[ Stretching 170 miles from Junction City... ]

By J. Michael Hayden

Special to The Capital-Journal

Stretching 170 miles from Junction City to its confluence with the Missouri River, the Kansas River could --- and should --- be one of the Sunflower State's premier recreational and economic resources. It is truly baffling that the Kaw's potential has never been grasped by our citizens, nearly half of whom reside in the Kansas River Valley; not to mention the fact that it runs through our capital city where our 165 legislators spend a portion of the year.

At normal flow, most of the Kansas River is shallow enough to walk across. And while the river bed itself is open to the public, the problem lies in finding an access point along the mostly private shoreline to actually get to the water. There are various accesses along the river, but Mike Calwell, of Friends of the Kaw, lists only three as good, accessible ramps (one in Topeka and two in Lawrence). Other ramps are in disrepair, too steep for reasonable entry, or located on tributaries with too little water for the safe passage of any vessel.

Access should not be an obstacle to the recreation opportunities of our public river.

The Friends of the Kaw and the city of St. George are currently developing a ramp in St. George, east of Manhattan. The department is studying two separate sites near Perry and Lecompton for access as well. While these sites are certainly a step in the right direction, more are needed.

The overall health of the Kansas River is also a major concern. American Rivers, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring America's rivers, annually lists the Kaw as endangered, due to pollution. Some observers may disagree with the methodology used to warrant this distinction; however, the fact that the Kansas River needs to be cleaned up is indisputable.

Agricultural runoff and poorly designed and out-of-date wastewater treatment plants are blamed for the pollution. Sand dredging operations are also listed as having a significant impact.

While these actions play a part in degrading the river ecosystem, the number one threat to the Kaw is apathy from our citizens. Kansans need to get involved in programs that will benefit the river, working without alienating groups or pointing accusing fingers.

State and federal programs are available to producers who establish riparian buffers along stream corridors. Urban residents can also reduce harmful fertilizer runoff by consulting with local agencies for treatment guidelines. All citizens should consider supporting bond issues or other sources of revenue to support new and improved sewage treatment facilities.

The potential the Kansas River holds has never been realized. The water not only supports our life, it can be the source of countless recreational opportunities --- canoeing, boating, fishing, hunting, wildlife watching, camping and more. When we give people greater access and raise awareness to this treasure, the economic impacts will become apparent.

As Kansans become more urban, demand for public recreation areas will continue to increase. Our state is not blessed with much public land --- ranking 49th in the nation --- but we do have a 170-mile public resource that deserves our attention and respect. Let's unlock the gate to the Kansas River.

J. Michael Hayden, a former governor, is secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

Copyright 2002
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