Heavier use can lead to property disputes, vehicle and wildlife violations

The prolonged drought has reduced the flow of many streams and rivers in Kansas, and the Arkansas River is one of the most notable victims. In many places in central and western Kansas, the river is dry or has minimal flows or shallow pools. As a result, there has been increased vehicle and other activity along the river, leading to confusion and disputes about landowner rights and legal activity on the river. Local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism plan to patrol the more heavily-used portions of the river, using all-terrain vehicles to watch for vehicle and wildlife violations and disorderly behavior.

And this also brings something else you should be reminded of. It’s unlawful for anyone to discharge a firearm within the banks of the Arkansas River in Reno County, or to discharge from public or private property when the intended target for the firearm’s projectile lies within the banks of the river.

Now, those who have hunting license during open seasons on lands and waters designated for public hunting would still be allowed.

Officials says the concern is more over target shooting with possible injury, but also debris left behind by the shooters. That includes bottles, television sets and propane tanks and clay targets, just to name a few.

Under Sheriff Sheldon Stewart says they respond when there are complaints or someone reports shots fired. He says if they catch you, then you could face a misdemeanor offense in court. That could mean 1-year in jail, a thousand dollar fine or both.

There are more than 10,000 miles of streams and rivers in Kansas, and most stream and river beds are privately owned. The rivers in the public domain are the Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri rivers; however, most of the adjacent land is privately owned.

When those rivers flow through private property, permission is needed from adjacent landowners to access the rivers or to engage in any activity on the property above or beyond the ordinary high water marks. Violators can be cited for trespassing.

People using the Arkansas River are subject to the same laws and regulations as on land, so operating a vehicle while intoxicated, reckless driving, disorderly conduct and other violations are prohibited. Also, destruction of certain wildlife habitat can be a violation, such as destroying beaver dams and lodges. Where there is some water flow, a beaver dam helps hold back the flow, creating vital habitat for other wildlife during a drought.