Over a period of 15 years, Barnard played a significant role in applying dust mitigation techniques at Owens Lake, a 108-square-mile dry lakebed in the drought-stricken Owens Valley.

After drying up over a century ago, Owens Lake has undergone several land reclamation techniques to mitigate intense dust storms and dangerous levels of air pollution. Through a series of eight projects, Barnard implemented innovative methods such as shallow-flooding, salt grass planting, moat and row construction, and rock armoring. Systematically attacking the worst pollution source areas one at a time, the lakebed is now a haven for Snowy Plovers and other migratory birds and includes public access and viewing areas.