The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers planned, designed, constructed, and today manages Melvern Lake, located in east central Kansas. The Corps of Engineers is authorized to operate Melvern Dam and Lake to benefit the nation by providing flood damage reduction, recreation, water supply storage, fish and wildlife management, and downstream water quality improvement.

Melvern Lake was designed, constructed, and is operated by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. Operations and maintenance activities are conducted out of the Project Office and Information Center, which is located at the east end of the dam. Melvern Lake’s staff has a wide variety of responsibilities including:

1. Dam Operations and Maintenance - Duties include operation of the outlet gates which control the flow of water from the lake to the river, and maintenance of the dam, control tower, stilling basin and spillway.
2. Park and Campground Operations and Maintenance - The Corps operates and maintains five parks at Melvern Lake. Each park containing a campground. Operation and maintenance activities include: Camping and day use fee collection; visitor assistance and protection; operation and maintenance of electrical, water supply and sewage treatment systems; maintenance of roads, parking lots, campsites, boat ramps, various buildings and picnic shelters and courtesy docks; and park area mowing and tree maintenance.
3. Natural Resource Management activities including fish and wildlife, and cultural resource management.
4. Service Contracts – A large portion of the maintenance and administrative services at Melvern Lake are provided by small business contractors. These contracts included but are not limited to: park mowing, park attendants, park custodians, vegetative management, and refuse collection.

Melvern Lake’s staff is supplemented by a small staff of temporary employees and a variety of contractors during the busy recreation season. There are also several other organizations involved in lake area operations.

• Kansas Wildlife and Parks - Enforces State fish and game laws and provides fisheries and wildlife management for the lake.
• Osage County Sheriff's Department - Enforces the laws of the State of Kansas and provides additional park security through a contract with the Corps of Engineers during the recreation season.

USACE Pass Information

USACE Annual Pass = $40. Pass holders receive free entrance to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-operated sites nationwide that charge day use fees. The pass may not be used at areas operated by other agencies even if those areas may be located on USACE-owned property. Camping fees are not included. Pass valid for one year. Valid through month and year shown on the pass. Sold only at USACE projects, please call ahead to ensure the office is open to the public.

Federal Interagency Pass Information

Approximately 240 USACE recreation projects nationwide began issuing America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Interagency Passes on Jan. 1, 2016. These include:

1) Interagency Senior Pass, $80, valid for lifetime of the pass owner and available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents age 62 or older. 

2) Interagency Senior Annual Pass $20, valid one year from month of purchase, available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents 62 or older, the Senior Annual Pass can be upgraded to the Lifetime Senior Pass by exchanging four previously purchased Senior Annual Passes or paying the difference between the purchase of one to three Senior Annual Passes to equal the value of the Senior Lifetime Pass, $80. 

3) Access Pass, free for lifetime with documentation of permanent disability for U.S. citizens or permanent residents. *Documentation required.

4) Interagency Annual Pass, $80, anyone can purchase this pass.

5) Interagency Military Pass, free to current U.S. military members and their dependents. *Documentation required.

6)  Interagency Every Kid in a Park 4th Grade Pass, free to current 4th grade students with valid Every Kid in a Park voucher (visit: https://everykidoutdoors.gov/ for details).

7) Interagency Volunteer Pass, earned with 250-plus hours of volunteer service on public lands. 

8) Interagency Military Lifetime Pass, free to gold star families and veterans. *Documentation required. 

These passes allow their holders free access to boat launches and swimming beaches managed by USACE. Senior and Access America the Beautiful passes also provide holders a 50 percent discount on campsites at USACE-managed campgrounds. Additionally, USACE will continue to sell its own annual day use pass for $40, which allows visitors free access to boat launches and swimming beaches managed by USACE. 

All America the Beautiful passes can be purchased online at http://store.usgs.gov/. There is an additional $10 processing fee for online purchases. They can also be obtained in person at many locations which can be found at https://www.nps.gov/ Please call ahead to ensure the office is open to the public and to ensure pass availability.

