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The 50-Year Vision for the Future of Water in Kansas

Regional Goal Setting

A guiding principle of the Vision is that locally driven solutions have the highest opportunity for long-term success. With that in mind, the Vision outlines a process for water supply goals to be established by regions by stakeholders as a means for measuring success and implementing the Vision. A Regional Goal Leadership Team consisting of 9 to 11 individuals per region has been identified by the Kansas Water Authority to represent 14 planning areas (Map).

The role of each team is to participate in a public scoping process in their region, develop draft goals for their region based on public input and available resource condition information and present the draft goals to the Kansas Water Authority. A list of each individual serving on a Regional Goal Leadership Team is listed here.

Regional Goal Leadership Team Orientation Meetings

Cimarron: February 6, 2015 at the Stevens County Library (500 S. Monroe, Hugoton, KS) at 9 a.m.

Equus-Walnut: February 13, 2015 at the Pine Street Health Services Office in Newton (215 S. Pine, 2nd Floor Conference Room) at 10 a.m.

Great Bend Prairie: February 9, 2015 at the America State Bank & Trust (320 Broadway, Larned, KS) at 1 p.m.

Kansas: February 10, 2015 at the Lawrence City Hall Commission Room (6^th and Massachusetts) in Lawrence at 10 a.m.

Marais des Cygnes: February 11, 2015 at the Rural Water District No. 2 Office (25290 Harmony Road, Paola, KS) at 10 a.m.

Missouri: February 10, 2015 at the 409 District Office (626 Commercial Street) in Atchison at 2 p.m.

Neosho: February 10, 2015 at the John Redmond Reservoir Project Office (1565 Embankment Road SW, Burlington, KS) at 10 a.m.

Red Hills: February 17, 2015 at The Peoples Bank-Sunflower Room (121 S. Main) in Medicine Lodge at 1p.m.

Smoky Hill-Saline: February 9, 2015 at the Hays Welcome Center (2700 Vine) in Hays at 11 a.m.

Solomon-Republican: February 10, 2015 at the Chamber Office (606 Washington Street) in Concordia at 1 p.m.

Upper Arkansas: February 12, 2015 at the SW GMD #3 Office (2009 E Spruce Street) in Garden City at 1 p.m.

Upper Smoky Hill: February 12, 2015 at the Kansas Livestock Association Environmental Services office in Scott City (1303 Yucca Street; for directions: http://www.klaenviro.com/contact.html) at 10 a.m.

Upper Republican: February 9, 2015 at the Northwest Kansas GMD 4 Office (1290 W. 4^th) in Colby at 1 p.m.

Verdigris: February 11, 2015 at the Memorial Hall-Veterans room in Independence (410 N. Penn) at 11 a.m

Start someone bird watching

By Paul Baicich

Birding Community E-bulletin

February is a perfect time to introduce new people to birds. Some folks think that spring migration – say, May – is the ideal time, but this is probably a mistake. Indeed, birds in migration are wonderful – in full color and song – but the experience can be too overwhelming, a veritable bird overload. Too much in the way of birds – or of any new experience – can actually discourage people, creating the perception that there is simply too much to learn!

This month is ideal for a modest and digestible introduction to birds. Winter birds are stable, relatively limited, and often wonderfully accessible. Take wintering waterfowl, or a popular staked-out (but non-harassed) Snowy Owl. It’s the right time to bring along a neighbor or friend – who may already be curious because of a backyard feeder – for a short and simple birding trip.

This opportunity also conveniently overlaps with the 18th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), 13-16 February. This effort is sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. Tens of thousands of volunteers – of all ages and birding skill levels – will count birds in backyards, local parks, refuges, and wherever they happen to be. This free, family-friendly, and neighbor-friendly activity is an ideal introductory “citizen-science” effort involving bird discovery. Visit the GBBC website to explore the opportunities:

http://gbbc.birdcount.org/

This year, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is incorporating Pledge to Fledge, originally launched by the Global Birding Initiative, into the GBBC:

http://gbbc.birdcount.org/pledge-to-fledge/

All these opportunities combine to make February the time to invite some new people – family, friends, co-workers, or acquaintances – to join in a bird search and introduce them to the joy of watching and studying wild birds.

