Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, located near Stafford, was established in 1955 to provide and protect a vital habitat for migratory waterfowl. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the refuge, has expressed concern for decades that Quivira has not been getting the amount of water to which it is legally entitled. In 2016, state water authorities finally agreed - and blamed area irrigators for diverting too much water away from the refuge. As officials struggle to remedy the situation, Commentator Rex Buchanan encourages anyone interested in wildlife, particularly birds, to visit Quivira and experience the majesty of Mother Nature.
Commentator Rex Buchanan is director emeritus of the Kansas Geological Survey and a lifelong nature enthusiast. The Lawrence resident is also co-author of the new book, Petroglyphs of the Kansas Smoky Hills, published by University Press of Kansas.