Keith Sebelius Reservoir / Norton Wildlife Area
Location/Address:
Norton, KS
County/Counties: Norton
GPS: 39.811759 -99.962619
Wildlife Manager: Cris Mulder
Located at 4 miles west and 1 mile south from Norton, KS
The Norton Wildlife Area is a reservoir property, owned by the Bureau of Reclamation, but managed under a long-term agreement by Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism for fish, wildlife, and recreation. The Norton Wildlife Area borders Keith Sebelius Lake which was created in 1964 when the Bureau of Reclamation completed construction of the Norton Dam.
Norton Wildlife Area, located 3 miles southwest of Norton, comprises Sebelius Reservoir and adjacent lands except for the State Park and Federal Operation Areas. At the current water elevation, the wildlife area has 900 water acres and 6,900 land acres. When full, the reservoir totals 2,181 water acres and provides the best natural resource opportunities. As water levels decline, trade offs occur between aquatic and land species and associated recreational opportunities. Constituents are always looking for ways to keep water levels as high as possible in the reservoir.
The area primarily provides great hunting, fishing, and boating. Walk-in access is nearly unlimited. A system of seasonal and permanent roads provides good vehicular access. The only fees required are licenses for fishing, hunting, and boating, which support management of the area. Camping, hiking, and wildlife watching are activities that provide limited or no financial support for the area.
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