Walnut River Basin

The Walnut River Basin covers approximately 2,380 square miles and encompasses most of Butler and Cowley counties and small portions of five other counties in south central Kansas (HUCs 11030027 and 11030018). The Walnut River rises in the northeastern part of Butler County, joining the Arkansas River at Arkansas City in Cowley County, about 120 miles to the south, and just north of the Kansas-Oklahoma state line.

Other major streams in the basin are the Whitewater River, Timber Creek, Little Walnut River, West Branch Walnut River (all tributaries to the Walnut River), and Grouse Creek.  Both the  Walnut River and Grouse Creek join the Arkansas River just before it leaves the State of Kansas.

Walnut BAC Member Update

Russ Tomevi - Chairperson

Water is important to all of us!  It is my firmly held belief that one day water will become the single most important natural resource that any of us will have.  The basin advisory committee (BAC) contributes to the gathering and sharing of information regarding the protection, conservation, and beneficial use of water for the benefit of landowners, wildlife, recreational, residential and industrial users.

Recently the Walnut BAC has concentrated significant effort into the issues regarding public water supply management and conservation, watershed restoration and protection, comprehensive flood management, and regional planning for urbanization.

Our BAC has been privileged to have had many individuals that are passionate about the specific area they represent and that have been diligent in attending meetings to share their thoughts and concerns regarding current issues.

Russ Tomevi is a native Illinoisan that has lived in South Central Kansas for the past 31 years.  He is a graduate of Bradley University with a B.S. in Construction.  He has worked for the City of Winfield for the past 23 years and as the Director of Public Works / Engineering is also responsible for storm water, flood control, and is the floodplain administrator.

Mr. Tomevi is the current Chairperson of the Walnut BAC representing Integrated Planning.  He has served on the BAC since 2007.

- Water News for the Basin Advisory Committee Members

River Basin Photo Gallery

Upcoming Meetings & Meeting Materials

• September 22, 2010, WALNUT BAC Meeting - Dinner at 5:30 p.m., meeting at 6:30 p.m., Pizza Hut, 620 W. 7th Avenue, Augusta, Winfield, KS

Information Sheet - Attending a KWA Meeting as a Representative of your BAC

Current Projects in the Walnut Basin

• El Dorado Reservoir Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District, completed an Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study of the watershed above El Dorado reservoir in 2006. Based on this report, a local group of stakeholders has begun development of a Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) plan for the watershed.  Contact Sandy Koontz sandy.koontz@ks.nacdnet.net for additional information.

• REAP Natural Resource Inventory - A GIS based map of the nine county REAP area is being prepared to assist planners, developers and land owners in protecting and conserving natural resources in the area.

• Winfield City Lake Water Quality Protection Projects. The City of Winfield provides cost share assistance to landowners to install best management practices on their land to improve and protect water quality in that public drinking water supply lake.

• Grouse/Silver Creek Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy.  The Grouse/Silver Creek  Watershed District has teamed up with the WRAPS process to investigate and implement best management practices focused on alternative approaches to flood control.

Basin Related Links

• Kansas Water Plan (KWP)

• KWP Walnut Basin Section

• KWP Walnut Atlas

• KWO Calendar

• Kansas Water Authority

• KWA Meeting Materials

• Zebra Mussels

• REAP

Past Meetings & Meeting Materials

• August 5-6, 2010 - Kansas Water Authority Meeting - Paola Fire Department Training Room, 202 East Wea, Paola, KS - Meeting Materials

  • August 6, 2010 - BAC Chairpersons Meeting - 7:30 a.m., Paola Fire Department Training Room, 202 East Wea, Paola, KS

• June 29, 2010 - Walnut Basin Advisory Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m., El Dorado Country Club, El Dorado, KS

  • Meeting Materials

  • Press Release

• May 27, 2010, Regional Economic Area Partnership (REAP) Annual Meeting, Civic Center, 201 E. Central, El Dorado, Kansas

• May 13-14, 2010, Kansas Water Authority Meeting - iSi Environmental Services, 215 S. Laura, Wichita, KS - Meeting Materials

  • May 14, 2010 - BAC Chairpersons Meeting, 7:15 a.m., iSi Environmental Services, Grande Room, Wichita, KS - Meeting Notes

• March 3, 2010 - 6:30 p.m., Ridge Restaurant, 3727 Quail Ridge Road, Winfield, KS

  • Meeting Materials

Questions?
Contact Debra.Baker@kwo.ks.gov - KWO Walnut Basin Planner - Deb is an Environmental Scientist and Water Resources Planner.  Her background is in aquatic biology, watershed management and environmental planning.  She has been with the Kansas Water Office for seven years and was previously employed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and several environmental consulting firms.