Milford Lake Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)
Purpose
Nutrient runoff within the Milford Lake watershed in Kansas is a source of nutrient loading contributing to aquatic conditions which promote formation of harmful algal blooms (HABs) within Milford Lake. This Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project through Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will implement best management practices within the Milford Lake watershed to decrease nutrient runoff, thus decreasing the introduction of new nutrient loading contributing to the formation of HABs in Milford Lake.
History
HABs have been an issue dating back to at least 2011, when the Kansas Department of Health and Environment first listed Milford Lake as a public lake with confirmed harmful blue-green algal blooms. Most years since 2011, HABs have been detected within Milford Lake. In 2015, the lake was divided into three zones (Zones A, B and C) to define in greater detail particular segments of the lake which are affected by HABs.
Timeline
- December 2017: NRCS announces Milford Lake Watershed RCPP Project has been selected for funding. NRCS pledges $2.88 million in financial and technical assistance towards the project.
- 2018 - 2023: KWO works with NRCS and local partners to implement the Milford Lake Watershed RCPP.
- Fall 2023: First iteration of the RCPP is a success. The project is approved for renewal for another 5-year period.
- October 2024: NRCS funds are available for second sign up period for the project.
- 2025: Applied practices being implemented at project sites.
For more information, visit the Milford RCPP website.
Funding
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) will be utilized as the primary USDA -NRCS program to provide cost share funding to producers within the Milford Lake watershed. Project partner direct financial assistance, technical assistance, and in-kind contributions will be utilized to provide the partner portion of project funding.
Project Manager
Page Updated: 1/16/2026