Kansas City District

Waterfowl Blind Drawing Cancelled at Kanopolis Lake

Press Operations — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 20:30:00 GMT

The annual waterfowl blind drawing held by the Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Kanopolis Lake has been cancelled for 2025 due to constrained resources and variable water conditions relating to ongoing outlet construction.

Temporary recreation area closures and service reductions begin May 15 across Kansas City District, USACE

Press Operations — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 12:58:51 GMT

The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will temporarily close or reduce services at recreation areas across Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa beginning May 15, 2025. USACE is currently managing seasonal staffing and resource limitations that affect its ability to safely open and maintain all recreation sites at normal levels of service. These temporary adjustments are being made at all 18 Kansas City District lakes to ensure visitor safety, protect environmental resources and sustain critical hydropower and dam operations.

Army Corps of Engineers waives fees and invites volunteers to participate in National Public Lands Day, Sept. 28

Press Operations — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 19:51:43 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today that it will waive day use fees normally charged at boat launch ramps and swimming beaches at its recreation areas nationwide in recognition of National Public Lands Day (NPLD) on Saturday, Sept. 28. The waiver does not apply to camping and camping-related services, or fees for specialized facilities such as group picnic shelters. Other agencies and partners that manage recreation areas located on USACE lands are encouraged, but not required, to comply with this waiver of day use fees in the areas they manage.

Annual Rathbun Lake fall release set for week of September 23

Press Operations — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 18:51:24 GMT

The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently sought public input regarding the Rathbun Lake annual fall release. The Kansas City District has carefully evaluated the release against public and stakeholder input, water available in storage, downstream conditions and weather forecasts. In consideration of these factors, the district has determined the fall release will occur the week of September 23, 2024.

USACE seeking public input on potential Rathbun Lake fall release

Press Operations — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 18:58:59 GMT

The Kansas City District, U.S Army Corps of Engineers is asking the public for input regarding the Rathbun Lake annual fall release. The Kansas City District will be accepting public input now until August 31, 2024.

Officials planning to conduct one-day test release at Rathbun Lake

Press Operations — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 14:27:00 GMT

Officials plan to conduct a one-day test release from Rathbun Lake later this spring. As part of the detailed design process for the Rathbun Lake Fisheries Section 1135 project, the information gathered during the test will assist in the design of critical project components aimed at reducing the outward migration of adult walleye and other fish species. This test release will allow measurements to be performed near the tower and the measurements will map water velocity around the intake structure. Testing will take place once the lake elevation raises to 905.0 feet. The lake is currently at an elevation of 902.89 feet. The release will be increased from low flow of 11 cubic feet per second to 3,000 cubic feet per second. Water will be released in 500 cubic feet per second hourly increments up to 3,000 cubic feet per second.

Rathbun Lake holds joint emergency preparedness exercise

Press Operations — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 14:28:35 GMT

Officials held an emergency preparedness tabletop exercise at Rathbun Lake in Centerville, Iowa, on Jan. 23, 2024, to showcase the joint emergency preparedness between local, state and federal agencies in the area. The tabletop exercise was coordinated and led by the Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and focused on the communication and coordination efforts during operational releases or an extreme, rare flood event. During the exercise, USACE emphasized that it regularly assesses the conditions and risks associated with Rathbun Dam, along with its other civil works projects.

Construction of $9.25 million aquatic ecosystem restoration project commences at Harlan County Lake, Nebraska

Press Operations — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 15:32:15 GMT

Officials gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Harlan County Lake aquatic ecosystem restoration project at Harlan County Lake, Nebraska, on January 16, 2024. The project is a partnership between the Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. While pre-construction activities have been underway since December 2023, construction of the core project features began earlier this month.

Fall release from Rathbun Lake to the Chariton River Basin not anticipated

Press Operations — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:30:07 GMT

Conditions are unfavorable for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a fall release, also known as flushing flow releases, due to the current pool elevation of 903.4 feet at Rathbun Lake, which is more than half a foot below multipurpose level, as of September 19, 2023. Releases this fall are not anticipated.

Waterfront campsites at Wilson Lake will be closed Sept. 18-22 to allow for invasive species control

Press Operations — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 16:12:00 GMT

All waterfront campsites at Wilson Lake, near Sylvan Grove, Kansas, will be closed the week of Sept. 18-22 because a helicopter will be flying near the shorelines using an herbicide to help control phragmites. Campgrounds affected include Lucas Park, Minooka Park, Otoe State Park and Hell Creek State Park. Campsites that do not border the water are still available for camping.

