RTCA worked with KDWPT, Friends of the Kaw, and local
communities to collaborate on a plan that identifi ed the
need for wayfi nding signs and increased awareness of the
recreational opportunities on the Kansas River. The partners
have leveraged over $100,000 for signs and media materials.
“The Kansas River is an important natural resource in our state
and plays a significant role in the economies of communities located along
its banks." Sam Brownback, Governor of Kansas
Recent Successes
NPS/Brian Leaders
Kansas River Trails: America’s Great Outdoors and Beyond
The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism
(KDWPT) is working to enhance the physical link between the
Kansas River and the 21 communities along its banks. The goal
is to attract more visitors to the region to enjoy the recreational
and historical opportunities along the river, as well as to
increase and create new economic opportunities.
RTCA worked with KDWPT, Friends of the Kaw, and local
communities to collaborate on a plan that identifi ed the
need for wayfi nding signs and increased awareness of the
recreational opportunities on the Kansas River. The partners
have leveraged over $100,000 for signs and media materials.
On July 14, 2012, the Kansas River was the second river
designated as a National Water Trail. After an airboat tour of
the river, the DOI Secretary Ken Salazar and Kansas Governor
Sam Brownback attended a ceremony for the designation.
“The Kansas River is one of the world’s longest prairie rivers,
providing countless recreational opportunities and wildlife
habitat as well as drinking water, irrigation, and electricity,”
Secretary Salazar said. “With this designation, the Kansas River
Trail will join a growing network of National Water Trails across
the country that serve as catalysts to connect Americans to their
local waterways and promote outdoor recreation and economic
growth.”
The project is set to continue in the new year, with RTCA
assistance to complete the signs and to work with communities
to attract new visitors to enjoy the Kansas River.
Current Projects
Flint Hills Trails
Project Partner: Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, & Tourism
RTCA Contact: Mary Hanson
Location: Central Kansas
Congressional Districts: KS - 1, 4
Project Goal
Expand the trail system throughout the Flint Hills of Kansas by at least
500 miles while encouraging the conservation and preservation of the
remaining 3% of the tallgrass prairie in the North American continent. The result will be a united organization of private and public agencies,
landowners, and communities working together to promote the Flint Hills as a destination for trail users to enjoy the natural, cultural, and historical experiences of the region.
NPS Role
Assist the partners to identify, invite, and build a coalition of organizations and communities that will encourage trail related tourism within the Kansas Flint Hills, while preserving the natural resources of this region. Provide technical assistance facilitating meetings and researching planning processes that will create an effective and action-oriented organization.
Kansas River Trail
Project Partner: Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism
RTCA Contacts: Brian Leaders, Mary Hanson
Location: Eastern Kansas
Congressional Districts: 1, 2, 3
Project Goal
Achieve National Water Trail System
designation, increased tourism
through river use (fishing, paddling
and sightseeing), increased public
recreation, improved area health, and
construction of more access ramps.
Complete designs for kiosk signage,
river signage, and a highway sign plan,
and to have the signage installed while
also working to complete a website
and brochure design.
Last updated: February 4, 2015