Melvern Lake Map

Melvern Lake Brochure

Melvern Lake Interactive Hunting Map

Melvern Lake Camping Map

River Bottom Trail

Tallgrass Heritage Trail

The Corps of Engineers and the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism work together to create and manage the natural resources at Melvern Lake. Wetlands, native grasslands, dove fields, youth-mentoring areas, waterfowl refuges, agricultural crops, upland areas and timber stands are all available at the lake.

-Invasive Species-

Boaters on Melvern Lake will enjoy the large main body of the lake on calm days for water skiing.  Sailboat enthusiasts can find plenty of room to maneuver on the ten miles of open water.  The Melvern Lake Marina is located on the southeast side of the lake. It provides fuel, mooring facilities and other supplies necessary for boaters as well as campers.   For the main lake, boat ramps are located in all Corps of Engineers parks (Arrow Rock, Coeur d'Alene, Sun Dance, and Turkey Point), two at Eisenhower State Park, and two maintained gravel boat ramps (one off Urish Road on the north side of the lake and the other off Docking Road up on the river end of the lake).  The Outlet has a boat ramp to launch non-motorized boats in the River Pond. No boats are permitted on the Swim Pond in Outlet Park.

Day use fees are required for launching at Corps managed boat ramps. A daily fee of $5.00 is charged to launch at ramps. In lieu of the daily permit an annual pass may be purchased for $40.00. This pass is good at any Corps of Engineers Day use facility nationwide. Golden Passport or America the Beautiful Cardholders now receive free day use if card is displayed. Please note that the Coeur d’ Alene boat ramp parking lot is for vehicles with trailers only. This restriction is enforced to help alleviate the congestion issues that occur on this ramp on a weekly basis. Vehicles without trailers may park in the marina parking lot down the road. The fee season for Corps-managed boat ramps in the parks is April 1st through October 31st annually.

Due to fluctuations in lake elevations, partially submerged and submerged hazards may be encountered. Boat operators should exercise extreme caution at all times while underway on the lake.

-Melvern Lake Marina-

-Information on Boating in Kansas-

-Boating Education-

-US Coast Guard-

Five campgrounds are conveniently located around Melvern Lake. The Corps manages four out of the five campgrounds. They are: Outlet, Coeur d' Alene, Arrow Rock, and Turkey Point Parks. The State of Kansas manages the Eisenhower State Park campground.

User fees are charged for camping in parks that the Corps of Engineers operates. The amount of the fee is based on the type of facilities provided.

Campgrounds contain level campsites, many with electrical hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Shower buildings, sanitary dump stations, playgrounds, and fish cleaning stations are located in most parks. Please click on campground specific information for a complete list of amenities and fees for each campground.

Entrance stations are located at most campgrounds and all campgrounds are patrolled routinely by Park Rangers and Osage County Sheriff's Deputies.

For additional information about camping opportunities click on the Kansas City District home page. For reservations call 1-877-444-6777 or www.recreation.gov 

Arrow Rock Park

Located about halfway up the south side of the lake, Arrow Rock is perhaps our most scenic park. There are 43 campsites: 19 with water/30 amp electric hookups, and 24 basic campsites. The picnic area on the central hilltop in the park provides users with an excellent panoramic vista of the lake. There is a shelter in this picnic area that is available on the first-come, first-served basis. There is another small picnic area adjacent to the boat ramp.

The Tall Grass Heritage Trail can be accessed from the campground at the trailhead behind the shower facilities and from access points off of the boat ramp parking lot.

During the recreation season, the entrance booth is open:

Su/M/F 3:00-5:00 pm

Th/Sa 4:00-6:00 pm

Tu/W CLOSED

-Make a Campsite Reservation-

Coeur d'Alene Park

Coeur d' Alene Park is located on the southeast corner of the lake. It is a 56 site campground including 26 sites with electric hookups, 7 sites with electric and water hookups, 22 basic campsites, and one handicap accessible site with water/50 amp electric/sewer hookups. At least one handicapped person must be present on the site in order to reserve. The park also includes the lake's overlook area, a swimming beach, several playgrounds, two reservable picnic shelters, two nature trails, a picnic area, a boat ramp with two courtesy docks, and the Melvern Lake Marina.

