Kansas Reservoir Protection Initiative Application Deadline Extended
Lands eligible for assistance to enhance reservoir sedimentation reduction
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 December 31, 2026. Applications will be reviewed and notified monthly.
This year, the initiative covers Tuttle Creek, Fall River, John Redmond, Hillsdale, Perry, Pomona, Kanopolis, Cheney, Elk City, and Big Hill reservoirs.
Eligible lands include those located in targeted sub-watershed portions of Atchison, Barton, Brown, Butler, Chase, Clay, Coffey, Douglas, Elk, Ellsworth, Franklin, Greenwood, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Kingman, Labette, Lyon, Marion, Marshall, Miami, Montgomery, Morris, Nemaha, Neosho, Osage, Pottawatomie, Pratt, Reno, Republic, Riley, Russell, Stafford, Washington, and Wabaunsee counties.
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 Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office. “Focusing on these watershed helps manage the sediment entering Kansas reservoirs.”
Governor Laura Kelly and the 2026 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 participating 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.