Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) released the following statement after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced they do not intend to submit a request to secure water for Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. 

"Kansas farmers and ranchers have been conserving our precious natural resources for generations, including water and wildlife," said Rep. Estes. "For the past few years, I've worked with residents around the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge to ensure protection from our federal government that maintains water rights for Kansans and supports local species and habits. This short-term agreement for fiscal year 2021 highlights the progress we've made as we work collaboratively toward long-term solutions." 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released more details in a press release this afternoon, saying, "For more than six decades, the congressionally designated refuge has protected more than 22,000 acres of unique and rare inland salt marsh and sand prairie habitats that are vital to more than 300 species of birds, some threatened and endangered, in the Central Flyway. The Big and Little Salt marshes attract thousands of migratory waterfowl, shorebirds and wetland birds, providing them with food, water, shelter and a place to rest. 

"In 2016, the Kansas Chief Engineer found the refuge's senior state water rights along Rattlesnake Creek were being significantly infringed upon by junior water right holders. In July 2020, the Service and District entered an MOA establishing a framework to develop short- and long-term water conservation actions. This MOA was instrumental in highlighting the collaborative efforts and partnership support for the U.S Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) grant to the District. The NRCS grant will allow for the development of an augmentation workplan that supplements water distributed from groundwater wells, conduct water quality and quantity feasibility testing, and complete an environmental assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act. The activities that will be carried out as a result of this grant will benefit the family farmers, ranchers and agricultural communities that fall within the District area of responsibility." 

Ron Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas’ 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means.