Neosho Regional Advisory Committee

Map of Neosho RAC Boundaries

Current Focus Area

Prolonging water supply in John Redmond Reservoir through sedimentation reduction. Practices such as no-till, cover crops, filter strips, and streambank stabilization, along with education efforts, are important in achieving this goal. Studies of reducing Marion Reservoir's algal bloom frequency will be done. 

Guiding Principles

While water resource policy and procedures will play a role in achieving the goals in the Neosho planning region, continued information and education that promotes voluntary, flexible, and creative solutions will result in the greatest long-term success.

About the RAC

RAC Planner: Angela Anderson - Angela.Anderson@KWO.KS.GOV

The Neosho RAC has members representing all water uses in the region, including WRAPS, public water supply, water assurance districts, industry and commerce, agriculture, conservation and environment, and the general public. Click here for a full list of Neosho Regional Advisory Committee Membership. 

The Neosho Region is located in the southeast corner of Kansas covering all or parts of 18 counties. RAC members meet throughout the year to discuss the vital needs of the region to address water resource issues and what projects would most address those needs.

The Neosho RAC has five previously developed goals and action plans to address water issues across the region. Click here to read the full Neosho Action Plan.  For recently approved goals and action plans by the Kansas Water Authority for inclusion within the draft State Water Plan for the Neosho and other regional planning areas please select here

JR_Gates_Water_Release_DSchwartz

The Neosho River has three dams built along its course maintained by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. One dam near New Strawn Kansas forms John Redmond Reservoir. John Redmond Dam and Reservoir was named in honor of the late John Redmond, publisher of the Burlington Daily and long-time advocate for flood control and water conservation along the Neosho River. 

State of the Resource

This document is a tool to show the ongoing activities and progress towards regional goals and The Vision. For the Neosho Regional Planning Area it indicates the need to focus on prolonging water supply storage and reducing sedimentation, drought vulnerability, and harmful algal bloom (HAB) frequency. Strategies for quantifying demand, reducing sedimentation, and evaluating the causes of HABs are vital components of the RACs action plans to ensure safe and reliable access to water.

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

 

Regional Activities

Streambank stabilization projects above John Redmond Reservoir are currently underway, with many projects already constructed and others designed and planned for construction in 2019. Completion of these projects will help reduce sedimentation and prolong water supply storage.

The Neosho RAC is currently working with Kansas State University to implement two water quality technology farms (WQTF) in Lyon County. These WQTFs will focus on best management practices to reduce sediment and nutrient runoff. Once completed they will provide a valuable research and education tool.

The RAC is working with the US Army Corps of Engineers to implement a HAB study for Marion Reservoir. The study will evaluate in-lake parameters that may be promoting HABs and the solutions that may be used to reduce the frequency of HABs. 

The RAC is also modeling the region to determine supply and demand in the area. The outcome of the modeling efforts will determine the need for a reallocation study, reservoir management changes, and additional off-stream storage.

Meeting Notes & Presentations

KWO Office
900 SW Jackson Street
Suite 404
Topeka, Kansas 66612
Phone: 785-296-3185
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