During the recreation season, the entrance booth is open:

Su/M/F 3:00-5:00 pm

Th/Sa 4:00-6:00 pm

Tu/W CLOSED

-Make a Campsite Reservation-

Outlet Park

The Outlet Park is situated below the dam. It has 150 campsites; 89 full hookup sites with 50 amp service, and 61 sites with water and 30 amp electric hookups.  In 2006, a group pavilion was constructed that is equipped with a grill/smoker, restrooms, sink, ceiling fans, and a serving table.  The pavilion can only be reserved by a registered camper in Outlet Park. The campsites surround a 90 acre pond that was closed for renovation in 2002 and was catch and release only in 2003. In 2004, special length and creel limits were applied and are strictly enforced. The pond is open year round for your fishing enjoyment. The campground is open from April 1 to October 31.

The use of gasoline motors is prohibited in this pond. There is another pond of 27 acres in this area for swimming only along with a reservable shelter, two playgrounds, a softball field, two sand volleyball courts, three miles of pedestrian and/or bicycle trails and a historical suspension bridge. This is our most intensively used park.

To reserve a shelter or pavilion please contact the Melvern Lake Project Office at 785-549-3318.

During the recreation season, the entrance booth is open:

M/Sa 3:00-5:00 pm

Th/F 3:00-7:00 pm

Su 4:00-8:00 pm

Tu/W CLOSED

-Make a Campsite Reservation-

-Outlet Park River Pond Brochure-

Turkey Point Park

Turkey Point is located on the north side of the lake. Turkey Point Park has 48 camp pads (18 with water/50 amp electric hookups, 16 with water/30 amp electric hookups, and 14 basic campsites). Turkey Point has a boat ramp, the Waterfront Day Use Area, and two group camp areas: the Turkey Point Group Camp and the Lake View Group Camp. The Turkey Point Group Camp can be reserved for $40.00 per night. The area includes a privy, a shelter, a water hydrant, several large gravel pads, and is isolated from the rest of the park, so your group can have its fun and not bother or be bothered by other visitors.  The Lake View Group Camp can be reserved for $160.00 per night. The area includes a flush restroom, a shelter with electricity and a family size fire ring, a playground, and 12 - water and 50 amp electric campsites.  There is a gate to isolate it from the rest of the park.

During the recreation season, the entrance booth is open:

M/Sa 3:00-5:00 pm

Thu/F 3:00-7:00 pm

Su 4:00-8:00 pm

Closed Tuesday and Wednesday

-Make a Campsite Reservation-

Eisenhower State Park

Melvern Lake is a 6,930-acre impoundment on the upper reaches of the Marais des Cygnes River Valley nestled into the eastern fringes of the beautiful Flint Hills Region. Opportunities abound for any angler who may gain easy access to the lake at any of the six large boat ramps located strategically on the northern and southern shores.

The game fish that are available in Melvern Lake include: walleye, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black bass, white bass and small mouth bass.

Check current State Regulations for all length and creel limits.  *Note there are special regulations specific to the Outlet Park River Pond which differ from those pertaining to Melvern Lake.

On the Outlet Park River Pond setlines and gas powered motors are prohibited.  All other State guidelines, rules, regulations and laws remain in effect.

-Information on Fishing in Kansas-

-Outlet Park River Pond Brochure-

-Fishing Report-

-Melvern Lake Fish Habitat Map-

Melvern Lake offers many opportunities for a variety of game. Deer, quail, turkeys, ducks, rabbits and squirrels may be found on public hunting lands.

The north side of Melvern Lake has more wooded areas and blocks of timber than the south side. The south shore of the lake has more areas of warm season grass and smaller woodlots. The upper reaches of Melvern Lake are also excellent habitats featuring many game friendly crop fields surrounded by timber and brushy growth.

Over 10,000 acres of wildlife habitat are managed for the outdoorsman by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Management activities include marsh development, food plots, boundary plantings, cover plots and brush piles.

No camping or fires are permitted in the wildlife areas. Camping is permitted on designated campsites within the park areas.

Most hunting accidents occur because of improper gun handling. Hunters swinging on game and hunters mistaken for game are two of the most common causes of accidents. The wearing of blaze orange and Hunter Education training can reduce the chances of being involved in an accident.

Kansas law requires that any hunter born after July 1, 1957, must complete a Hunter Education course before they can obtain a Kansas hunting license.

