Outstanding Recreational Resource
Friends of the Kaw considers the Kansas (Kaw) River a 171-mile linear park to be enjoyed by families and outdoor enthusiasts. We continue to partner with river communities to develop boat access, river front parks and hiking and biking trails along the river for public use.
Riverkeeper
In 2001 Friends of the Kaw became a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, an international water protection organization of over 160 members. With our membership we are charged with hiring the Kansas Riverkeeper, a non-governmental public advocate for the Kansas River who holds the community accountable for the health of the Kansas River. The Kansas Riverkeeper is the eyes, ears and voice of the Kansas River and advocates in the roles of a leader, an educator, an investigator, a media spokesperson and a scientist. Our current Kansas Riverkeeper is Laura Calwell who also served as President of our organization from 1998 thru 2002. Laura brings her strong leadership and organizational skills to this position as well as her experience as an educator.
Federal, state or county governments cannot be counted on to fund this position but rather we rely on caring private citizens for contributions, donations and memberships to support the Kansas Riverkeeper.
Dumping of any type of waste in our streams is illegal and often goes unreported or unchecked by our state health and environment department. If you witness any suspected violations please contact our Riverkeeper.
Call the Pollution Hotline: 1-866-RIV KEEP (758-5337) or riverkeeper@kansasriver.org
