NW Kansas News

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has announced it will not seek to secure water rights for the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in 2026. The decision comes as local stakeholders continue efforts to address water conservation issues in the area.

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) commented on the FWS announcement, stating: “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s announcement that it will not request to secure water rights for the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in 2026 is a welcome one. I met with FWS Administrator Brian Nesvik and emphasized the need for long-term solutions led by stakeholders at the local level, and I am pleased by the recognition of the progress that is being made. I encourage FWS to continue working closely with Kansas producers toward a sustainable future for the watershed, agriculture and the wildlife refuge.”

According to information from FWS, conservation work led by the Rattlesnake Creek Stakeholder Working Group, which was formed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources, has shown meaningful progress. The agency said that because of these efforts, further action from FWS regarding water rights is not necessary at this time.

Senator Moran has supported forming this stakeholder group and encouraged ongoing collaboration between FWS and state agencies to find solutions for conserving resources at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.