-Information on Hunting in Kansas-

-Melvern Wildlife Area-

Melvern Lake Interactive Hunting Map

Melvern Lake Marina

There are three shelters and one pavilion available for reservations. These facilities are located in the Outlet Day Use Area, the Overlook and the Coeur d' Alene Picnic Area.

Coeur d' Alene has two reservable picnic shelters. One is located at the Overlook and another may be found in the picnic area. The Outlet Park Shelter is located at the east end of the day use area.

The Outlet Park Pavilion is located at the entrance of B-Loop in Outlet Park and offers kitchen and restroom facilities.

Individual picnic area sites are also available throughout Melvern Lake Parks on a first-come, first-served basis.

Picnic shelters may be reserved for $20.00 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and the Outlet Park Pavilion may be reserved for $40 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on www.recreation.gov or calling the toll free number at 877-444-6777.

Never swim alone! This is the first and most important rule when swimming. First, find a friend, and then find a safe swimming place.

The safest places to swim at Melvern Lake are at one of the three designated swimming beaches. Two are located on the main part of the lake, at Eisenhower State Park and at Coeur D'Alene Waterfront Day Use Area. One swimming beach is located below the dam, in the Outlet Park. Designated beaches are designed and constructed to eliminate hazards and underwater obstructions. These beaches have ample parking and toilet facilities. The Outlet Beach and Coeur D' Alene beaches have volleyball nets for beach users.

At Melvern Lake, day user fees are charged at both designated swimming beaches maintained by the Corps of Engineers. The fee for swimming is $5 per vehicle regardless of number in car load, $2.00 for a walk/bike-in, and children under 16 free. An annual non-transferable pass may be purchased at the Melvern Lake Information Center or park attendant booths (in season). The cost of the pass is $40.00. This pass is good at any Corps of Engineers day use facility nationwide. Golden Passport or America the Beautiful Cardholders now receive free day use if pass is displayed.  The fee season for the Corps-managed swim beaches is May 15th through September 15th annually.

You are invited to enjoy a relaxing and refreshing afternoon swim at Melvern Lake. But, please, think about water safety as you are having fun in the sun.

Being water safe is a high priority for the Corps of Engineers and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

Melvern Lake visitors have shown a growing interest in land-based recreation opportunities. One such opportunity is exploring the native habitat adjacent to Melvern Lake's many trails. If you are interested in learning more about our natural resources or just interested in healthy exercise, Melvern Lake is the place for you. Below is a partial description of these trails.

 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Trails

The Outlet Park has three miles of nature trails including a half-mile paved surface trail accessible to the physically challenged. A two-mile gravel trail connects to the paved trail to allow users to explore the entire oxbow that exists as a result of the Melvern Dam construction as well as the perimeter of the Outlet River Pond. It interconnects with several sanitary facilities and allows fishermen, hikers, and bicyclists safe access to the river pond shoreline and other park features.

The River Bottom Nature Trail is a primitive trail that passes through an area representative of the river biosphere. It is located in the northeast portion of the Outlet Park.

-River Bottom Nature Trail Brochure-

Coeur d' Alene Park has two nature trails with easy to navigate gravel surfaces. The Overlook Trail is only two hundred yards long but serves to connect two picnic areas and playground facilities. The Breakwater Trail is a half-mile long and provides access to the lake and native flora and fauna between the Coeur d' Alene campground and the marina cove.

The Tallgrass Heritage Trail, located on the south side of Melvern Lake, extends from Arrow Rock Park to Coeur d' Alene Park. This new trail originates in the Arrow Rock Park campground and extends east to Coeur d' Alene Park. Hikers and mountain bike riders will enjoy woodland and grassland ecosystems as the trail extends nearly four miles between the two parks. The 2.2 mile trail from Arrow Rock Park to Coeur d' Alene Park offers a mowed grass path with several challenging hills. The 1.8 mile path in Arrow Rock offers a packed gravel surface ideal for hikers and bike riders.

-Tallgrass Heritage Trail Brochure-

 Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Trails

A self-guided nature trail is located in the Eisenhower State Park that allows users to explore native eastern Kansas prairie grasses. A seventeen-mile Bridle Trail initiates in the west portion of the campground in the state park and traverses through the scenic undeveloped native terrain typical of the nationally acclaimed Kansas Flint Hills. For the hiking/biking enthusiast there is a five mile trail located in the east side of the park.

