The Flint Hills RC&D sponsors water quality projects in 7 watersheds in the Flint Hills RC&D area. The main water quality concerns in the watersheds are sedimentation, low dissolved oxygen, E. Coli, and eutrophication.
Primary financial assistance is provided through Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) grants from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). In 2010 the Flint Hills RC&D was awarded approximately $480,000 to implement best management practices (BMP), conduct educational activities, and provide technical assistance to landowners. In addition to the WRAPS funding, cost share programs available through USDA and local conservation districts are also used to assist landowners in installing BMP’s.
Water Quality accomplishments include:
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Embed Embed this video on your site Land Conservation:
Constructed wetland at a brine site in Greenwood County
Marion Reservoir WRAPS and K-State submitted $300,000 CIG Grant in Spring 2010 to work with producers that had not placed any conservation practices on their land to reduce erosion.
Water Management:
Technical and financial assistance was provided on 5,994 acres in original 5 watersheds. Neosho/Toronto funding received May 2010.
Ground Truthing completed to determine BMPs needed to improve water quality in target areas of Toronto Lake.
2 alternative livestock systems were installed, one in Melvern and one in Clarks Creek.
Land Management:
A Grassland workshop and tour was held within the Flint Hills RC&D Council area.
Water Quality Staff attended workshops sponsored by KDWP and USFW on Grassland preservation Easements.
1 Riparian workshop was held in Flint Hills Area.
Over 20 landowners contacted to offer assistance within 7 watersheds.
Clarks Creek was de-listed as an EPA impaired waterway this past summer. A de-listing celebration took place on September 16, 2010.
The de-listing celebration was featured on “Sunflower Journeys” a television program broadcast on PBS affiliate KTWU/Channel 11Topeka Kansas.
In addition to these accomplishments the Flint hills RC&D sponsored a streambank stabilization project to mitigate erosion damage threatening a cemetery.
