Nancy Mesner

Biology Dept

Water Quality Specialist

Nancy Mesner

Contact Information

Office Location: Utah State University
Additional Information:

Website

Educational Background

Other, Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, Dept of Civil Engineering, 1985

Modelled predictions of phosphorus concentrations in Green Lake, WA

MS, Limnology, University of Washington, Dept of Zoology, 1984 Thesis

Feeding Ecology of Epischura nevadensis in Lake Washington, WA

BS, Marine ecology, Oregon State University, Biology program, 1979

Biography

Associate Professor in Watershed Sciences, Extension Specialist in Water Quality

Teaching Interests

In the fall I teach Water Quality and Pollution (WATS 4530/6530), a capstone course that covers source, transport and fate of common classes of pollutants. The class also covers major water quality laws and policy and assessment tools. The students conduct a quantitative watershed analysis of a local watershed, using historical data, and additional data and experimental results collected throughout the semester. Students also participate in small group projects, where they can delve more deeply into one of the techniques we discuss in class. In the spring I will teach Oceanography (WATS 3000) which is a depth course serving ~ 130 students. I taught this class in the past but discontinued teaching it in 2006 when I became Associate Dean. I love teaching this class to non-majors. I also guest lecture on water quality, water science and watershed management in various courses throughout the year.

Research Interests

Assessment and monitoring tools to better evaluate the current condition of water quality and the effectiveness of management approaches and specific best management practices. Water quality curriculum development and assessment. Work focuses on experiential educational opportunities for grades 4-12. Improved monitoring networks to provide high intensity data.

Awards

E.G. Peterson Award, 2018

USU Extension

Utah State University Extension Specialist Career Award., 2017

USU Extension

2013 Environmental Education Program of the Year, 2013

Utah Society of Environmental Education

Project of Excellence, 2010

National Institute of Food and Agriculture, National Water Program

Calvin K. Sudweeks Award for outstanding contributions in the Water Quality Field in the State of Utah, 2008

Gold Medal in long publications for Stream Side Science, 2005

Association of Naturla Resource Extension Specialists

Taggart-Ballard Award of Excellence, 2004

USU Extension

Utah Watershed Improvement Award, 2004

Innovative Program Award, 2003

USU Extension Specialists Association

Utah NonPoint Source Water Quality and Watershed Education, 2003

Utah State University VIce President's Award for Excellence (Team Award), 2003

Carl Johnson Educator of the Year Award, 2002

Bridgerland Audubon Society

Western Extension Leadership Development Program Intern, 2001

Publications | Abstracts

Stevens, D.K, Spackman, A., Mesner, N., (2007). Little Bear River Test Bed: Tools for Environmental Observatory Design and Implementation. Eos Trans. AGU

An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.

Publications | Book Chapters

Meals, D.W, Mesner, N., Jackson-Smith, D., Stevens, D.K, Horsburgh, J.S, Sorensen, D.L, Luloff, A.E, Osmond, D.L, (2012). Chapter 21. Little Bear River Watershed, Utah: National Institute of Food and Agriculture–Conservation Effects Assessment Project: How to Build Better Agricultural Conservation Programs to Protect Water Quality: The National Institute of Food and Agriculture–Conservation Effects Assessment Project Experience. Soil and Water Conservation Society
Arentsen, P.R, Gillies, R.R, Mesner, N., (2004). Satellite derived impervious surface area as an indicator for water resource impacts in a semi-arid environment, Utah, U.S.A.: Management Information Systems. WIT Press

An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.