One hundred Special Hunts offered for spring turkey

Interested hunters have until Feb. 23 to apply

If you’re looking to make some memories this spring turkey season but are unsure where to go for a quality hunt, explore the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s Special Hunts Program. Special Hunts provide access to public and private lands that are not open to unrestricted public access. One hundred special hunts for spring turkey will be offered this year and applications are being accepted now through 9 a.m. on Feb. 23. To obtain detailed information on all available hunts, and to download an application, visit: www.ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Special-Hunts-Information.

Out of the 100 hunts available, 33 are open hunts (open to all), 39 are mentor hunts (both beginner and mentor may hunt), and 28 are youth hunts (youth hunt only). These hunts will occur on a variety of private lands, wildlife areas, city and county properties, and one national wildlife refuge. There is no fee to participate and application is open to residents and non-residents.

Successful applicants will be notified shortly after the random drawing has occurred. Hunters must still purchase all licenses and permits required by law.

For information on other spring turkey hunting opportunities, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Hunting” and “Turkey Information.”

Trapping and predator calling class at Tuttle Creek State Park

Learn ins and outs of hunting furbearers during free class

Tuttle Creek State Park staff invite you to join them February 21 for an afternoon class on basic trapping and predator calling. The class will be held from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the state park office, 5800 A River Pond Rd, Manhattan. All ages and skill levels are welcome and there is no cost or preregistration required to attend. For more information on this class, contact park manager Todd Lovin at (785) 539-7941.

“Our hope is to get new folks interested and involved in this type of activity,” said Lovin. “And for those who are experienced, we hope this class will serve as a way to refine their skills and perhaps share techniques.”

Kansas is home to 14 furbearer species that may be hunted and trapped during the furbearer season, including badger, bobcat, gray fox, least weasel, long-tailed weasel, mink, muskrat, opossum, raccoon, red fox, striped skunk and swift fox. Beaver and otter may also be trapped. Although coyotes are not classified as furbearers, they may be hunted and trapped year-round.

This class will not certify participants for a furharvester education certificate, but information provided will be beneficial for those interested in completing a furharvester education class in the future. The Kansas Furharvester Education course can be completed online at www.ksoutdoors.com/Services/Education/Furharvester.

USDA Accepting Applications for the Conservation Stewardship Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will make available $100 million this year through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and although applications are accepted all year, farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners should submit applications by February 27, 2015, to ensure they are considered for this year’s funding.

“CSP is a way of encouraging farmers, ranchers, and private forest managers who maintain a high level of conservation on their land and agree to adopt higher levels of stewardship,” said Eric B. Banks, NRCS State Conservationist in Kansas. “By focusing on multiple resource concerns, landowners are able to achieve a sustainable landscape and maintain or increase the productivity of their operations.”

Through CSP, participants take additional conservation steps to improve the resource conditions on their land, including soil, air and habitat quality, water quality and quantity, and energy conservation.

The 2014 Farm Bill brought changes to CSP including an expanded conservation activity list that will offer participants greater options to meet their conservation needs and protect the natural resources on their land. These conservation activities, called enhancements, include cover crops, intensive rotational grazing, and wildlife-friendly fencing.

CSP will also help broaden the impacts of NRCS Landscape Conservation Initiatives through a new pilot effort, which accelerates private lands conservation activities to address particular goals, such as creating habitat for at-risk species and conserving water. In Kansas, they include the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative and the Ogallala Aquifer Initiative.

Applications should be submitted to local NRCS offices. As part of the CSP application process, applicants will work with NRCS field personnel to complete a resource inventory of their land, which will help determine the conservation performance for existing and new conservation activities. To be eligible for this year’s enrollment, eligible landowners and operators in Kansas must have their applications submitted to NRCS by the February 27, 2015, closing date.

