Sen. Moran Statement on FWS Decision to Not Assert Water Rights at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

WASHINGTON –
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today released the following statement after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced that it will not take action to secure water rights for the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in 2026:
“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s announcement that it will not request to secure water rights for the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in 2026 is a welcome one. I met with FWS Administrator Brian Nesvik and emphasized the need for long-term solutions led by stakeholders at the local level, and I am pleased by the recognition of the progress that is being made. I encourage FWS to continue working closely with Kansas producers toward a sustainable future for the watershed, agriculture and the wildlife refuge.”
Background:
In its announcement, the FWS stated that the conservation efforts led by the Rattlesnake Creek Stakeholder Working Group, established by the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s (KDA) Division of Water Resources, are making meaningful progress and that additional actions by the FWS are not necessary at this time.
Sen. Moran has been a longtime advocate for the creation of the Rattlesnake Creek Stakeholder Working Group and has urged the FWS and KDA to collaborate on solutions for conserving the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.
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