Class I Kansas River, KS

The Kansas River is 173 miles from north central Kansas to the Missouri River. Since the 1970s the state supported fishing, canoeing, and kayaking on the Kansas River. As interest has grown, the goal of river supporters was to have public access every ten miles along the river. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) encouraged partnerships with river advocates and local cities for the access points. Donations from local businesses provided the materials and heavy equipment needed to build ramps on the muddy banks with treacherous footing. The final products yielded attractive, easy access to the river. Another resource the state uses to increase river access is the Fishing Impoundments and Stream Habitats (FISH) program to lease access sites. These partnerships provide the public with many high-quality angling and paddling opportunities. Landowners receive additional income from their land, some liability protection, and increased law enforcement patrols. (NPS)