LINCOLN, Nebraska (Nebraska Examiner) – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach joined forces Friday to protest Nebraska’s proposed interbasin transfer of the Platte-Republican tract, which they say would lead to the introduction of invasive carp that could cause significant damage to Kansas waterways.

The diversion would divert water from Nebraska’s Platte River south toward the Republican River Basin, which flows into northern Kansas. The proposal is currently being reviewed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources. Critics warn that it could introduce invasive carp species currently found in the Platte River into several important reservoirs in Kansas.

Kelly and Kobach outlined their objections to the transfer in a letter to Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen on Friday, urging Nebraska to reconsider a plan that “would pose an immediate and serious environmental and economic threat to the vitality of the Republican River Basin in both states.”

Pillen’s office did not immediately respond to the Nebraska Examiner’s request for comment.

Kansas first raised concerns in 2018 when Nebraska was considering a similar diversion request. Kansas officials, including then-Governor Jeff Colyer, opposed the plan. The Nebraska Supreme Court rejected legal challenges to a 2021 version of the plan in October 2023, meaning the decision to approve the water diversion now rests with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.

In a press release Friday, Kelly expressed concern about the potential environmental damage the plan could cause.

“The proposed transfer of Lake Balaton between the basins would cause severe damage to Kansas’ best fishing and boating destinations,” Kelly said. “Places like Milford Lake are popular with thousands of Kansas and Nebraska residents alike. We cannot stand idly by while our state’s vital natural assets are put at risk.”

Invasive carp species, particularly silver carp and bighead carp, pose a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems. These species displace native fish in the fight for food and habitat, endangering the local fishing industry. They also pose a safety risk to recreational boaters due to their habit of jumping out of the water when startled.

“I am one of thousands of Kansas residents who enjoy our world-class lakes and fishing waters,” Kobach said in the release. “I will use every tool available to prevent these invasive species from harming Kansas waters.”

Christopher Kennedy, acting secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, emphasized the importance of prevention to keep the water free of invasive carp.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks monitors invasive species in the state, and biologists have removed thousands of pounds of carp from the Kansas River this year.

“These species can decimate local fish populations and pose a safety risk to recreationists in affected rivers and lakes,” Kennedy said. “In other states, efforts to eradicate these carp populations once they become established are costly and largely unsuccessful, so prevention is critical wherever possible.”

This article first appeared in Kansas Reflectora sister site to the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network.

Nebraska Examiner is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) nonprofit organization. Nebraska Examiner maintains its editorial independence. If you have any questions, contact Editor Cate Folsom: [email protected]Follow Nebraska Examiner on on facebook. And X.

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