Tadd M. Barrow
Hi, I’m Tadd Barrow, lake-water quality extension educator with the School of Natural Resources.
I work mainly on water quality, 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 lake-management techniques to the public via extension and outreach 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. 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 most 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.
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 of the research will be published soon in extension brochures for public use.
Some key past projects I’ve been involved with are the Community Lakes Enhancement and Restoration (CLEAR) Program and the rural living clinic, Acreage Insights.
Personnel Information
| Name | Tadd M. Barrow |
| University Title | Assistant Extension Educator |
| Address | 516 Hardin Hall, Lincoln NE 68583-0995 |
| Phone | 402-472-7783 |
| Fax | 402-472-2964 |
| tbarrow2@unl.edu | |
| Related Websites | n/a |
Go to Tadd's Full Profile
Key Publications
- 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.
