The Kansas (Kaw) River stretches 171 miles from its origin in Junction City to its confluence with the Missouri River and is the primary source of drinking water for many communities in northeast Kansas. This recreational treasure was a well kept secret among a few knowing paddlers and anglers, but is fast becoming a valued recreational resource for thousands of visitors each year.

Our 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.

Rotating Pictures:

Floating on the Kaw by Craig
Thompson

Kaw Valley Heritage Alliance's Streamlink
students doing a macroinvertebrate sampling.

Catfishing on the Kaw with Captain Catfish

The Kaw River Inventory

The Kaw River Inventory will be a web based, detailed guide to the Kansas River which will include information and photographs for all physical structures such as:

- Pipes discharging to the Kaw

- Bridges, dams, and weirs

- Waste water treatment outfalls

- Outfalls from industrial facilities

- Municipal storm sewers

- Outfalls from dredging operations

- Agricultural drainage tiles

- Crossings for overhead power lines

- Crossings for underwater utility lines

- Access Ramps

The guide will also document areas in need of monitoring, cleanup, and /or restoration as well as a down river photograph at every river mile.

In 2007 Friends of the Kaw completed the first data gathering phase for this comprehensive guide. The Riverkeeper and a working group of volunteers collected data on 5 multi-day kayak excursions covering the entire 171 miles of the Kaw. Data consists of over 500 photos linked to GPS readings and accompanying written descriptions. We also used aerial maps to inventory the riparian areas adjacent to the river. We recorded old growth, new growth and no growth areas on both banks of the Kaw.

We are currently exploring several avenues to map and present the material and photos we gathered.

This project will compile the FIRST accessible, comprehensive inventory existing for the Kansas River. It will provide invaluable, first hand information to be used for watershed assessment which is a long term process system to record and track information and will be useful to address specific needs, define goals, and create and implement action plans for protection or restoration of the Kaw watershed. The inventory will be available for other groups or state agencies to use and will also useful for planning recreational float trips.