part of ongoing research projects that require weekly monitoring at numerous lakes for toxic algae.

Tadd Barrow drops a Secchi Disk, used to measure water clarity.

Extension-related research has led to algae-control methods and other practical developments. The results will have a far-reaching and long-lasting effect on everyone, from the small lake owner and recreational lake user to surface-water managers at the state and national levels.

With the help of such research and outreach work, the public is becoming more aware of water-quality issues, how to correct deficiencies and how to better manage the state’s extensive surface water system.

Some key past projects I’ve been involved with are the Community Lakes Enhancement and Restoration (CLEAR) Program, estimating algae densities remotely, and using aluminum sulfate to control toxic algae at Fremont State Lake #20.

 

 

 

 

Key Research Publications

  • Walker, S., Lund JC, Schumacher DG, Brakhage PA, McManus BC, Miller JD, Augustine MM, Carney JJ, Holland RS, Hoagland KD, Holz JC, Barrow TM, Rundquist DC, Gitelson AA. 2008. Nebraska Experience. Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms: State of the Science and Research Needs. In K. Hudnell (ed.), Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology 619:135-148.
  • Gitelson, A.A., G. Dall Olmo, W. Moses, D. C. Rundquist, T. Barrow, T. R. Fischer, D. Gurlin, and J. Holz. 2008. A simple semi-analytical model for remote estimation of chlorophyll-a in turbid waters: Validation. Remote Sensing of Environment. 112 (2008) 3582-3593.
  • Janssen, D. and T.M. Barrow. 2008. Stormwater Management: Yard Waste Management. NebGuide G1855. Cooperative Exgtension, IANR, UNL.
  • Dall'lmo, G., A. A. Gitelson, D.C. Rundquist, B. Leavitt, T. M. Barrow and J. C. Holz. 2005. Assessing the potential of SeaWiFS and MODIS for estimating chlorophyll concentration in turbid productive waters using red and near-infrared bands. Remote Sensing of Environment. 96(2): 176-187.
  • Barrow, T.M. and J. C. Holz. 2003. Controlling pond plant growth with bottom barriers. NebGuide G03-1529-A. Cooperative Extension, IANR, UNL.
  • Barrow, T.M. and E.J. Peters. 2001. Movements of rainbow trout in response to dissolved oxygen and food availability in Lake Ogallala, Nebraska. Journal of Freshwater Ecology. 16(3): 321-329.

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Contact Information
Title Assistant Extension Educator
 
Address 516 Hardin Hall
Lincoln NE
68583-0995 
Phone 402-472-7783 
Fax 402-472-2964 
Email tbarrow2@unl.edu  
 
Educational Background
BS
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1996 - Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife
MS
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1998 - Natural Resources
 
Academic Information
Additional Information
SNR Faculties Water, Applied Ecology  
Areas of Interest Water Quality, Aquatic Ecology and related extension education. 
Notable Website http://water.unl.edu/lakes 

 

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