The Kansas Reservoir Protection Initiative (KRPI) application deadline has been extended. This program provides financial assistance to landowners in priority watersheds to implement conservation practices enhancing sediment-reducing efforts above federal reservoirs where water supply storage is impacted by reservoir sedimentation.
Applications will now be accepted through the close of business on August 8.
This year, the initiative covers Hillsdale, Perry, Pomona, Kanopolis, Fall River, John Redmond and Tuttle Creek reservoirs. Lands located in targeted sub-watersheds in portions of Atchison, Barton, Butler, Brown, Clay, Coffey, Douglas, Ellsworth, Franklin, Greenwood, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Lyon, Marshall, Miami, Nemaha, Osage, Pottawatomie, Republic, Riley, Russell, Washington, and Wabaunsee counties are eligible for assistance.
Landowners interested in participating can contact their local county conservation district or Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) Coordinator to apply. Many sediment- reducing conservation practices are eligible through this initiative; however, projects focusing on large gully repair and soil health practices such as reduced tillage and cover crops are highly encouraged. It is not guaranteed that adequate funding will be available to provide financial assistance to all eligible applications.
“Funding through the Kansas Reservoir Protection Initiative provides an opportunity for producers above some of our key federal reservoirs to improve the productivity and health of their lands while also providing benefits to downstream water resources,” said Owen. “Focusing on these watershed helps manage the sediment entering Kansas reservoirs.”
Governor Laura Kelly and the 2025 Kansas Legislature supported funding for KPRI to address priority water resource issues and projects recommended by the Kansas Water Authority.
Under the Kansas Reservoir Protection Initiative, the Kansas Water Office, Kansas Department of Agriculture – Division of Conservation, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as well as the Kansas, Marais des Cygnes, Neosho, Smoky Hill- Saline and Verdigris Regional Advisory Committees collaborate with local Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) projects and local county conservation districts to identify priority projects for funding which yield the greatest sediment reduction per state dollar invested.
For additional information, please visit kwo.ks.gov/projects/ kansas-reservoir-protection- initiative.