-Eisenhower State Park-

Melvern Lake is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operated multi-purpose use reservoir located in Osage County near Melvern, Kansas on the Marais des Cygnes River in the Lower Kansas River Basin. The Flood Control Act of 1954 authorized Melvern reservoir for flood control, water supply, water quality, recreation and fish and wildlife use and has a 349 square mile drainage area. Melvern Lake is part of the Osage River Basin along with Hillsdale Lake, Pomona Lake, Stockton Lake, Pomme de Terre Lake and Harry S. Truman Lake. Together, these lakes function as a system to play a vital role in managing water resources. USACE is authorized to operate Melvern Dam and Lake using the current Water Control Manual that was prepared by the Kansas City District and is dated June 1985.

Congress provided direction and funding in Fiscal Year 2022 for USACE districts across the nation to update Water Control Manuals, or WCMs to evaluate whether any changes in physical, social and environmental conditions around the dam warrant updating the WCP, include a drought contingency plan and meet new requirements for formatting and updating information.

WHAT IS A WATER CONTROL MANUAL?

Water Control Manuals, or WCMs, are operating manuals for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or USACE, dams. USACE makes day to day decisions about releasing water through its dams according to Water Control Plans, or WCPs, that are included in dam specific-WCMs. The objective of all WCMs include operating the dam and reservoir for the purposes authorized by Congress and other applicable law, maintain the structural integrity and operation integrity of the dam (sometimes called a “project” to include reservoir operations) and avoid risk to public health and safety, life and property.

The WCMs are being updated because Congress provided direction and funding in Fiscal Year 2022 for USACE districts across the nation to update WCMs to evaluate and potentially update WCPs as necessary, include a drought contingency plan for managing water releases from dams when there is a drought and meet new requirements for formatting and updating information. Each WCM and its WCP was developed when each project was authorized. They are updated periodically to determine whether there are changes in the physical, environmental and social conditions that need to be accounted for in a dam’s operation.  

NEPA PROCESS

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is a law that requires all federal agencies to take a 'hard look' at how their actions may affect the human and natural environment. It spells out the steps an agency must take to identify environmental issues that need to be considered, identify options or alternatives that would correct the problems identified and explain its final decision while complying with environmental regulations. NEPA also gives the public a voice in the decision-making process about the proposed actions. The public is asked to provide input through public meetings and opportunities to provide written comments. The first opportunity happens during the scoping phase. Additional opportunities occur when the environmental review is complete and alternatives for action identified. These comments will be considered before the federal agency makes a final decision. 

Did you miss a public meeting? No problem! Click the presentation below to review the slideshow from previous public meetings. 

March 14, 2024, Melvern Public Meeting Slides 

Melvern Lake Value to the Nation

ArcGIS StoryMaps is a web-based application designed to create interactive narratives by combining maps, multimedia content, and text to communicate stories in a visually engaging way. Developed by Esri, it allows users to transform geographic information system (GIS) work into compelling digital stories and presentations.

The primary purpose of ArcGIS StoryMaps is to help users effectively convey messages, educate audiences, and engage stakeholders through location-based narratives.

Click this link to learn and interact with the Water Control Manuals Update!

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Fees

Hours of Operation

The Information Center is open to the public from 8:00am - 3:00pm Monday - Friday.

Day-Use picnic areas are open daily from 6:00am - 10:00pm.

Rules and Regulations

The Melvern Lake Project is regulated by Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations governing public use of Corps of Engineers water resources development projects. For a list of all rules and regulations please reference the link below.

-Title 36 CFR-

Please observe the following rules while in the park.  Keep in mind that these rules not only protect park resources and visitor safety,  but also reflect common courtesy toward other park visitors.  

-  Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, unless a reservation has been made through the NRRS. Check-in & check-out time is 6:00 p.m.  

-  Campers should check at the fee booth for site availability.  Campsites might be reserved.  If booth is closed, refer to the campsite reservation board, select site, make camp and return to fee booth when open.     

