Number: 1985-08
WHEREAS, Cheyenne Bottoms has been a major wetland and waterfowl area; and
WHEREAS, the Bottoms provides invaluable wetland habitat in Kansas and is critical for maintaining waterfowl populations in the Central Flyway; and
WHEREAS, two-thirds of all Kansas bird species have been sighted at Cheyenne Bottoms; and
WHEREAS, the Bottoms is classified as critical habitat for the endangered whooping crane; and
WHEREAS, Cheyenne Bottoms is a major waterfowl and migratory bird hunting area annually providing thousands of man-days of hunting recreation; and
WHEREAS, the Bottoms additionally provides substantial recreational and educational opportunity for wildlife observation, nature studies, school field trips, and family outings, and at times provides fishing opportunity; and
WHEREAS, Cheyenne Bottoms is of significant importance to the local and state economies; and
WHEREAS, Cheyenne Bottoms no longer receives an adequate or timely supply of water for proper wetland management;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 14-17, 1985, in Arlington, Virginia, hereby supports all feasible local, state, and Federal efforts to secure sufficient water from within the Arkansas River Basin to restore and preserve Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, Barton County, Kansas, as a manageable wetland.