Publications | Fact Sheets

Beach, T., Mesner, N., Null, S., (2016). Exploring Utah’s Water. USU Extension
Mesner, N., (2014). Improving Utah’s Water Quality. Virgin / Santa Clara River Watershed. .
Mesner, N., (2014). Improving Utah’s Water Quality. Strawberry River Watershed. .
Mesner, N., (2014). Improving Utah’s Water Quality. Wallsburg Watershed (Main Creek). .
Mesner, N., Elsner, J.J, (2014). Improving Utah’s Water Quality. Little Bear River Watershed. .
Mesner, N., (2014). Improving Utah’s Water Quality. Mill / Pack Creek Watershed (Main Creek)..
Peterson, E., Mesner, N., (2012). Watershed Fact Sheet: Improving Utah's Water Quality, Lower Bear River Watershed.
Mesner, N., Peterson, E., (2011). Improving Utah’s Water Quality. Watershed Fact Sheet for the Middle Bear River watershed. .
Mesner, N., Peterson, E., (2011). Improving Utah’s Water Quality. Watershed Fact Sheet for the Price River. .
Mesner, N., Peterson, E., (2011). Improving Utah’s Water Quality. Watershed Fact Sheet for the San Rafael River.
Mesner, N., Peterson, E., (2011). Improving Utah’s Water Quality. Watershed Fact Sheet for the Scoffield Reservoir Watershed. .
Mesner, N., (2010). Improving Utah's Water Quality. Watershed Fact Sheet for the Middle and Lower Sevier. USU Water Quality Extension. Utah Watershed Coordinating Council, Utah Association of Conservation Districts, and Utah Division of Water Quality
Mesner, N., (2010). Improving Utah's Water Quality. Watershed Fact Sheet for the Upper Sevier. USU Water Quality Extension, Utah Watershed Coordinating Council, Utah Association of Conservation Districts, and Utah Division of Water Quality
Mesner, N., (2009). Improving Utah's Water Quality. Watershed Fact Sheet for Mill Creek Watershed. USU Water Quality Extension. Utah Watershed Coordinating Council, Utah Association of Conservation Districts, and Utah Division of Water Quality
Mesner, N., (2009). Improving Utah's Water Quality. Watershed Fact Sheet for the Upper Bear River Watershed.. USU Water Quality Extension. Utah Watershed Coordinating Council, Utah Association of Conservation Districts, and Utah Division of Water Quality
Mesner, N., (2008). Improving Utah's Water Quality. Watershed Fact Sheet for Beaver River. USU Water Quality Extension. Utah Watershed Coordinating Council, Utah Association of Conservation Districts, and Utah Division of Water Quality
Mesner, N., (2008). Improving Utah's Water Quality. Watershed Fact Sheet for Chalk Creek. USU Water Quality Extension. Utah Watershed Coordinating Council, Utah Association of Conservation Districts, and Utah Division of Water Quality
Mesner, N., (2008). Improving Utah's Water Quality. Watershed Fact Sheet for Cub River.. USU Water Quality Extension. Utah Watershed Coordinating Council, Utah Association of Conservation Districts, and Utah Division of Water Quality
Mesner, N., (2008). Improving Utah's Water Quality. Watershed Fact Sheet for East Canyon Creek. USU Water Quality Extension. Utah Watershed Coordinating Council, Utah Association of Conservation Districts, and Utah Division of Water Quality
Mesner, N., (2008). Improving Utah's Water Quality. Watershed Fact Sheet for Fremont River.. USU Water Quality Extension. Utah Watershed Coordinating Council, Utah Association of Conservation Districts, and Utah Division of Water Quality
Mesner, N., (2008). Improving Utah's Water Quality. Watershed Fact Sheet for Otter Creek.. USU Water Quality Extension. Utah Watershed Coordinating Council, Utah Association of Conservation Districts, and Utah Division of Water Quality
Mesner, N., (2008). Improving Utah's Water Quality. Watershed Fact Sheet for Rees Creek.. USU Water Quality Extension. Utah Watershed Coordinating Council, Utah Association of Conservation Districts, and Utah Division of Water Quality
Mesner, N., (2008). Improving Utah's Water Quality. Watershed Fact Sheet for San Pitch River.. USU Water Quality Extension. Utah Watershed Coordinating Council, Utah Association of Conservation Districts, and Utah Division of Water Quality
