ASTRA Applied Science and Technology for Reservoir Assessment A research and service program of A research and service program of The Kansas Biological Survey (KBS) is a non-regulatory agency of the state of Kansas, and a non- degree granting research and service unit of the University of Kansas. KBS is a nationally recognized leader in several fields of environmental research and has maintained a strong tradition of natural history studies. For more information about the ASTRA Initiative and issues facing Kansas reservoirs please visit our website Dr. Mark Jakubauskas Kansas Biological Survey Phone: ( ) The Kansas Biological Survey 2101 Constant Ave., Higuchi Hall Lawrence, KS Phone: Fax: Sediment accumulation in Perry Lake Upper Basin, Kansas. April 24, October 25, 2001 Great Plains deep soil and clay will naturally fill reservoirs.

Why is the ASTRA initiative important? The Applied Science and Technology Reservoir Assessment (ASTRA) Initiative was created in 2006 in response to the need for critical information concerning the status and condition of our reservoirs. The Kansas Biological Survey is uniquely qualified to contribute to the research and information needs for immediate and long-term management of Kansas reservoirs due to our extensive experience in reservoir, stream, and water quality assessment, remote sensing and geospatial technologies. In Kansas, 20 federal reservoirs and numerous municipal reservoirs provide water in some manner to roughly two- thirds of Kansas’ citizens. Their capacity to store water is being diminished over time by sedimentation. The work of the Kansas Biological Survey and other state and federal agencies is helping the state better understand the sources, transport and deposition of sediment. Facts gained are part of the state’s Reservoir Sustainability Initiative led by the Kansas Water Office. As identified by the Kansas Water Office, the mapped reservoirs are those that are active municipal drinking water sources. In order to conserve reservoir storage capacity and protect water quality, ASTRA is committed to providing accurate and useful information about our vital reservoirs so long-term goals can be achieved. What types of surveys will ASTRA conduct? Under the ASTRA Initiative, KBS has acquired sophisticated technology for: Sedimentation Shallow Areas Algae Blooms Impaired Water Quality Additionally, the ASTRA Initiative conducts sediment coring in reservoirs to measure its thickness, rate of deposition, and spatial distribution and obtain samples for physical and chemical characteristics. Increased Water Treatment Costs Reduced Flood Control Capacity Impaired Recreational Uses Less Water for Agriculture Public Health Impacts Diminished Economic Growth KBS scientists observe core samples and conduct bathymetric surveys on Kansas reservoirs. Why is my reservoir important? Acoustic echosounder and illustration. Bathymetric (lake bottom contour) mapping Sediment thickness estimation Bottom sediment type classification Fish surveys Submerged aquatic vegetation surveys A detrimental algae bloom is observed on shoreline of Marion Reservoir, Kansas. ASTRA is particularly interested in potential issues that result from a decrease in reservoir water quality and storage capacity, which include: Learn more about it at: