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Maps & Surveys
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WRAPS Planning & Assessment Resources
​Local & Non-Profit Partners
A curated list of state, federal, and local resources for WRAPS partners and stakeholders.
State of Kansas Agencies Federal & National Partners
The Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) program is used by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to improve water quality in Kansas.  Visit the www.kswraps.org web site for information about the state program.
Kansas Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS)Kansas WRAPS is a statewide partnership that brings local citizens, conservation districts, agencies, and other stakeholders together to improve water quality across Kansas. Our projects focus on reducing pollutants such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment while supporting working lands and the communities that depend on clean water. There are two WRAPS watershed within Shawnee County. 

Middle Kansas Watershed

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Overall FocusThe plan outlines five priority goals to secure long-term water supply, improve water quality, and enhance resilience in the Kansas region through infrastructure improvements, conservation practices, and collaboration.

Priority Goal 1: Increase Reservoir Storage
  • Reallocate and better manage water storage in federal reservoirs (e.g., Milford and Perry).
  • Explore raising reservoir conservation levels and improving operations using forecasting.
  • Strengthen coordination with federal agencies and monitor storage levels.
  • Consider long-term solutions like dredging to maintain capacity.

Priority Goal 2: Meet Regional Water Supply Needs
  • Identify areas with water shortages and evaluate solutions.
  • Develop new water sources (e.g., small multipurpose lakes).
  • Expand or restore watershed infrastructure (dams, reservoirs).
  • Establish criteria for new projects and secure funding/partnerships.
  • Ensure communities maintain updated water conservation plans.

Priority Goal 3: Reduce Sedimentation
  • Set and achieve sediment reduction targets for reservoirs over 40 years.
  • Use best management practices (BMPs) like soil conservation and buffers.
  • Collaborate with neighboring states and local stakeholders.
  • Invest in funding, technical assistance, and innovative methods (e.g., dredging tech).
  • Promote comprehensive conservation planning and public awareness.

Priority Goal 4: Improve Water Quality with Natural Solutions
  • Implement and track nature-based strategies (e.g., reforestation, wetlands, regenerative agriculture).
  • Launch pilot projects and require water-quality objectives in funded efforts.
  • Enhance ecosystem health while supporting human water needs and climate resilience.

Priority Goal 5: Reduce Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
  • Prioritize HAB reduction, especially in Milford Lake.
  • Fund mitigation efforts and enforce BMPs to reduce nutrient runoff.
  • Integrate HAB management into reservoir operations.
  • Support research, stakeholder collaboration, and conservation planning.

Key Themes Across All Goals
  • Emphasis on sustainability, collaboration, and data-driven decisions
  • Heavy reliance on best management practices (BMPs)
  • Need for consistent funding and technical support
  • Integration of natural solutions and long-term plannin
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Map of Middle Kansas Watershed. This watershed is located in multiple counties across the northern part of the state.
  • Nemaha
  • Jackson
  • Jefferson
  • Shawnee
  • Douglas
  • Wabaunsee
  • Pottawatomie
  • Riley
  • Geary 
  • Morris
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Priority Areas of Middle Kansas Watershed





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Land Use of the Middle Kansas Watershed includes the following:

Upper Wakarusa Watershed

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Summary of Priority GoalsGoal 1: Increase Reservoir Storage
Improve water supply and quality by reallocating reservoir storage, raising conservation levels, improving operations and coordination with federal agencies, and exploring long-term solutions like dredging.
Goal 2: Meet Regional Water Needs
Identify water shortages and develop new or expanded sources (e.g., small lakes, dams). Evaluate projects based on need and feasibility, secure funding, and ensure updated conservation plans across communities.
Goal 3: Reduce Sedimentation
Protect long-term water storage by reducing sediment buildup using best management practices (BMPs), regional collaboration, funding, and conservation planning, with a 40-year target.
Goal 4: Improve Water Quality (Natural Solutions)
Use nature-based approaches (e.g., reforestation, wetlands, regenerative agriculture) to enhance water quality, ecosystem health, and climate resilience, supported by monitoring and pilot projects.
Goal 5: Reduce Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
Decrease HABs—especially in Milford Lake—through nutrient reduction, BMPs, funding, research, and coordinated management efforts.

Key TakeawayThe plan focuses on increasing water supply, protecting reservoir capacity, improving water quality, and reducing pollution, using a mix of infrastructure, conservation practices, and collaboration
📞 Call: (785) 266-9053 ext. 3                                                     Visit: 3231 SW VanBuren Street Ste: 2 Topeka, Kansas 66611                                        📧 Email: [email protected]