Applications now open for waterfowl blind permits at Kanopolis Lake

Press Operations — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 20:07:00 GMT

Online applications for the 2023 annual waterfowl blind permits at Kanopolis Lake, Marquette, Kansas, are now available. The permit application is now available online for applicants to fill out and submit. Applicants will be entered into a random lottery drawing for 12 waterfowl blind locations on Kanopolis Lake, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land.

Meeting dates changed for the Draft Master Plan for Harry S. Truman Lake

Press Operations — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 13:03:00 GMT

The public meeting dates to discuss the Draft Master Plan for Harry S. Truman Lake have been rescheduled. The new dates for the meetings are as follows: • September 12, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Warsaw Community Building, 181 W. Harrison Street, Warsaw, MO 65355 • September 13, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Lakeland R-3 School District, 12530 Lakeland School Drive, Deepwater, MO 64740 These meetings will be held as part of a 30-day review and comment period from the date the document is posted.

Custodians and park attendants are needed for Truman, Pomme de Terre and Stockton lakes

Press Operations — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 15:48:00 GMT

Harry S. Truman Dam & Reservoir, Pomme de Terre Lake and Stockton Lake are looking for Custodians, Park Attendants and/or Custodian/Park Attendants to fill the necessary and gratifying roles of cleaning and welcoming visitors to our parks and recreation areas.

USACE to hold public meetings for Draft Master Plan for Harry S. Truman Lake

Press Operations — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 16:53:00 GMT

A draft Master Plan for Harry S. Truman Dam and Reservoir, with an Environmental Assessment and a Finding of No Significant Impact, has been prepared by the Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is ready for public review. These documents were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and existing USACE policy and regulations. The Master Plan is the strategic land use management document that guides the comprehensive management and development of all projects, recreational, natural and cultural resources throughout the life of the project. The Master Plan guides efficient and cost-effective management, development and use of project lands. It is a vital tool for the responsible stewardship and sustainability of project resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

USACE seeking public input on potential Rathbun Lake fall release

Press Operations — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 16:16:11 GMT

Let us know what you think about a potential Rathbun Lake, Iowa, fall release. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, is asking the public for input regarding the Rathbun Lake annual fall release by August 31, 2023.

Visitor Center operations at Truman Lake continue: Fridays through Sundays

Press Operations — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 17:36:24 GMT

The Harry S. Truman Lake Visitor Center continues to remain open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays through September 30, 2023, and there are no plans to close the visitor center. The visitor center also offers educational programs by appointment, including special events whenever feasible.

$8.35 million agreement signed for aquatic ecosystem restoration work at Rathbun Lake, Iowa

Press Operations — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 18:19:03 GMT

Yesterday, a signing of the Project Partnership Agreement for aquatic ecosystem restoration work at Rathbun Lake, Iowa, was executed between the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This agreement will begin aquatic ecosystem restoration design and construction work at Rathbun Lake, Iowa, under Section 1135 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986. USACE has been working with the Iowa DNR over the past several years to determine feasibility and develop a conceptual design for this project. The signing of the PPA paves the way for the $8.35 million on-ground execution of this design effort.

Smithville Lake to host annual managed deer hunt for individuals with ambulatory disabilities on Nov. 19 and 20

Press Operations — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 17:43:42 GMT

The annual managed deer hunt hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Smithville Lake for individuals with ambulatory disabilities will take place on Nov. 19 and 20, 2022. This event allows individuals with ambulatory disabilities the opportunity to hunt from wheelchair accessible hunting blinds at Smithville Lake.

USACE Rathbun Lake seeks public comment on draft Master Plan: public meeting scheduled for Nov. 15

Press Operations — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 16:03:10 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or USACE, Kansas City District, has prepared a draft Master Plan for Rathbun Lake with an Environmental Assessment and a Finding of No Significant Impact – known as a FONSI - that are available for public review. USACE is soliciting public comments on the draft Master Plan, Environmental Assessment and FONSI during a 60-day review period that opens Oct. 11, 2022, and will close Dec. 10, 2022. A public meeting will be held on Nov. 15, 2022, from 3-6 p.m. at the Rathbun Regional Water Association Water Treatment Plant, 16166 Highway J29, Centerville, IA.

USACE Kansas City District announces likely cancellation of fall water release from Rathbun Lake

Press Operations — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 18:28:00 GMT

Unless conditions improve by the end of the first week of October, the fall water release previously announced by the Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will be cancelled. In July USACE announced tentative plans to perform the fall water release at Rathbun Lake. Currently conditions do not favor the water release as the pool elevation is near the multipurpose level of 904.0 feet.