A CSP self-screening checklist is available to help producers determine if the program is suitable for their operation. The checklist highlights basic information about CSP eligibility requirements, stewardship threshold requirements, stewardship threshold requirements, and payment types.

For the checklist and additional information, visit the CSP Web site http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/csp/ or visit your local USDA NRCS office.

Highlighting the Overland Park Kansas Stream Team

Topeka Shiner, female, from Overland Park Kansas Stream Team.

It’s not too soon to think about Kansas streams for 2015. They will be running again soon as the ice gives way to warmer temperatures. Time to recommit to learn more or to help Kansas Streams.

Check out the Watershed Institute for valuable ideas and opportunities for you and your middle schoolers.

WILD ABOUT KANSAS PHOTO CONTEST NOW OPEN TO ALL AGES

Feb. 5, 2015

Photographers age 19 and older invited to participate in contest.

PRATT – Previously a youth-only contest, the annual Wild About Kansas photo contest, hosted by Kansas Wildlife & Parks magazine, now offers an adult category, opening the contest to photographers age 19 and older. Submissions are being accepted now through Oct. 23, 2015.

“Kansas is a state filled with a plethora of diverse and awe-inspiring natural resources and this contest is just one more way we can continue to appreciate and enjoy them,” said associate editor, Nadia Marji. “With the addition of an adult category for 2015, I’m confident we’re going to see Kansas from an array of unexpected and inspiring perspectives.”

Participants can submit photos in three categories: wildlife, outdoor recreation or landscapes. There is no fee to enter, and the contest is open to both residents and nonresidents.

Photographers can submit up to three photos. Photos must be taken within the state of Kansas and must be the entrant’s original work.

Each photo will be judged on creativity, composition, subject matter, lighting, and the overall sharpness. First, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes will be awarded in each category, as well as one honorable mention per category. Winners will be featured in the 2016 Kansas Wildlife & ParksJanuary/February photo issue.

Entries must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Oct. 23, 2015. An entry form must be submitted for each participant. Photo format should be JPEG or TIFF and file size should be not less than 1mb and not more than 5mb.

For more information and entry forms, visit ksoutdoors.com/services, or contact Marji at [email protected].

Support the Clean Water Rule

The Clean Water Rule

by Ted Beringer

Political opposition to the Clean Water Rule by special interests that benefit from continuing to spoil the most valuable resource in the country is a serious problem. Since more than a third of Americans get their drinking water from streams that require protection, it is extremely urgent that we support the Clean Water Rule. To learn more about the Clean Water Rule visit the EPA site that describes its benefits succinctly. Then voice your support with your representatives in Washington. If you live in Kansas, your Representatives and Senators are listed below. Click on their names to visit their email page to send the message: “Please support the Clean Water Rule!”

Senator Pat Roberts

Senator Jerry Moran

Congressman Tim Huelskamp, 1st District

Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins, 2nd District

Congressman Kevin Yoder, 3rd District

Congressman Mike Pompeo, 4th District

Seahawk, Does it exist?

Text from Wikipedia

The osprey (Pandion haliaetus), sometimes known as the fish eagle, sea hawk, river hawk, or fish hawk, is a diurnal, fish-eatingbird of prey. It is a large raptor, reaching more than 60 cm (24 in) in length and 180 cm (71 in) across the wings. It is brown on the upperparts and predominantly greyish on the head and underparts.

Photo by Mike Baird

The osprey tolerates a wide variety of habitats, nesting in any location near a body of water providing an adequate food supply.

The osprey and owls are the only raptors whose outer toe is reversible, allowing them to grasp their prey with two toes in front and two behind. This is particularly helpful when they grab slippery fish.

Ospreys have vision that is well adapted to detecting underwater objects from the air. Prey is first sighted when the osprey is 10–40 m (33–131 ft) above the water, after which the bird hovers momentarily then plunges feet first into the water.

75th Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference – Natural Resource Management in an Increasingly Connected World at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis, Indiana on February 8-11, 2015.

For information on how to register and attend visit http://www.midwestfw.org/index.html