The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Kansas Department of Agriculture will work together to resolve a fight over water rights in central Kansas. The Rattlesnake Creek Basin provides water for the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge as well as local farmers and ranchers. The Kansas News Service reports that Quivira National Wildlife Refuge officials hold senior water rights over local farmers. It’s an important way-station for migrating birds like ducks and geese. Federal officials wanted Kansas to ensure the refuge gets its share of dwindling water supplies by forcing farmers to cut back on irrigation.
Democratic Governor, Laura Kelly opposed the request because she said it would hurt the state economy. Kelly and Republican U. S. Senator Jerry Moran had both called on the agencies to work together to find a viable solution rather than forcing Kansas to take action.
