Kansas Department of Agriculture

At the recent Governor’s Conference on Water, Gov. Sam Brownback issued a call to action for a vision that ensures Kansas water priorities are met to meet the state’s current and future needs. The Governor’s Vision Team for the Future of Water in Kansas, which consists of the Kansas Water Office, Kansas Department of Agriculture and Kansas Water Authority, are in northwest Kansas to talk with stakeholders and landowners in Groundwater Management District No. 4 to get their input for developing a Vision for Kansas water.

There will be two opportunities for stakeholders to share their priorities with the Vision Team. The first meeting will be from 3 to 5 p.m. today at  Colby Community College. The second opportunity to share input will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Mountain time Friday at the Wolack Building in Goodland.

“The drought over the past three years has brought water issues to the fore front and Kansas must plan for the future now,” said Kansas Water Office Director Tracy Streeter. “At the meeting, region specific aquifer conditions and scenarios will be shared with attendees as well as the economic impact the region contributes to the state’s economy. This information is vital for folks to know as they help share ideas for the Vision.”

Throughout the winter and spring of 2014, the Visioning Team will be conducting coordinated outreach with many stakeholders throughout the state representing all uses of water. Feedback gained from these meetings will serve the basis of the draft Vision for the Future of Water in Kansas.

“The Vision Team needs northwest Kansas’ help, input, ideas and strategies for making sure water needs for the area are available to keep this region’s production and economic value strong,” said Secretary of Agriculture Jackie McClaskey. “The team wants northwest Kansas and Groundwater Management District No. 4 to be a part of the solution. We encourage everyone to attend the stakeholder input meetings.”

For more, visit www.kwo.org.