-  Camping fees are collected per campsite.  To avoid overcrowding sites a maximum of 2 units is allowed per campsite (2 tents or 1 tent and 1 RV) and a maximum of 2 vehicles is allowed per campsite. 

-  Travel and parking are only allowed on park roadways.  When parking at campsites, keep at least 2 wheels on the road or camp pad.  

-  Use of the Golden Age/Golden Access Passport or the America The Beautiful Pass is restricted to the cardholder and his/her immediate campsite only. Discounts can not be applied to more than 1 campsite and can not be given to friends, relatives, etc.  

-  Wading pools, water slides and other large water toys are not allowed in park areas, due to water waste, turf degradation and the potential drowning hazard.  

-  Beer kegs or party balls are not allowed in the campgrounds or on the beach.  

-  Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.  Visitors must be out of the campgrounds by 10 p.m.   

 -  All pets must be kept on a leash not more than 6 feet in length.  Pets are not allowed in shower buildings, restrooms or on the swimming beach.  

-  Please keep a clean campsite.  Trash bags are provided and should be deposited in the dumpsters upon departure.  

- When departing the campsite please stack any leftover firewood, off the grass, next to the fire ring.  

-  Please report any theft, loss, accident or disturbance to Lake Patrol, Park Rangers or the Park Attendants.  

A complete set of park Title 36 Rules and Regulations is available from a Park Ranger or the Park Attendant.    

Tenga en cuenta las siguientes reglas mientras que en el parque. Tenga en cuenta que estos normas no sólo protegen los recursos del parque y seguridad de los visitantes , pero también reflejan cortesía hacia otros visitantes del parque.

-Los campamentos están disponibles en un primer llegado primer servido base, a menos que una reserva se ha hecho a través de la NRRS. El registro y la hora de salida es 18:00.

-Los campistas deben comprobar en el stand de cuota por la disponibilidad del sitio. Algunos campings podría ser reservado. Si la cabina está cerrada , consulte la Tabla de Reservas camping , seleccione sitio, hacer un campamento y volver a la cabina de cuota cuando está abierto.

-Tarifas para acampar son recogidos por camping. Para evitar los sitios de hacinamiento una Se permite un máximo de 2 unidades por camping (2 tiendas de campaña o 1 tienda y 1 RV) y una máximo de 2 vehículos está permitido por camping.

-Viajes y aparcamiento sólo se les permite en las carreteras del parque. Al aparcar en campings, tenga al menos 2 ruedas en la plataforma de la carretera o el campo.

-El uso de la edad de oro / oro de acceso Passport se limita a la titular de la tarjeta y su / su camping inmediata solamente. Los descuentos no se pueden aplicar a más de 1 camping y no se puede dar a los amigos , familiares , etc.

-Piscinas , toboganes y otros juguetes de agua grandes vadear no están permitidos en el parque áreas , debido al desperdicio de agua , la degradación del territorio y el posible riesgo de ahogamiento.

-Barriles de cerveza o bolas de partido no están permitidos en los campamentos o en la playa.

-Las horas de silencio son de 10 p.m. a 6 a.m. Los visitantes deben estar fuera de los campamentos por 10 p.m.

-Todas las mascotas deben mantenerse con una correa no más de 6 pies de longitud. Las mascotas no son permitido en los edificios de ducha , baños o en la playa de la piscina.

-Por favor, mantenga limpio el lugar . bolsas de basura se proporcionan y se deben depositar en el contenedores de basura a la salida.

-Al salir del camping favor apilar cualquier leña de sobra, de la hierba , junto al anillo de fuego.

- Por favor reporte cualquier robo , pérdida, accidente o perturbación de la Patrulla Lake Park Rangers , o los asistentes Park.

Un conjunto completo de parque Título 36 Normas y Reglamentos está disponible a partir de un guarda del parque o el encargado del aparcamiento.

Melvern Lake Facts

Melvern Lake and Dam were constructed at a cost of $37,436,530.00 for the primary purpose of providing flood control on the lower Marais Des Cygnes River. As of 2005, Melvern Lake has prevented approximately $220,637,400.00 in downstream flood damages.

Melvern Dam is a rolled earthfill embankment with an impervious clay core making the dam nearly watertight. The dam extends 9,700 feet and rises nearly 125 feet above the river valley. The lake elevation is maintained via a series of hydraulically operated gates located at the bottom of the control tower. The lake water passes through a conduit for approximately 754 feet before entering the Marais Des Cygnes River.

