Kansas Regional Advisory Committee

Current Focus Area

The Kansas RAC is focused on implementation of the Kansas Basin Watershed Management (KBWM) system to help limit nutrients, sediment and shorten the duration of harmful algal blooms. They are heavily involved in the beginning phase of the Milford Lake Watershed RCPP. Education and Outreach are of utmost importance for future funding of water quality and quantity. Members have developed a presentation illustrating those needs.

Producer’s Guide and Directory to Agricultural Conservation Assistance Programs in Kansas

Guiding Principles

Increasing research to utilize the most effective technology and best management practices available. Developing and implementing a comprehensive water education program for all ages.

About the RAC

RAC Planner: Amelia Nill

The Kansas RAC has members who represent industry and commerce, conservation and environment, fish and wildlife, agriculture, recreation, water assurance districts, planning restoration and protection, and the WRAPS program. View the full Kansas Regional Advisory Committee Membership.

The Kansas RAC covers the largest planning region in the state spanning 21 counties and is located in Northeast Kansas. RAC members meet throughout the year to discuss the vital needs of the region and what projects would most address those needs. The Kansas RAC has five goals that address important issues throughout the region. Read the previously developed Kansas Action Plan. Reference recently approved goals and action plans by the Kansas Water Authority for inclusion within the draft State Water Plan for the Kansas and other regional planning areas.

State of the Resource

The Kansas Region’s State of the Resource document reveals significant water supply data and projections for the region. First, it is projected that basin supply will be insufficient to meet projected demands through a 1950’s-style drought by 2057. While the annual reduction in reservoir sedimentation of 512,560 tons/year through streambank stabilization work in the Region has prolonged the storage capacities, the purchase of additional reservoir storage at federal lakes remains unfunded. Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) in Milford Lake continue to occur, but are being addressed through the collaborative Milford Lake Watershed Regional Conservation Partnership Program and ongoing HAB research efforts of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and others.

To learn more about the resources and conservation efforts, visit the State of the Resource page to view the report.

Kansas Regional Infographic

Regional Activities

The Kansas RAC continues to focus on the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) problems in the region with a tour of the KU Field Station north of Lawrence led by Dr. Ted Harris with the Kansas Biological Survey. The group viewed ongoing HAB work at the facility, and testing tanks which are inoculated with water from Milford Lake. Different nutrients are being applied to the tanks in an attempt to initiate blooms.

The RAC’s Best Management Practice (BMP) subcommittee attended meetings regarding the Kansas Reservoir Protection Initiative (KRPI), a $900,000 investment in the basin. According to project managers, there was a large amount of interest in the project from stakeholders during the 30-day sign-up period.

Finally, RAC members continue to stay informed of sediment issues in lakes and reservoirs throughout the region. Members received a briefing on a Water Injection Dredging (WID) project that has the potential to remove silt from reservoirs at a much lower cost than a large-scale dredging operation, while maintaining current reservoir storage capacities.

Kansas Reservoir Volume 1993 and 2019

Meeting Notes and Presentations