NKAO Partnerships Build Recreation Opportunities

Written by: Nikolaus Johanson, NKAO

Restroom being lowered into place at the Buffalo Roam Campground at Red Willow Reservoir, Neb.
Restroom being lowered into place at the Buffalo Roam Campground at Red Willow Reservoir, Neb.

One of the ever-increasing challenges Reclamation has in water resource development and management, is managing the public demand for recreational access.

Recognizing the need that facilitates public access and enjoyment in our federal water projects, several federal statutes were enacted that have authorized Reclamation to work with our Managing Partners.

The Federal Water Project Recreation Act, enacted in 1965, authorized Reclamation to enter into Managing Partner Agreements that allows Partners to manage reservoirs for recreation and fish/wildlife, as well as using Title 28 (P.L. 102-575) to leverage funds for recreation/fish and wildlife enhancements.

As an upshot of the Federal Water Project Recreation Act and the demand to work with our partners, since 2013, Reclamation's Nebraska-Kansas Area Office (NKAO) has provided over $1.4 million in cost share funding to the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC), Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism (KDWPT), and Lower Loup Natural Resource District (LLNRD).

Linda Lanterman, Director of State Parks with KDWPT, said, "The partnership with BOR and KDWPT has been a positive relationship in providing outdoor recreation opportunities to the citizens of Kansas. BOR's financial support in providing grants to KDWPT has played a vital role in new construction projects that would not have been possible without these much needed financial backings. We look forward to future partnerships in efforts to advance our BOR leased areas."

Reclamation's and our Managing Partners priorities in making these selections consist of many different criteria, but four are of particular importance:

  1. Help to increase revenue to sustain park operations (campground utility upgrades, and installation of rental cabins).
  2. Provide opportunities for youth activities (kids fishing ponds, fishing access docks, and group shelters for activities).
  3. Provide accessible sites and activities to all visitors (restroom installations/modifications, accessible fishing docks, and camping pads).
  4. Enhance Fish and Wildlife habitat.

"I want to thank the Bureau of Reclamation on the financial help they have provided us on the Davis Creek Recreational Area. The Title 28 assistance has helped our District accelerate the improvements we have been able to provide the public at this facility. I want to personally thank Nik Johanson, Alisha James, and Lindsey Nafts for their assistance and patients in our making the applications and getting the paper­work in for the project. Our partnership on Davis Creek has been a win-win situation for both our agencies and for the thousands of people that have been able to utilize the facility," Said Leon "Butch" Koehlmoos, General Manager, LLNRD.

Picnic shelter timbers being set by Lower Loup Natural Resource District Staff at the Davis Creek modern campground, Davis Creek Reservoir, Neb.

Picnic shelter timbers being set by Lower Loup Natural Resource District Staff at the Davis Creek modern campground, Davis Creek Reservoir, Neb.

ADA accessible dock at the Trail 3 Camping Area at Medicine Creek Reservoir, Neb.

ADA accessible dock at the Trail 3 Camping Area at Medicine Creek Reservoir, Neb.

Published on August 28, 2015