Wichita Standard

Rep. Ron Estes of Kansas has reached out to the Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, regarding water rights at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge and the Rattlesnake Creek Basin. In his letter, Rep. Estes emphasized the efforts by Kansans to manage water resources responsibly and highlighted the economic significance of agriculture in the basin.

"Agriculture is the basin's primary industry, generating millions of dollars in direct and indirect revenue. Losing the ability to irrigate crops would reduce these revenues by tens of millions of dollars, forcing many of these already struggling family-run farms to exit the industry entirely," stated Rep. Estes.

With the 2026 growing season approaching, Rep. Estes expressed concerns about potential disruptions from water calls by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). He requested written assurance from Secretary Burgum that such calls will not occur during 2026.

"As we quickly approach the 2026 growing season, Rattlesnake Creek Basin communities need additional assurances that they can continue their farming efforts without fear that FWS will call for water," he wrote.

Throughout his tenure, Rep. Estes has been an advocate for local farmers and ranchers near Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. He has engaged with stakeholders and commented on past decisions by FWS not to request water in 2020 and 2024.