State Association of Kansas Watersheds

Home
United States
Hays, KS
State Association of Kansas Watersheds

SAKW, benefitting Kansas water since 1953

04/12/2026

Days 2 and 3 of the NWC Dam Safety Training in Bowling Green, Kentucky provided valuable insight into both the technical and regulatory sides of dam management.

Day 2 highlighted innovative tools like DamWatch and drone inspections, along with hands-on learning during a site visit to Big Ready Site 8. Day 3 focused on sponsor responsibilities, funding, and emergency action planning reinforced by real-world context from recent Kentucky flood events.

Practical knowledge and connections we gained to help strengthen dam safety and resilience efforts in Kansas.

A memorable highlight included time at Mammoth Cave National Park, reflecting on the importance of protecting our natural resources.

04/07/2026

Day 1 of the NWC Spring Workshop in Bowling Green, KY.

Sarah Diamond, SAKW, Executive Director is representing Kansas watersheds alongside partners from across the country. Sessions today focused on dam safety fundamentals, ownership responsibilities, and applied case studies, reinforcing the importance of proactive management, regulatory awareness, and long-term infrastructure stewardship.

This training also offers valuable opportunities to exchange perspectives and learn from the experiences of other states. These insights will help inform ongoing efforts to support and strengthen watershed management across Kansas.

Looking forward to bringing back practical tools and strategies to benefit local communities.

04/01/2026

Congratulations Olissa Randa and Cade Whitmore!!

03/26/2026

Wrapping up a meaningful week in Washington, D.C. today as part of the NACD Fly-In.

It’s been an honor to represent Kansas watersheds alongside our partners at KACD and the National Watershed Coalition sharing the stories of our producers, our communities, and the real impact watershed projects have on the ground.

These conversations matter. They help ensure that the voices of rural communities are heard and that the work happening back home continues to be supported at the national level.

SAKW is grateful for the opportunity, the partnerships, and the continued commitment to protecting our natural resources.

03/25/2026

This week, SAKW is proud to be in Washington, D.C. representing Kansas watersheds and the National Watershed Coalition during the NACD Fly-In. We are grateful to join efforts with our partners at KACD and NWC.

It’s an important opportunity to share the story of Kansas—our producers, our communities, and the critical role watershed projects play in protecting our natural resources and supporting local economies.

We’re grateful for the chance to advocate for the continued investment in conservation efforts that make a real difference back home.

03/10/2026

On January 30, SAKW gathered at the Kansas Capitol as Governor Laura Kelly officially signed the proclamation recognizing Kansas Watershed District Day.

This recognition highlights the important work watershed districts do every day to protect communities, manage water resources, and support conservation across Kansas.

Thank you to all the district leaders, partners, and advocates who continue this important work.

03/03/2026

Today, SAKW was proud to partner with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Kansas Division of Conservation to host an Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Workshop in Lincoln.

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us including our dedicated agency partners and local watershed district leaders for investing their time in strengthening the long-term care and stewardship of Kansas watershed infrastructure. These conversations and hands-on trainings matter. They help ensure our structures continue protecting communities, farmland, roads, and downstream neighbors for generations to come.

A special thank you to the Spillman Creek Watershed District for hosting the field segment and touring one of their dams. Seeing the work on the ground always brings added perspective and reinforces the importance of proactive maintenance and partnership.

We’re thankful for the collaboration and commitment to keeping Kansas watersheds strong. 🌾💧

02/24/2026

SAKW was honored to host today’s O&M Workshop at Harvey County Lake Park just outside of Newton, in partnership with NRCS.

It was a strong day of collaboration, shared learning, and practical discussion focused on the ongoing operation and maintenance of our watershed structures. These conversations matter; they help ensure long-term stewardship, responsible management, and continued local leadership across our districts.

Thank you to all who joined us across Kansas. We extend a sincere thank you to our partners at NRCS, DOC/KDA and KWO for their collaboration in making this workshop possible. A special thank you as well to Harvey County Parks, Whitewater Watershed District, and Butler County Conservation District for hosting us along with their support and involvement.

We’re grateful for the continued partnership and shared commitment to caring for Kansas watersheds.

02/23/2026

Upcoming event: Kansas Water Day at the Capitol!

Join us in celebrating Kansas Water Day in observance of World Water Day - Tuesday, March 17 from 9:00a - 2:00p in the First Floor Rotunda at the Capitol!

02/21/2026

Reminder: SAKW Scholarship Applications are due to your Local Watershed and need to be postmarked March 1, 2026

High School Seniors

Agriculture Related Major

Two (2) $500 Scholarships

Submit application to your Local Watershed

Criteria and Application can be found at www.sakw.org

02/14/2026

Sarah Diamond represented SAKW this week at the Kansas State Capitol for both Conservation Day at the Capitol and Kansans for Conservation Day at the Capitol, held on separate days.

These events brought together producers, conservation partners, watershed leaders, and advocates from across Kansas to highlight the importance of protecting our state’s natural resources. It was a valuable opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with legislators and partners about the critical role conservation and watershed districts play in sustaining Kansas communities.

SAKW is grateful for the collaboration, leadership, and shared commitment demonstrated throughout the week. Together, we continue working to strengthen conservation efforts and support the long-term health of Kansas land and water resources. 🌾💧

Address

P. O. Box 111
Hays, KS
67601

Telephone

+17853414869

Website

http://www.sakw.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when State Association of Kansas Watersheds posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to State Association of Kansas Watersheds:

Shortcuts

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in Hays?