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.

In response to declining lake levels, Harlan County Lake officials are temporarily closing the Methodist Cove Boat Ramp

Press Operations — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 18:00:00 GMT

The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and officials at Harlan County Lake, have temporarily closed Methodist Cove Boat Ramp in response to low water levels.

E. coli levels close Gremlin Cove Beach at Harlan County Lake

Press Operations — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 21:00:00 GMT

HARLAN COUNTY LAKE, Neb. -- Due to high E. Coli concentrations, officials at Harlan County Lake have closed the Gremlin Cove Beach. E. Coli levels are currently 365.4 colonies per 100 milliliters of water. Levels above 235 colonies per 100 milliliters of water can cause a safety concern. Officials with the Lower Republican Natural Resource District will retest the water weekly starting on July 7, 2025, at Harlan County Lake beaches, and results will be available at the Nebraska DEQ Beach Watch website. The beach will remain closed until levels fall below 235 colonies per 100 ml water.

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.

Partners working hard to deliver $9.25 million aquatic ecosystem restoration at Harlan County Lake

Press Operations — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 15:52:49 GMT

It can be difficult to put into numbers the importance Harlan County Lake has on the surrounding communities on and near the Republican River in south-central Nebraska. To say it plays a large role in the lives of these communities is an understatement. Harlan County Lake is a vital source of recreation, water management and flood risk reduction in the region.

Elevated E. coli levels close Gremlin Cove Beach at Harlan County Lake

Press Operations — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 19:51:40 GMT

Due to high E. Coli concentrations, officials at Harlan County Lake have closed the Gremlin Cove Beach. Officials will retest the water on June 11, 2024, and results will be available the following day. The beach will remain closed until levels fall below 235 colonies per 100 ml water.

Aquatic restoration project at Harlan County Lake making progress

Press Operations — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 17:35:01 GMT

Construction of the $9.25 million aquatic ecosystem restoration project continues to make progress at Harlan County Lake, Nebraska. The project is a partnership between the Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and will help restore the Harlan County Lake aquatic ecosystem. Authorized under Section 1135 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986, USACE awarded the construction contract on September 28, 2023. Majority of the federal funding for the project has been provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the 25% cost share is provided by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commissions Aquatic Habitat Fund.

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.

Harlan County Lake boater access

Press Operations — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 20:35:56 GMT

Due to lake levels and sedimentation, Harlan County Lake Project’s boat access to Hunter Cove remains closed with the possibility of Methodist and Gremlin Coves closing at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District project. The project’s dredge is currently inoperable, and repair costs exceed routine operation and maintenance funding. The dredge will be removed from the lake in the coming weeks.

Partners to deliver an aquatic ecosystem restoration project at Harlan County Lake, Nebraska

Press Operations — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 18:54:49 GMT

The delivery of an aquatic ecosystem restoration project at Harlan County Lake, Nebraska, was initiated upon the request of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The partnership project is authorized under Section 1135 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 and is expected to be an investment of approximately $10 million. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District has been working with the agencies over the past several years to determine feasibility and develop of a conceptual design for this project. The agencies signed an agreement starting the detailed design stage of the project in May 2022.