News from Around the Northwestern Division

Sunken treasure: Fish Attractor Program at Pomme de Terre Lake benefits environment and recreators alike

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published Feb. 21, 2024
On an unseasonably warm day in February, the sun was shining and hardly a cloud could be found in the sky. Staff at Pomme de Terre Lake, along with staff from the Missouri Department of Conservation, were hard at work. The task? Sinking piles of cedar trees into the lake to create fish habitat. Attracting anglers from across the state and region, Pomme de Terre Lake’s partnership with MDC is vital to maintaining a healthy fish population. For the last 32 years, the Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and MDC have been working together to provide habitats for fish at Pomme de Terre Lake through its Fish Attractor Program.
Innovative project receives 2023 Department of the Air Force Design Award

By Abigail Voegeli, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published Feb. 6, 2024
When you hear the word ‘merit’, you probably think of a great achievement or outstanding accomplishment. Both of those things could be used to describe the work of the Whiteman Air Force Base Resident Office, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District on the Consolidated Operations Building at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. The civil engineering team at Whiteman has done great work on this building, and their effort was recognized. The Combined Operations Building was selected as the recipient of a Merit Award for the 2023 Department of the Air Force Design Awards at the 14th annual Design and Construction Partnering Symposium, sponsored by the Air Force Civil Engineer Center.
First meeting of task force set to address issues in the Kansas River Basin

By Abigail Voegeli, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published Feb. 2, 2024
This month, a dedicated group of professionals took an important step for the health of Kansas water resources. On Jan. 18, 2024, the Kansas Reservoir Sedimentation Task Force, made up of representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City and Tulsa districts, the Kansas governor’s office and the Kansas Water Office met for the first time as a formal working group in Topeka, Kansas. The group was assembled to collaborate on a solution for a major challenge facing the Kansas River Basin — sedimentation in reservoirs across the basin.
A Christmas Story – kind of…

By By Tom Conning, Public Affairs Office Northwestern Division Published Jan. 17, 2024
MAUI, Hawaii – When a fire burns hot enough to melt engine blocks and granite countertops, it is at least 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. Everything it touches at that point is compromised. So, when it’s time to clean up a destroyed house or structure, everything must be removed since the debris can contain lead, asbestos and other toxic particles. That can be a challenging reality for wildfire survivors when they must decide what to do about their property.
Missouri River navigation restoration efforts hit major milestone despite challenges

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published Jan. 9, 2024
2024 will mark five years since the historic flood of 2019 in Kansas City and the surrounding region. Water levels on the Missouri River reached heights not seen for decades and caused an estimated $2.9 billion in damages across the Midwest. While the historic flooding impacted many in the area in ways they will likely not soon forget, it might be hard to believe that just a couple of years after the historic flooding, the region entered a period of historic drought. With water levels now at historic lows, repairing the river’s navigation channel to its pre-flood condition has not been an easy feat.
From Villain to Victor: History of the Bald Eagle Watch

By Amber Tilton Portland District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Published Jan. 4, 2024
Bald eagle watches are a popular winter event in many states with wintering eagle populations. Watches began after eagle populations crashed in the 1960s to share information about challenges threatening the birds’ survival.
Safety first: Northwestern Division’s occupational health nurse hopes to prioritize health and safety across the division

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published Jan. 4, 2024
Active construction sites can be dangerous places. Full of heavy mechanical equipment and other hazards, the risk posed to the workers at these sites is often high. But there are other, less obvious workplace dangers that even those who spend their days behind a desk can face, like stress, high blood pressure and lack of support or fulfillment. Those charged with preventing and mitigating these workplace dangers play an important role in the success of an organization but are often in the background, working behind the scenes. Occupational health professionals and other safety specialists are the frontline for workplace safety. Yet their services can remain elusive to the very employees they serve.
Scraping Barnacles Gives Salmon A Fighting Chance

By Nicole L. Celestine USACE/SEATTLE DISTRICT Published Dec. 20, 2023
Army Corps employees scrape barnacle buildup along the filling tunnels at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, Seattle, fulfilling a federal law requirement to help improve endangered salmon’s chances of survival, by reducing their potential for injury or death.
Bridging the waters: USACE districts partner for flood resilience

By Makenzie Leonard USACE OMAHA DISTRICT Published Dec. 18, 2023
While partnership shines across many of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District projects, some of the strongest are those with neighboring districts. One such project benefitting from a district-to-district partnership is the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Area Flood Risk Management Project.
‘Man Overboard’: Dredge vessel crew saves woman swept away by Columbia River

