Registration under way for Kansas Water Congress gathering, "Water Forums for the Future II"

Kansas

Kansans from across the state will be coming together Aug. 4 and 5 in Southwest Kansas to focus on critical water resource issues.

Water Forums for the Future II, a conference that will take place for the second consecutive year, is drawing daily calls and inquiries as the opening date approaches, according to Norma Jean Dodge, conference coordinator and Business and Industry Institute director at Garden City Community College.

GCCC is co-hosting the event with the Kansas Water Congress, and organizers believe it will offer valuable insight and information to people involved in agriculture, assessment and taxation, real estate, finance, community or economic development, education, public elections, emergency management or natural resource and environmental fields.

Others with a stake in the conference, according to Dave Brenn, KWC executive director, include Kansans who work in health and human services, law enforcement and public safety, power plant technology, public works, utilities, engineering, surveying, facility management or development and other fields.

"Some of the key concerns and topics that people will be focusing on at the conference include the Kansas-Colorado settlement concerning the Arkansas River," Brenn said, "as well as the Horse Thief Reservoir Project and the Circle K Ranch purchase."

The $34.5 million river settlement involves Kansas access to water from the Arkansas, originating in Colorado. The reservoir plan, recently approved by voters, is designed to create a significant recreation lake near the community of Jetmore. The Circle K question is connected to state purchase of a major segment of ranch property.

Conference events

Though based at GCCC, with part of the program at other locations, the conference will open Aug. 4 with tours of the Reeve Ethanol Facility near Garden City, and the Horse Thief Reservoir site west of Jetmore.

Other events Aug. 4 include a program entitled "Dairy Initiatives II," in GCCC's Beth Tedrow Student Center; and a tour showing Arkansas River surface water irrigation and diversion.

Early conference registration will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Southwind Country Club, south of Garden City; followed by the opening reception and program. Registration will also be available the morning of Aug. 5.

Program topic titles at the Southwind session include "The Horse Thief Reservoir Recreation and Water Management Project," presented by Pawnee Water District manager Ron Allen; and "Arkansas River Surface Water Diversion and Recharge," provided by Mark Rude, executive director of Kansas Groundwater Management District Number Three.

Primary elements of the conference Aug. 5 include registration; a session entitled, "The $34.7 million Kansas vs. Colorado settlement: What does it mean to Kansas and what's at stake?" and a segment on incentive-based and mandatory programs to reduce consumptive water use, keying in on risks and benefits.

Other elements range from lunch and a keynote address concerning commerce and conservation, to a presentation on the Circle K purchase. Brenn said there would also be a panel discussion called "What's on the horizon? Other important water related issues in Kansas." The schedule calls for a legislative panel discussion too, with Kansas legislators and policy makers.

"The panels will include state agency leaders, private sector representatives, association members and individuals with expertise in key Kansas water issues," he added.

Program participants include Greg Foley, executive director, Kansas Conservation Commission; Joe Harkins, Kansas Governor's Cabinet member, specializing in natural resources; and Robin Jennison, president, Kansas Water Congress and past Kansas Speaker of the House.

Others include Earl Lewis of the Kansas Water Office; David Pope, chief engineer, Kansas Division of Water Resources; and Tracy Streeter, executive director, Kansas Water Office.

Representatives of agriculture and industry, elected officials and employees of city and county governments, various groundwater district managers and board members are expected too, plus Kansas State University personnel and former Kansas Water Authority members.

Registration information

The conference fee is $75, or $65 for Water Congress members, with a $10 additional charge after July 27. Registration is available from Belen Terrones at the GCCC Business and Industry Institute, belen.terrones@gcccks.edu or 620-275-3279.

Terrones said nearly 20 people have registered in advance so far, and calls are coming in daily.

The Kansas Water Congress draws representation from each watershed and represents all types of water users in the state, according to the executive director. The organization's goals involve unity and purpose in forming stable water policies.

"The members will join together in dedicating themselves to the task of securing objective development, protection, and management of all of our available water resources," Brenn said, "grounding their actions on the fundamental proposition that equity must be done to and among all areas in the state."

"The Kansas Water Congress recognizes the significant importance and need to achieve harmony between the water resources and other natural resources of the state," he said, "and strives to insure a quality environment in Kansas." Additional information about the KWC is available at 620-287-4541 or 785-290-0003.

Date: 7/19/05