USDA Opens Review for Kansas Watershed Dam Projects

By Scout Nelson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in partnership with Delaware Watershed Joint District No. 10, has opened a 30-day public review period for a Draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment (EA) covering Elk Creek Watershed Site 4 in Nemaha County and Elk Creek Watershed Site 12 in Jackson County, Kansas.

The assessment evaluates alternatives for proposed Grade Stabilization Dams (GSDs) at both sites to support watershed management and conservation goals. The projects are intended to improve long-term soil and water conservation while enhancing natural resource management within the two watersheds.

NRCS is providing technical and financial assistance through the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act. The review is also being conducted in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which requires federal agencies to evaluate environmental impacts before approving major projects.

The initiative is supported by Delaware Watershed Joint District No. 10, the Nemaha County Conservation District and the Jackson County Conservation District. These organizations are working with NRCS to strengthen conservation efforts and improve land and water resource management across the region.

Members of the public are encouraged to review the Draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment and submit comments during the review period. The assessment document is available online at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/watershed-programs/kansas/watershed-programs-kansas.

Agricultural producers interested in conservation programs can contact their local USDA Service Center for additional information. Producers can also access conservation resources, applications and planning tools through Farmers.gov.

Written comments on the Draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment must be submitted by Aug. 31, 2026, to Dean Krehbiel, Assistant State Conservationist for Water Resources, USDA NRCS, Salina, Kansas. Comments received during the review period will be considered as part of the environmental evaluation process.

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