Web posted
Monday, February 18, 2008
Groups consider creating access on Arkansas River
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
NICKERSON -- A coalition of Kansas cities, counties and the Department of Wildlife and Parks are studying a plan to establish one of the longest canoe-access systems in the U.S. along the Arkansas River.
The Arkansas River Corridor Access Plan would include 20 access points along the public waterway between the Rice County line and the Oklahoma border, including Oxford. Supporters hope it turns the river into a recreational centerpiece and attracts paddlers, hikers, campers and nature lovers from throughout the region.
They also believe it would be an economic boon to towns along the river, such as Nickerson.
''I think it would be good for the town,'' said Kevin Fountain, a resident and avid paddler. ''It really would. I could see a lot of people getting involved really quick.''
Only three rivers in Kansas are considered navigable for residents, including the Arkansas, the Kansas and the Missouri. While the rivers are public property, the banks are typically in private hands, making access a problem.
Larry Hoetmer, Wichita's landscape architect and project manager for the coalition, said one of the access plan's goals is to open up the ability of people to enjoy the river, as well as make more people aware of what the Arkansas has to offer.
The group hopes to add signs directing visitors to the access points and areas for visitors to park their cars.
Some access points may be fully developed, including lighting, campgrounds, boat ramps and paved walkways to the water. But others would be kept in a more pristine condition.
The corridor would begin at Nickerson, said Heather McPeek of Applied Ecological Services, which developed the plan.
As the river passes through Wichita, the plan envisions whitewater passages under some bridges, but many parts of the proposal are still open to changes.
''They have to go after funding,'' Hoetmer said. ''This just shows how they can go about (creating access.''
''This plan is kind of the first step,'' he said.
Officials in Wichita and Sedgwick County still must approve the plan and some landowners are concerned that while the Arkansas is a public waterway giving people greater access to it could lead to such problems as trespassing, littering and poaching.
Hoetmer said planners may need to add details to the proposal addressing law enforcement and maintenance.
Mike Lueck, a member of the coalition's steering committee and the parks and facilities director for Hutchinson, said observers shouldn't expect a huge influx of paddlers.
Fountain, on the other hand, said he could easily see the river becoming much more popular.
''I think you would be surprised how many people would use the river if it was more available,'' he said.
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