By Kerry Solan Portland District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Published Dec. 15, 2023
It was the sound – something like a scream – that first caught their attention.
Omaha District Admins further skills, set PACE of professional development

By Sarah Rich USACE, Omaha District Published Dec. 12, 2023
Administrative professionals at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District provide support by carrying out foundational tasks, allowing technical experts the ability to focus solely on completing specialized projects and programs. Referred to as ‘admins’, these professionals are integral to successfully achieving the USACE mission to deliver vital engineering solutions to the nation.
District Officer Introductory Course offers unique learning experience for junior officers

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published Dec. 11, 2023
One common misconception about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is that most people who work for the agency are in the military. In fact, of the roughly 37,000 people who work for USACE, only about 800 are active-duty military, with the vast majority being civilians. Because there are so few uniformed USACE employees across the enterprise, an annual course was developed to bring them together to learn about the organization from a military perspective. The District Officer Introductory Course is an annual course that is designed to bring junior officers from all over USACE together to learn, collaborate and network. This year’s course was hosted by the St. Louis District in St. Louis, from December 4 to 8. The Kansas City District and the Louisville District both supported the course.
Years of partnership and perseverance leads to historic osprey nesting

By Christine E. Paul, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published Dec. 5, 2023
Osprey, a bird of prey, is the only species of raptor that dives feet first into the water to catch its prey—mainly fish. It’s no surprise then that osprey typically nest in and around bodies of water like rivers, lakes and on the coasts of North America. In Kansas, it’s not uncommon to see these majestic birds as they pass through the Midwest as part of their migratory habits. However, osprey have not historically bred in this area of the country. Until now. In the summer of 2023, Perry Lake, located in northeast Kansas, recorded the first successful osprey nesting and fledging in the state of Kansas’ history. Much like other raptor species, osprey experienced declining populations during the 1950s to 1970s due to the prevalence of lead and harmful insecticides. And just like other raptor species, osprey populations have begun to make a come-back after being protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Army water regulators await torrent of winter moisture set to blast the Pacific Northwest

By Tom Conning Northwestern Division Published Dec. 1, 2023
A stream of atmospheric rivers will be flowing through parts the Pacific Northwest at the beginning of December, drastically changing the region’s most recent crisp, dry autumn – a seemingly strange occurrence. The National Weather Service’s (NWS) Portland office is predicting that up to three atmospheric rivers will pummel the region, bringing a very active weather pattern that will dump plenty of rain at lower elevations and snow to the Cascades.
Jack of all trades—cartographer, archivist and pilot all in one

By Abigail Voegeli, Public Affairs Specialist Kansas City District Published Nov. 30, 2023
When asked to describe his job, long-time Kansas City District employee John Atkinson has a humorous response. “Jack of all trades, I guess,” he says. Officially, Atkinson serves as the district’s archivist and a cartographer in the Survey and Geospatial Data section. However, Atkinson’s diverse background and skillset, as well as his openness to trying new things, have combined to turn his career into something he never imagined. From deployments to piloting a drone to working with century-old photography, Atkinson’s work with the Kansas City District has been full of surprises.

Latest News Releases

Army Corps modernizing Chittenden Locks’ aging equipment

USACE/Seattle District

2/22/2024

U.S. Army Corps replaces and improves small locks' mechanical, electrical and controls equipment Feb. 26, at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, Seattle. Phase one, part of a multiphase project, includes...

Walla Walla District re-opens day use sites in LC Valley

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WALLA WALLA DISTRICT

2/22/2024

CLARKSTON, Wash. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District has re-opened the Greenbelt Boat Ramp day use area to vehicle, boat and pedestrian traffic...

USACE seeks public comment on Draft Environmental Assessment for Line 84 Pipeline, Missouri River Crossing Depth of Cover Remediation Project

USACE OMAHA DISTRICT

2/21/2024

A draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed rehabilitation of a segment of an 8-inch-diameter steel crude oil pipeline, Line 84, owned and operated by the North Dakota Pipeline Company, LLC...

Public invited to attend meeting for Lower Missouri Jefferson City spin-off study

Kansas City District

2/20/2024

Officials will hold a public meeting for the Lower Missouri Jefferson City spin-off study on February 26, 2024, in Jefferson City, Missouri. The meeting, which will be held by the Kansas City...

