What in the world is a watershed specialist?

The K-State Extension Watershed Specialist model is a proactive, multi-agency, private-public partnership. To restore water quality in Kansas requires a fundamental change in behavior and practices toward the land and water. It is a monumental task which requires facilitation from unique people with expertise in the area of agriculture and water with the ablity to build a rapport with landowners.

Meet the members of the watershed specialist team.


We work to reduce non-point source pollution from cropland and livestock sources. Our priorities include

  • restoration of impaired water resources (TMDLs)
  • abatement of fecal coliform bacteria, atrazine and pesticides
  • reduced nutrients and sediment loads
  • protection of water resources
  • implementing farmer/producer Best Management Practices (BMPs)
See us in action! Check out our story map


Can a Watershed Specialist Help Me?

Historically, specialists have provided assistance to producers and various WRAPS groups in 70 Kansas counties. If you live outside of the assistance areas shown below, don't worry! Our specialists can and do work outside these areas as deemed necessary.

Our team wants to help you make your operation sustainable and profitable. Winning awards is just a side benefit! Read more about how one of our producer partnerships has been recognized for conservation by the Kansas State Farm Bureau and the Kansas Water Office.

a color-coded state map showing the assistance areas for Kansas Watershed Specialists
Technical assistance areas for KCARE extension watershed specialists

Thanks to our partners!

Our work includes partners from every stakeholder group: from national organizations to local citizens. Developed and led by university research and extension specialists at K-State, the program provides unique opportunities for participants to be vested in sustainable water quality. Creating relationships through trust and time, this partnership has significantly impacted Kansas water quality. With 20 years invested in this initiative, we are proud to empower citizens at every level to take decisive actions for sustainable water quality improvements across Kansas.

Examples of our partners are included below. If you or your organization are interested in joining us in our work to improve the quality of Kansas water, please contact us. We are glad to hear from you!

 

Our Urban-Rural Partnership Initiatives

Want to learn more about how we're creating partnerships between Kansas rural communities and our urban areas? We have projects to reduce atrazine runoff in targeted watersheds, as well as an offsite BMP project to reduce sediment in the Little Arkansas River.