Mesner, N., (2008). Improving Utah's Water Quality. Watershed Fact Sheet for Spanish Fork.. USU Water Quality Extension. Utah Watershed Coordinating Council, Utah Association of Conservation Districts, and Utah Division of Water Quality
Daniels, B., Mesner, N., (2006). Drinking Water Fact Sheet: Arsenic. USU Extension Publications WQ/DW/02
Daniels, B., Mesner, N., (2006). Drinking Water Fact Sheet: Nitrate. USU Extension Publications WQ/DW/01
Daniels, B., Mesner, N., (2006). Drinking Water Fact Sheet: Lead. USU Extension Publications WQ/DW/04
Mesner, N., (2006). Drinking Water Fact Sheet: Treatment Systems. USU Extension Publications WQ/DW/05
Mesner, N., (2006). Understanding your watershed - pH. USU Extension Publications WQ/WS/02
Daniels, B., Mesner, N., (2006). Drinking Water Fact Sheet: Bacteria. USU Extension Publications WQ/DW/03
Mesner, N., (2005). How to Manage Your Septic System and Protect Your Water. Fact Sheet 6. Utah Farmstead Assessment for Groundwater and Surface Water Protection. USU Extension
Mesner, N., (2005). How to Protect Your Water from Fertilizers. Fact Sheet 3. Utah Farmstead Assessment for Groundwater and Surface Water Protection.. USU Extension
Mesner, N., (2005). How to Protect Your Water from Hazardous Waste. Fact Sheet 5. Utah Farmstead Assessment for Groundwater and Surface Water Protection. USU Extension
Mesner, N., (2005). How to Protect Your Water From Pesticides. Fact Sheet 2. Utah Farmstead Assessment for Groundwater and Surface Water Protection.. USU Extension
Mesner, N., (2005). How to Protect Your Water from Pesticides. Facty Sheet 2. Utah Farmstead Assessment for Groundwater and Surface Water Protection.. USU Extension
Mesner, N., (2005). How to Protect Your Water from Petroleum Fuels. Fact Sheet 4. Utah Farmstead Assessment for Ground Water and Surface Water Protection.. USU Extension
Mesner, N., (2005). What's the Risk to Your Water From Fertilizers? Survey 3. Utah Farmstead Assessment for Groundwater and Surface Water Protection. USU Extension
Mesner, N., (2005). What's the Risk to Your Water From Hazardous Waste? Survey 5. Utah Farmstead Assessment for Groundwater and Surface Water Protection. USU Extension
Mesner, N., (2005). What's the Risk to Your Water From Pesticides? Survey 2. Utah Farmstead Assessment for Groundwater and Surface Water Protection.. USU Extension
Mesner, N., (2005). What's the Risk to Your Water From Pesticides? Survey 2. Utah Farmstead Assessment for Groundwater and Surface Water Protection.. USU Extension
Mesner, N., (2005). What's the Risk to Your Water From Petroleum Fuels? Survey 4. Utah Farmstead Assessment for Groundwater and Surface Water Protection.. USU Extension
Mesner, N., (2005). What's the Risk to Your Water From Your Septic System. Survey 6. Utah Farmstead Assessment for Groundwater and Surface Water Protection.. USU Extension
Mesner, N., (2003). How to protect your water when managing livestock yards. Fact Sheet 8. Utah Farmstead Assessment for Groundwater and Surface Water Protection. USU Extension
Mesner, N., (2003). How to protect your water when storing and hadling livestock manure. Fact Sheet7. Utah Farmstead Assessment for Groundwater and Surface Water Protection.. USU Extension
Mesner, N., (2003). How to Protect Your Well Water, Fact Sheet 1. Utah Farmstead Assessment for Groundwater and Surface Water Protection. USU Extension Publications WQFA1
Mesner, N., (2003). What's the risk to your water when managing livestock yards. Survey 8. Utah Farmstead Assessment for Groundwater and Surface Water Protection.. USU Extension
Mesner, N., (2003). What's the risk to your water when storing and handling livestock manure. Survey 7. Utah Farmstead Assessment for Groundwater and Surface Water Protection.. USU Extension
Mesner, N., (2003). What's the Risk to your Well Water? Survey 1. Utah Farmstead Assessment for Groundwater and Surface Water Protection. USU Extension WQ-FA2
Mesner, N., (2002). Community Actions to Reduce Water Quality Impacts of Stormwater. USU Extension Publications WQSW01
Mesner, N., (2002). Identifying the Risk to Water Quality in Urban Areas. USU Extension Publications, WQSW02
Mesner, N., (2002). Water Conservation in the Home. USU Extension Publications NRWQ04

