We are active in a number of issues that relate to our goals as an organization.  

River Access is one of our top priorities and paddling is a fun way to become active outdoors and gain a true appreciation of the natural resources we rely upon.  Please help us in this endeavor by participating in our float trips and supporting river access in your community!

Did you know that confined feeding operations in Kansas produce waste equivalent to 60 million people?!  We review and comment on Permits under the purview of the Clean Water Act that are designed to regulate activities that affect water quality, geomorphology and biology of rivers, streams and wetlands.

We promote environmental stewardship through activities such as river cleanups and water quality monitoring events.  Our environmental display provides education and publicity at meetings and public events.  Float trips and other activities also help promote positive image and a sense of community - so come get involved! 

ARC member Hoyt Hillman has led watershed restoration efforts including riverbank stabilization, naturalizing buffers and rain garden demonstration projects that are being set up to show the public that, at almost no cost, they can make big improvements to their own yards and neighborhoods and the streams that run through them.  Working on these projects are volunteers from the Ark River Coalition, Wichita Parks & Environmental Services, K-State Extension, KU, KDHE, Ks Fish & Wildlife, EPA, Cargill, Cornejo, Law/Kingdon, Terracon, and Neighborhood Associations.

Current projects include:

South Central Planting Projects on the riverbank south of Harry street bridge with cleanup and trial plantings.  Sponsor: South Central Neighborhood Association.

Westar Rain Garden Project across from Keeper of the Plains - Sponsor: Westar and KSU Extension

North High River Projects conducted by North High science teachers, JROTC and students

Central Riverside Park Planting Projects - Sponsor: neighborhood volunteers and Park Department staff

Come stop by our booth at the Wichita River Festival this year on May 8 at give Hoyt a hand from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.  (Saturday on the 1st day of the Book and Art Fair and the River Run).  Volunteers are needed to help run the booth - please contact  Hoyt Hillman for information or to volunteer at 686-7105, or hoythillman@sbcglobal.net

See the Calendar for upcoming events!

ARC selected as Stream Team conservation group of the Year by Kansas Wildlife Federation - Our organization's efforts over 2009 has been rewarded with this wonderful recognition by one of Kansas's most recognized conservation groups, The Kansas Wildlife Federation.  The effort of ARC members to promote conservation through activities such as river clean-ups, participation in KDHE's WRAPS development, and 16 organized float trips, totaling 236 participants, and 1,445 hours of paddling to the public has been commended by the KWF.  Thanks to everyone who works so hard to help this group out.  Wally will receive this award on behalf of the ARC at the KWF banquet in Manhattan on Feb. 27.

Jan 2 - Second annual Arkansas River Coalition New Year's Float was a success -Seven ARC members brave single digits to enjoy the river!

October 17 - ARC sponsored a float with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, including former Governor Mike Hayden.  Nearly 30 participants braved the cool weather for a chance to paddle the Ark.  Check out a video shot by KDWP outdoor photographer Mike Blair on FACEBOOK (search video's for October 17 video)

Sept 19 - The City of Wichita sponsored an outdoor play to accentuate the importance of family fun and taking time to play.  Activities included sack races, parachute games, sand volleyball, baseball throw, sidewalk chalk art, train rides, face painting along with canoe and kayak rides hosted by ARC volunteers.  Special thanks goes to Wally Seibel, Vince Marshall, Rich Lind, Margaret Dempewolf, Nate Davis, Alex Rusanowsky, and others.

Aug. 19 - Congratulations to Janice Lind & Victoria winners of the Winners of the 2009 Garbage Guru Award!  

K-96 Lake, Wichita - Teammates Janice

and Victoria blew away the competition on Wednesday night in the 1st annual ARC Trash Pick-up event.  The event, sponsored by long-time ARC'r Vince Marshall, brought together over two-dozen competitors who combined a kayak-swap with a trash pick-up event.  The misty-eyed teammates were congratulated by the rest of the competitors as the sun set on a beautiful evening in Northeast Wichita.

Other News:

8-31 - ARC invites Sedgwick County Commissioners on kayak trip down the Ark! As of 9-21 no commissioners have accepted our invitation.

8-25 - ARC submits grant to the Junior League of Wichita and Kansas Health Foundation to help support outdoor recreation and promote environmental stewardship

8-17 - ARC responds to the Kansas Water Office and Kansas Water Authority regarding their lack of support for Senate Bill 787, an enhancement to the Clean Water Act.

4-27 -2009 Leadership Award goes to Wally Seibel, a longtime member and supporter of the Arkansas River Coalition. In addition to coordinating our float trips, he has served on the Board as Vice President and Treasurer and is currently a Board Member. Wally was recognized with the 2009 Leadership Award at our Annual Meeting on April 27. Thanks Wally!

Click to find out upcoming events