The Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams, Inc. (KAWS) mission is to ensure the future of wetlands, streams and their adjacent riparian areas as an integral part of our Kansas heritage and landscape. KAWS provides a variety of services to watershed and conservation groups, all of which help to strengthen and develop conservation efforts.
 
KAWS provides 100 percent coverage of the state with 12 chapters and local chapter members are residents local stakeholders in their watershed.  Our staff is dedicated to protection, restoration and creation of wetlands, streams, and their associated riparian areas. This is illustrated by the fact that KAWS has been promoting water quality improvement for the past 11 years and accomplishing demonstration projects for the past six years.
 
KAWS is able to provide to watershed and conservation groups the following assistance:

Watershed Assessment - KAWS can perform various levels of GIS analysis relating to the riparian area and the associated land in the watershed. The level of assessment and cost are listed below in the file attachments.

Workshop and Tours - KAWS does a complete job in organizing and conducting events that promote its mission areas – creating, enhancing and protecting wetlands, streams and riparian areas. We have completed over 220 demonstration projects since 2003 each serving as an educational venue at various stages of completion – pre-, during, and post-construction. We can help you increase awareness, create interest, and identify needs as we conduct workshops and tours.  The details are listed below in the file attachments

Demonstration Projects – KAWS can provide quality demonstration projects to showcase wetland, stream and riparian area technologies. KAWS has completed over 220 projects. We can help watershed and conservation groups complete demonstrations that will generate the interest and demand for treating these resources.
KAWS has developed five specified demonstration project types. Projects are directed toward improving, enhancing or restoring wetland, stream, and riparian area features. Project types are as follows:

1. Livestock water supply - alternate supplies to move livestock away from riparian areas and streams
2. Riparian fencing - fencing to control livestock access (not always to exclude) to riparian areas and streams
3. Riparian improvement and restoration - establishing buffers, improving woody stands or creating better edge, installing hardened livestock crossings, etc.
4. Wetlands - restoration, enhancement, and creation
5. Stream restoration - stabilizing degraded stream banks, restoring proper stream flow, enhancing terrestrial and aquatic habitats

We have an on-line cost-share system that makes project management simpler and easy for everyone involved. The cost-share rates are normally at a 70/30 rate (maximum), and are based on county average costs or actual costs whichever is less. The details are listed below in the file attachments

Wraps Support – KAWS staff will

• Participate in WRAPS meetings and provide support between meetings as needed
• Maintain close communications with the WRAPS coordinator, leadership team members and others
• Serve on stakeholder leadership teams as requested
• Provide topical presentations and technical expertise as requested on:

1. Streambank stabilization
2. Wetland restoration
3. Moving livestock from streams and riparian areas
4. Riparian buffers
5. Provide input on needed assessments.

• Help develop WRAPS Plans
• Assist with WRAPS-led tours, workshops, and demonstration projects
• Provide informational support as appropriate