The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism has awarded $100,000 to the Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams to design, develop and install informational signage kiosks at 22 designated public access points along 192 miles of the Arkansas River. The river was designated by the National Park Service (NPS) as a National Water Trail is 2016. This designation increases access to outdoor recreation on the river. Providing clear signage at public access points will deliver a consistent message to boaters for their safety and enjoyment along the river trail.
The Arkansas River National Water Trail stretches from Great Bend to the Kansas/Oklahoma border. It is the second river in Kansas to receive this designation and one of only three rivers in Kansas that is legally navigable and accessible to the public. One of the U.S. National Park Service's goals is that National Water Trails will “increase access to outdoor recreation on shorelines and waterways” (NPS).
“With most streams and rivers in Kansas being privately owned it is essential we increase awareness and access to the public on the rivers that are open,” says Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism, Recreational Trails Program Coordinator, Cherie Riffey. “With that being said we are excited to provide funding to the Ark River National Water Trail to make these access points more informative for users. In turn we hope this will support the conservation and restoration of these rivers through public support.”
When this project is complete, Arkansas River boaters and other users will be able to: locate legal public access points, use river maps for navigational decisions such as length of trip, know the laws and regulations for paddling and boating in Kansas, be aware of potential hazards, increase time outdoors and opportunities for nature based exercise, and deepen connection with Kansas’ water resources.
“We are excited to partner with KAWS on this effort to help educate about valuable water resources,” stated Jason Schwartz with the Evergy Green Team. “The intriguing part about this particular project is having 22 different locations where we can interact with various communities along the river corridor.”
The mission of the Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams is Connecting the Waters, Land and People of Kansas.
KAWS works with partners to protect and restore wetlands, streams, rivers, prairies, wildlife & riparian forests.
