Kansas City District

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers encourages visitors to make water safety a priority this summer

Press Operations — Fri, 22 May 2026 19:34:20 GMT

As Americans head to lakes and rivers for the 2026 recreation season, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is reminding everyone to make water safety part of every outdoor adventure. USACE manages more than 400 lake and river projects nationwide and welcomes millions of visitors each year. While those visits create opportunities for recreation and family memories, preventable tragedies still occur on public waters annually, many involving people not wearing life jackets.

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.

Long Branch Lake holds joint emergency preparedness exercise

Press Operations — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 14:40:26 GMT

Officials held an emergency preparedness tabletop exercise at Long Branch Lake in Macon, Missouri, on Jan. 24, 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 Long Branch 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.

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.

Army Corps of Engineers waives fees and invites volunteers to participate in National Public Lands Day, Sept. 24

Press Operations — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 10:00:00 GMT

Pomme de Terre Lake shares public health update concerning harmful algae blooms

Press Operations — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 22:18:00 GMT

HERMATIGE, Mo. - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Pomme de Terre Lake is responding to a toxic blue-green algae bloom with site-specific sampling and posting public health advisory signs around the lake as recommended by state health agencies. On May 31, potentially toxic blue-green algae blooms were observed from Lindley Creek Arm mile marker L8 to the dam. Laboratory results from sample(s) from Lindley Creek Arm mile L5.5 area indicate the dense algae bloom consisted of 98% blue-green algae with algal toxin (microcystin) concentration below the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Public Health Warning Criteria for recreation contact but could be considered dangerous for pets. Considering these results, USACE is closing Nemo Park beach and general caution signs will be posted at access point and boat ramps for public awareness.

Harry S. Truman Lake extends comment period for Master Plan revision

Press Operations — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 17:12:00 GMT

WARSAW, Mo. - The public comment period for the revision of the Harry S. Truman Dam & Reservoir Master Plan has been extended to July 1, 2022. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun the process of revising the Harry S. Truman Dam & Reservoir Master Plan, which was last updated in October 1988. The revision would bring the Master Plan up to date with current policy and regulations, land usage or designations, as well as consider current and projected visitation and recreational trends. Public comments can be provided in a variety of ways; by mail to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Harry S. Truman Dam & Reservoir Master Plan Revision, 15968 Truman Rd, Warsaw, MO 65355, by email to harry.s.truman@usace.army.mil or through the online at http://go.usa.gov/xugxv.

Military Exercise at Wilson Lake during June

Press Operations — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 15:55:00 GMT

The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants park goers and the public to know that a military exercise will be partly taking place at Wilson Lake from June 4 through June 28, 2022. The Kansas Air National Guard’s 184th Wing will conduct a military training exercise and will set up military equipment, tents and long-range communication systems on land near the Scenic Overlook or north Lucas Park. The purpose of the exercise is to test the operational readiness of the Airmen and equipment assigned to the unit.

Hidden hotspots offer 18 ways to kick off Memorial Day weekend

Press Operations — Thu, 26 May 2022 21:02:00 GMT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – This weekend, outdoor recreation kicks off in full swing and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has made a short list of “Hidden Heartland Hotspots” for folks looking to try something new this Memorial Day weekend. Just make sure your Memorial Day Weekend is memorable for all the right reasons by practicing these safety tips!