An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.

Publications | Curriculum

MacArthur, S., Mesner, N., Robinson, E., Hanson, S., (2017). Discover 4-H Clubs: Wonders of Water Clubs.
Mesner, N., Fisher, K., (2012). Invasive Species: Lesson Plan for Stream Side Science..
Braithwaite, H., Mesner, N., (2012). Watershed Detectives. USU extension online publications
Gagstetter, N., Mesner, N., (2006). Journey through the Bear River Watershed, Interdisciplinary Lesson Plans for educators in the Bear River watershed.
Walker, A., Mesner, N., (2005). Bugs Don't BUg Me Coloring Book. USU Extension Publications NR/WQ/EDU/2005-01
Walker, A., Mesner, N., (2005). Build A Bug Lesson Plan. USU Extension Publications NR/WQ/2005-02
Walker, A., Mesner, N., (2005). Macroinvertebrate Mix and Match Lesson Plan. USU Extension Publications NR/WQ/2005-04
Walker, A., Mesner, N., (2005). Macroinvertebrate Research Lesson Plan. USU Extension Publications NR/WQ/2005-05
Walker, A., Mesner, N., (2005). Macroinvertebrate Simon Says Lesson Plan. USU Extension Publications NR/WQ/2005-03
Walker, A., Mesner, N., (2005). Surface Water Model Lesson Plan. USU Extension Publications NR/WQ/2005-08
Walker, A., Mesner, N., (2005). Water Cycle Cross Word Lesson Plan. USU Extension Publications NR/WQ/2005-14
Walker, A., Mesner, N., (2005). Water Cycle Relay Race Lesson Plan. USU Extension Publications NR/WQ/2005-11
Walker, A., Mesner, N., (2005). Water Cycle Song and Lesson Plan. USU Extension Publications NR/WQ/2005-12
Walker, A., Mesner, N., (2005). Water Cycle Word Search Lesson Plan. USU Extension Publications NR/WQ/2005-13
Walker, A., Mesner, N., (2005). Water Pollution Graphing Activity Lesson Plan. USU Extension Publications NR/WQ/2005-07
Walker, A., Mesner, N., (2005). Streamside Science: Lesson Plans and Water Related Activities for Utah 9th Grade Earth Science. USU Extension
Kuster, K., Mesner, N., (2003). Weber Watershed Stormwater Activity Book. USU Extension Publications WQED-02
Kuster, K., Mesner, N., (2003). Your Handbook and Journal of Lake Water Quality. USU Extension Publications WQED-01
Parrish, R.M, Mesner, N., Call, C., (2001). A river runs through us: The Bear River watershed education project.

An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.

