08/22/2024
Kansas farmers’ cutbacks helped water shortage at Quivira wildlife refuge
Topeka, Ks (https://kansasreflector.com/) - Kansas Reflector reports that Governor Laura Kelly on Wednesday (8-21-24) announced federal officials will continue working with farmers rather than demanding their share of water in Rattlesnake Creek for the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. In a letter dated Monday (8-19-24), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said voluntary measures by farmers designed to ensure the Quivira gets enough water had shown progress. The federal agency said it won’t ask that the state cut off irrigation in the Rattlesnake Creek basin. In a joint news release with U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, Kelly called the efforts “encouraging.” In a joint news release with U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, Kelly called the efforts “encouraging.” She went on to note “By partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we will continue working toward a sustainable, long-term solution that ensures the refuge receives the water it needs while avoiding economic damages to local communities in the region.” The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Stafford County. The rare island marshes at Quivira are a key stopping point for migratory birds. But in recent years, irrigation along Rattlesnake Creek, which flows through the refuge, has all but dried out the creek, endangering habitat for the birds. Quivira holds a state water right — established in 1957 — entitling it to more than 14,000 acre-feet of water each year. And because Quivira’s water right predates many farms in the region, it can request that the state enforce cutbacks on junior water users if they are impairing the refuge’s right. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requested the state enforce its water right early last year but backed down when Kelly and Moran encouraged the agency to work with nearby farmers.
