NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), Kansas City District, has prepared a draft revision for the Seaplane Policy for Wilson Lake with an Environmental Assessment and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) that are available for public review. A review was done in accordance with current seaplane policy guidance (ER/EP 1130-2-550, Chapter 11). These documents were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, and existing Corps policy and regulations.
Wilson Project is located on the Saline River in North Central Kansas. The lake primarily lies in eastern Russell County although a small portion extends into western Lincoln County. During the original drafting of Kansas City District seaplane regulations in 1988, and the revision of that policy in 1993, seaplane operations was not allowed at Wilson Lake. Due to interest received during the 2019 Wilson Lake Master Plan update, USACE conducted a review to determine the potential for seaplane operation at Wilson Lake. This led to a revision of the policy in 2023, seaplane operations at Wilson Lake are currently only allowed under a special use permit that is good for a short window of time and requires a fee to process the permit. This policy allowed for controlled seaplane use until a study could be conducted on possible revisions of the policy to allow for seaplane operations. This draft revision to the Seaplane Policy at Wilson Lake was conducted to provide a more comprehensive look at potential seaplane operations. Most US Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District Lakes in Kansas allow seaplane operations. This policy revision brings Wilson Lake more into alignment with seaplane use guidelines used at the Tulsa District Lake in Kansas. The review takes into account protection of project resources, integrity of all authorized uses of the projects, and the safety of all users at Wilson Lake.
During the scoping process coordination was done with the FAA to establish a seaplane landing area on Wilson Lake. During the coordination process it was determined that Minnow Creek Airport (64KS) and portions of the proposed landing/takeoffs areas at Wilson Lake had conflicting airspace. To resolve the airspace conflict, a portion of the northern end of Wilson Lake will be restricted to landing/taking off.
The revision would allow for the use of Seaplanes at Wilson Lake with some restricted and prohibited zones. This revision would modify the policy at Wilson Like to allow takeoff and landings of seaplanes at Wilson Lake with some restrictions such as 500-foot restricted zone buffers around class ‘A’ parks and boat ramps. Marshall Cove, State Park Cove and Hell Creek Cove would be closed to all seaplane takeoffs/landing to avoid conflicts with high use of boats and swimmers in these areas. The River Refuge area will have a 2 -mile prohibited zone buffer around it to protect Whooping Cranes and other migratory wildlife. The Elm Creek Refuge area would have a prohibited buffer out to the restricted zone buoys to protect migratory birds.
The Corps is soliciting public comments on the draft Seaplane Policy Revision, Environmental Assessment and FONSI during a 30-day review period that opens February 16, 2026, and will close March 18, 2026. Please submit any comments pertaining to the Seaplane Policy revision via email to curtis.r.hoagland@usace.army.mil or mail to Wilson Lake Project Office, 4860 Outlet Blvd., Sylvan Grove KS, 67481.
These documents are available for review on the Corps’ website at https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes/Wilson-Lake/ or . https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Media/Public-Notices/Planning-Public-Notices/ The reports may also be obtained by contacting Mr. Curtis Hoagland, Environmental Resources Specialist, by telephone at (816) 389-3401 or by email at curtis.r.hoagland@usace.army.mil. All comments should be directed to the above, address, or email.