The Kansas Water Office is drawing attention to its Reservoir Protection Initiative as a way to lengthen the lives of several lakes, including John Redmond Reservoir southeast of Emporia and Fall River Reservoir southeast of Eureka.
John Redmond has lost 40 percent of its water supply storage since it was built, while Fall River las lost 38 percent of its water storage capacity. The Water Office says applications are now available for landowners in the Neosho, Verdigris and other watersheds to start sediment-reducing conservation practices — meaning residents in Lyon, Coffey and Greenwood counties can apply.
This year’s Legislature funded the initiative as one component of a partially-restored State Water Plan Fund. Several agencies, including the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Department of Health and Environment, Water Office and Regional Advisory Committees, will work together to prioritize projects that will have the most impact. Projects focusing on gully repair or soil health like reduced tillage, nutrient management and cover crops are highly encouraged but a range of projects are eligible.