Other authorized purposes include recreation, water supply and fish and wildlife management. The 349 square miles of drainage basin above Melvern Lake is composed primarily of warm-season grasses intermixed with agriculture and hardwood forests. The presence of an upstream prairie ecosystem provides a better than average water quality for Melvern Lake.

Authorized by Congress: 1954
Authorized use: Flood control and water resource development
Drainage basin: Marais des Cygnes River
Tangible benefits: water supply, recreation, fish and wildlife conservation
Under construction: 1967-1972
First recreation season: 1974
Dedication: 1975
Elevation, feet above mean sea level
Top of flood control pool: 1,057
Top of multipurpose pool: 1,036

Surface area, acres
Top of flood control pool: 13,950
Top of multipurpose pool: 6,930

Shoreline, miles (multipurpose pool): 101
Maximum depth, ft. (multipurpose pool): 74
The Dam Type: Rolled earthfill
Length, ft. (overall): 9,700
Height, ft. (above streambed): 125
Width, ft. (base): 915
Width, ft. (crown): 30
Emergency spillway: Uncontrolled chute
Outlet works: Single Horseshoe conduit (11.5 ft.)
Gates: 2 Hydraulically operated gates (6 ft. x 12 ft.)

Emergency Phone Numbers

In Case of Emergency (Ambulance, Fire, Crime, Emergency): 911

Osage County Sheriff’s Office: 785-828-3121

In Case of Poison Intake: 800-322-6633

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: 785-549-3318

Eisenhower State Park:  785-528-4102

Melvern Lake Marina:  620-256-6566

KDWPT - Operation Game Thief: 877-426-3843

Policía-Fuego-Médico: 911  

Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Osage: 785-828-3121  

Lago de Melvern, Corps de Ingenieros del Proyecto Oficina:  785-549-3318  

Lago de Melvern Marina:  620-256-6566

Eisenhower Parque Estatal:  785-528-4102

History

In 1954, Congress authorized the construction of Melvern Lake as a multipurpose project for flood damage reduction and water resource development. While most of the lake's tangible benefits are attributed to its ability to prevent flood damage, lake storage also supplies water for several local communities. Recreation, fish and wildlife conservation, and water quality are other important benefits of the lake. Following construction and impoundment, the lake was dedicated in 1975.

The Melvern Project consists of 23,362 acres of federal owned lands. The lake itself comprises 6,930 acres. The remaining acreage has been devoted to park development and wildlife management. Melvern is a key unit in the system of flood damage reduction projects within the Marais des Cygnes River Basin. It is also part of the network of lakes that provide flood damage reduction on the Osage, Missouri, and Mississippi Rivers.

The earliest known inhabitants of the Melvern Lake area was the Kansa Indians. They occupied the Melvern Lake area for nearly a century when, in 1825, they ceded most of their territory to the United States. In 1864, a reservation for the Sac and Fox Indians was established in the southern two-thirds of Osage County and parts of Lyon, Coffey and Franklin counties. In 1867, the area was opened to white settlement and the reservation was removed from the Marais des Cygnes River Valley.

In 1868, a town called Olivet sprang up in the Marais des Cygnes valley. This new town was established by the Swedenborgian Followers from England. It was proposed by the founders of the town to build a college and make Olivet the headquarters for the Swedenborgian Chuch for the entire western United States. The town grew to over 300, but later struggled because the proposed railroad went another route. In 1873, a prairie fire swept through the town destroying part of it. The town was completely gone by 1885.

Arvonia was the second town to be founded in the river valley. Originally settled by Welsh farmers and coal miners in 1869, the town was settled, like Old Olivet, in anticipation of the railroad which was to run adjacent to the Marais Cygnes River. Unfortunately, the line did not run to Arvonia. Though it did grow to over 300 people by 1879, it slowly dwindled to just a handful today.

Recreation.gov

America the Beautiful Passes

Eisenhower State Park

Melvern Wildlife Area

USGS Water Data

Osage County, KS

Kansas City District Dam Safety Program

Kansas City District Water Management

Kansas City District Water Quality Program