Publications | Journal Articles

Academic Journal

Kinder, T., Mesner, N., Larese-Casanova, M., Lott, K.H, Cacheline, A., Leksander, K., (2015). Short-Term Environmental Education Programs: Changes in Knowledge and Attitude about Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality. Natural Sciences Education / published by American Society of Agronomy, 44, 18-25.
Spackman Jones, A., Stevens, D.K, Horsburgh, J.S, Mesner, N., (2011). Surrogate measures for providing high frequency estimates of total suspended solids and total phosphorus concentrations. Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 47:2, 239-253. doi: 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2010.00505.x
Horsburgh, J.S, Spackman Jones, A., Stevens, D.K, Tarboton, D.G, Mesner, N., (2010). A Sensor Network for High Frequency Estimation of Water Quality Constituent Fluxes Using Surrogates. Environmental Modelling & Software, 25, 1031-1044. doi: 10.1016/j.envsoft.2009.10.012
Spackman, A.J, Stevens, D.K, Mesner, N., (2010). Surrogate measures for providing high frequency estimates of total suspended solids and total phosphorus concentrations. Journal of the American Water Resources Association, doi: 10.1111/j.1752-1688:2010.00505.x
Horsburgh, J.S, Spackman, A., Stevens, D.K, Tarboton, D.G, Mesner, N., (2010). A Sensor Network for High Frequency Estimation of Water Quality Constituent Fluxes Using Surrogates. Environmental Modelling and Software, doi: 10.1016/j.envsoft.2009.10.012
Mesner, N., Walker, A., (2007). Streamside Science: Tailoring watershed education to meet the needs of teachers. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 62:5, 104A-109A.
Walker, A., Mesner, N., (2005). Water Cycle Drama Lesson Plan. USU Extension Publications NR/WQ/2005-10
Koenig, R., Cerny-Koenig, T., Hefelbower, R., Mesner, N., Kopp, K., Hill, R., (2004). A Team Approach Enhances Statewide Water Issues Programming. Journal of Extension, 42:3
Koenig, R., Cerny, T., Heflebower, R.F, Mesner, N., Kopp, K., Hill, R.W, (2004). A team approach enhances statewide water issues programming. Journal of Extension, 42:3
Omernik, J.M, Rohm, C.M, LIllie, R.A, Mesner, N., (1991). Usefulnes of natural regions for lake management: Analysis of variation among lakes in northwestern Wisconsin, USA. Environ. Management, 15, 281-293.
Mesner, N., (1985). Water Milfoil Control in Seattle. Journal of Pesticide Reform, 5:3, 7-9.
Spackman Jones, A., Horsburgh, J.S, Mesner, N., Ryel, R.J, Stevens, D.K, Influence of sampling frequency on estimation of annual total phosphorus and total suspended solids loads. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA), doi: 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2012.00684.x

Professional Journal

An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.

Publications | Technical Reports

Research Reports

Mesner, N., (2002). Identifying the risk to water quality in urban areas. USU Extension Publications
Mesner, N., (1998). Environmental Assessment for Navajo Agricultural Products Industry Potato Processing Plant, Navajo Indian Irrigation Project Field 6-49 and Black 2, Final Draft, 1998. Ecosystems Research Institute
Mesner, N., (1998). Sediment Export Coefficients: Studies and Abstracts, 1998. Ecosystems Research Institute
Mesner, N., (1998). Water Quality Study for the Bear River in Idaho. Ecosystems Research Institute
Mesner, N., (1997). Mid-Snake River Limnological Studies, 1997. Ecosystems Research Institute
Mesner, N., (1995). 1995 Lower Bear River Water Quality Management Plan. Ecosystems Research Institute
Mesner, N., (1995). Island Park Hydroelectric Project Environmental Report for the Proposed Spillway Modification. Ecosystems Research Institute
Mesner, N., (1994). Horseshoe Bend Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 5376: Water Quality Monitoring Results and Water Modeling Predictions. Ecosystems Research Institute
Mesner, N., (1994). Hyrum Reservoir Clean Lakes Phase 1 Report. Ecosystems Research Institute
Mesner, N., (1992). Water Quality in the Upper Bear River Basin - Problems and Mitigation. Prepared for Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality
Mesner, N., (1991). The Impact of Gizzard Shad Introduction on Zooplankton in Willard Reservoir. ERI for Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Mesner, N., (1991). Water Quality Investigations: Hyrum Reservoir. Prepared for Utah Department of Environmental Quality
Mesner, N., (1991). Water Quality Investigations: Lower Bear River. Prepared for Utah Deparmtne of Environmental Quality
Mesner, N., Narf, R., Marx, I., Forsberg, J., (1988). Macrophyte Control: Alum injection into lake sediments. Report to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Research

Other Reports

Mesner, N., Jackson-Smith, D., Stevens, D.K, Budy, P., (2013). Review of Utah's 319 Nonpoint Source Program. . *

An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.

Publications | Other

Newsletter

Mesner, N., (2006). The Bear River Watershed Information System. Utah Watershed Review
Mesner, N., (2006). What does Utah think of its Water Resources?. Utah Watershed Review
Mesner, N., (2006). Water Quality Activities for Yourth. Utah Watershed Review
Mesner, N., (2006). Pharmaceuticals and Other Personal Care Products Down the Drain. Utah Watershed Review

An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.