Public crossing at Little Goose Dam limited through Feb. 29

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WALLA WALLA DISTRICT

2/16/2024

STARBUCK, Wash. – Public crossing at Little Goose Lock and Dam will be limited to passenger vehicles only (no trailers) until Feb. 29...

USACE awards Russell Creek rehabilitation and improvement contract

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WALLA WALLA DISTRICT

2/14/2024

WALLA WALLA, Wash. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District has awarded a $1.9 million contract to Northbank Civil & Marine, Inc. to conduct a rehabilitation and improvement project on...

Corps recreation opportunities in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WALLA WALLA DISTRICT

2/9/2024

CLARKSTON, Wash. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District is clarifying the rules and authorized uses for recreation sites within the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley...

Feature Stories

Sunken treasure: Fish Attractor Program at Pomme de Terre Lake benefits environment and recreators alike

Kansas City District

2/21/2024

On an unseasonably warm day in February, the sun was shining and hardly a cloud could be found in the sky. Staff at Pomme de Terre Lake, along with staff from the Missouri Department of Conservation,...

Army Corps of Engineers publishes proposed rule on protection of historic properties

Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works

2/12/2024

The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works released a proposed rule to remove Appendix C from the United States Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Program’s permitting...

Innovative project receives 2023 Department of the Air Force Design Award

Kansas City District

2/6/2024

When you hear the word ‘merit’, you probably think of a great achievement or outstanding accomplishment. Both of those things could be used to describe the work of the Whiteman Air Force Base Resident...

First meeting of task force set to address issues in the Kansas River Basin

Kansas City District

2/2/2024

This month, a dedicated group of professionals took an important step for the health of Kansas water resources. On Jan. 18, 2024, the Kansas Reservoir Sedimentation Task Force, made up of...

A Christmas Story – kind of…

Northwestern Division

1/17/2024

MAUI, Hawaii – When a fire burns hot enough to melt engine blocks and granite countertops, it is at least 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. Everything it touches at that point is compromised. So, when it’s...

Missouri River navigation restoration efforts hit major milestone despite challenges

Kansas City District

1/9/2024

2024 will mark five years since the historic flood of 2019 in Kansas City and the surrounding region. Water levels on the Missouri River reached heights not seen for decades and caused an estimated...

From Villain to Victor: History of the Bald Eagle Watch

Portland District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

1/4/2024

Bald eagle watches are a popular winter event in many states with wintering eagle populations. Watches began after eagle populations crashed in the 1960s to share information about challenges...

News from Around the Northwestern Division

Sunken treasure: Fish Attractor Program at Pomme de Terre Lake benefits environment and recreators alike

Innovative project receives 2023 Department of the Air Force Design Award

First meeting of task force set to address issues in the Kansas River Basin

A Christmas Story – kind of…

Missouri River navigation restoration efforts hit major milestone despite challenges

From Villain to Victor: History of the Bald Eagle Watch

Safety first: Northwestern Division’s occupational health nurse hopes to prioritize health and safety across the division

Scraping Barnacles Gives Salmon A Fighting Chance

Bridging the waters: USACE districts partner for flood resilience

‘Man Overboard’: Dredge vessel crew saves woman swept away by Columbia River

Omaha District Admins further skills, set PACE of professional development

District Officer Introductory Course offers unique learning experience for junior officers

Years of partnership and perseverance leads to historic osprey nesting

Army water regulators await torrent of winter moisture set to blast the Pacific Northwest

Jack of all trades—cartographer, archivist and pilot all in one

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Latest News Releases

Army Corps modernizing Chittenden Locks’ aging equipment

Walla Walla District re-opens day use sites in LC Valley

USACE seeks public comment on Draft Environmental Assessment for Line 84 Pipeline, Missouri River Crossing Depth of Cover Remediation Project

Public invited to attend meeting for Lower Missouri Jefferson City spin-off study

Public crossing at Little Goose Dam limited through Feb. 29

USACE awards Russell Creek rehabilitation and improvement contract

Corps recreation opportunities in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley

Feature Stories

Sunken treasure: Fish Attractor Program at Pomme de Terre Lake benefits environment and recreators alike

Army Corps of Engineers publishes proposed rule on protection of historic properties

Innovative project receives 2023 Department of the Air Force Design Award

First meeting of task force set to address issues in the Kansas River Basin

A Christmas Story – kind of…

Missouri River navigation restoration efforts hit major milestone despite challenges

From Villain to Victor: History of the Bald Eagle Watch