30 Jun 2016

Enjoy the holiday, play it safe and return home alive

If you are visiting a Corps lake this Independence Day holiday remember to wear a life jacket, swim in a designated area and know the signs of drowning.

22 Jun 2016

Operation Dry Water in effect June 24-26 – law enforcement targeting BUI

Boating under the influence accounts for approximately 25 percent of boating-related fatalities on lakes in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District. To raise awareness about the effects of boating under the influence, the USACE will participate in the safe boating initiative Operation Dry Water June 24-26.

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.

27 May 2016

Kansas City District monitors river/tributaries after increased rainfall

KANSAS CITY, Mo.,— The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers emergency management office is monitoring the Missouri River and tributaries after the increased rainfall in the area during May. The Missouri River stages are at flood stage at several locations and are expected to rise higher before cresting within the next several days. Several of the district’s reservoirs have increased pool elevations that have caused beach and campground closures therefore it is recommended the public call prior to visiting a reservoir.