Teaching

WATS 6530, 4530 - Water Quality and Pollution, Fall 2021

WATS 4530, 6530 - Water Quality and Pollution, Fall 2020

WATS 6530, 4530 - Water Quality and Pollution, Fall 2020

WATS 4000 - Natural Resources Teaching Experiences, Fall 2019

WATS 4530, 6530 - Water Quality and Pollution, Fall 2019

WATS 4000 - Natural Resources Teaching Experiences, Fall 2018

WATS 4530 - Water Quality and Pollution, Fall 2018

WATS 3000 - Oceanography, Spring 2018

WATS 4000 - Natural Resources Teaching Experiences, Fall 2017

WATS 4530, 6530 - Water Quality and Pollution, Fall 2017

WATS 3000 - Oceanography, Spring 2017

WATS 4000 - Natural Resources Teaching Experiences, Fall 2016

WATS 4530 - Water Quality and Pollution, Fall 2016

WATS 4000 - Natural Resources Teaching Experiences, Spring 2016

WATS 3000 - Oceanography, Spring 2016

WATS 4000 - Natural Resources Teaching Experiences, Fall 2015

WATS 6000 - Natural Resources Teaching Experiences, Fall 2015

WATS 4530, 6530 - Water Quality and Pollution, Fall 2015

WATS 4000 - Natural Resources Teaching Experiences, Spring 2015

WATS 3000 - Oceanography, Spring 2015

WATS 4530,6530 - Water Quality and Pollution, Fall 2014

WATS 6900 - Graduate Special Topics, Spring 2014

WATS 3000 - Oceanography, Spring 2014

WATS 4950 - Special Topics, Spring 2014

WATS 6900 - Graduate Special Topics: NR Field Days Teaching Experience, Fall 2013

WATS 6900 - Graduate Special Topics: Readings in water quality, Fall 2013

WATS 4950 - Special Topics: NR Field Days Teaching Experience, Fall 2013

WATS 4530,6530 - Water Quality and Pollution, Fall 2013

NR 4250 - Natural Resources Capstone Experience for Interdisciplinary Studies and General Studies, Spring 2013

WATS 6900 - Graduate Special Topics, Fall 2012

WATS 4530,6530 - Water Quality and Pollution, Fall 2012

WATS 4530,6530 - Water Quality and Pollution, Fall 2011

Extension

Utah Water Watch - Citizen Monitoring, 2011 - Ongoing

Civil Rights-General Plan, 2008 - Ongoing

Natural Resources Program Leader, 2008 - Ongoing

Water quality outreach for youth and educators, 2008 - Ongoing

Watershed management, 2007 - Ongoing

Graduate Students Mentored

Karen Mendenhall, Other, February 2015

Nicki Devanny, Watershed Sciences, September 2013

Christy Valerio, June 2013

Claire Pearce, September 2012

Quinn Hall, January 2012

Laura Malaguerra (Stein), September 2011

Angela Wadman, Other, June 2011

Douglas Johnson, Other, July 2010

Leah Markiewitz, Other, January 2010

Owen Clark, September 2012 - March 2016

Marshall Roses, June 2012 - December 2015

Aaron Sisson, Other, September 2011 - December 2015

Jennie Barclay, Other, September 2012 - November 2014

Dallin Clark, Other, January 2011 - November 2013

Collin Covington, Other, September 2009 - December 2012

Tiffany Kinder, Watershed Sciences, September 2009 - April 2012

Cody Allen, Watershed Sciences, September 2009 - December 2011

Devin Johnson, Other, September 2009 - December 2011

Chris Kula, Other, September 2009 - December 2010

Melinda Bennion, Other, January 2009 - December 2010

Scott Hunter, Other, September 2008 - December 2010

Roger Sweeney, January 2009 - August 2010

Camille Pulham, September 2008 - August 2010

Nathan Packer, Other, September 2007 - May 2009

Nicol Gagstetter, Watershed Sciences, August 2006 - June 2008

Anthony VonNiederhausern, Other, September 2007 - May 2008

Shannon Herstein, Watershed Sciences, August 2004 - July 2006

Penny Rieke Arentsen, Watershed Sciences, August 2004 - June 2006

Andree' Walker, Watershed Sciences, August 2005 - May 2006