1 Jul 2016

Public health warning for Milford Lake

Junction City, Kan.— Milford Lake is under a lake-wide warning based on cyanobacteria/toxin results from June 27 conducted by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Blue-green algae are actually types of bacteria known as Cyanobacteria. When certain conditions are present, such as high nutrient and light levels, these toxic producing organisms can reproduce rapidly producing a harmful algae bloom. KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and other lake managers where appropriate, respond by informing the public of these conditions. Based upon sampling results and established health risk levels, the warning for all three zones of Milford Lake are in effect.

2 Jun 2016

Registration open for assisted deer hunt

MANHATTAN, Kan.,— Youth and disabled hunters have until July 21 to apply for an assisted deer hunt at Tuttle Creek Lake. This event is limited to 25 hunters. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, Riley County Fish and Game Association and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Tuttle Creek Lake are accepting applications for the 2016 Tuttle Creek Youth/Disabled Assisted Deer Hunt scheduled for Sept. 10-11. This hunt is free of charge and is open to resident youth ages 11-16 and those with a certified disability interested in hunting Kansas whitetails.

2 Jun 2016

Smithville Lake aims to support pollinators

SMITHVILLE, Mo.,— The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Smithville Lake received a grant from Monarch Watch to benefit pollinators such as butterflies and bees. Monarch butterfly populations have decreased by 90 percent due to loss of habitat and nectar sources. Milkweed, the sole food source for Monarch butterfly larvae, has diminished drastically in the United States due to mowing and herbicide use, especially along roadways and agricultural land. “Smithville Lake is perfectly positioned along the I-35 corridor which is the eastern migratory route for Monarch butterflies to their overwintering ground in central Mexico. They travel over 2,000 miles to migrate,” says Jaime Picken, U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s Smithville Lake park ranger. To support pollinators, the Monarch Watch grant awarded Smithville Lake with nearly 350 milkweed plants. Smithville Lake staff, along with a handful of local volunteers, began planting the milkweed plugs in May.

19 May 2016

Park Visitors Asked to Leave Firewood at Home

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Headed to one of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ lakes for the upcoming holiday weekend? David Hoover, a Conservation Biologist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District is asking park visitors to leave their firewood at home. “Firewood brought from home on a weekend camping trip may harbor the invasive and highly destructive emerald ash borer,” Hoover says. “Moving firewood associated with recreational camping is one of the main ways the emerald ash borer has expanded its range.”

10 May 2016

Open house scheduled for Clinton and Perry lakes to review seasonal plans for lake elevations

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District at Clinton and Perry Lakes will host a combined open house to review seasonal plans for lake elevations May 25 from 1-3 p.m. at the Clinton Lake project office located at 872 North 1402 Road, Lawrence, Kansas.