Chloe Gehring details Cheney Lake Watershed funding and upcoming soil health workshop

During the recent Reno County Board of County Commissioners meeting on April 9, 2025, discussions centered on the Cheney Lake Watershed and its significance to both local conservation efforts and the water supply for the city of Wichita. The meeting highlighted the collaborative funding structure that supports the watershed management, primarily involving the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Chloe Gehring, the project manager for the Cheney Lake Watershed, provided insights into the operational framework of the watershed program. She clarified that while the city of Wichita utilizes water from Cheney Lake, the financial contributions to the watershed come from various sources, including matching funds from Wichita itself. Notably, Gehring emphasized that there are no direct financial contributions from Reno County to the watershed's budget, as all personnel expenses are managed through the Reno County Conservation District.

The watershed covers a vast area of 633,000 acres across five counties, with approximately 80% of conservation practices concentrated in Reno County. This focus underscores the importance of local engagement in conservation efforts, as the majority of the watershed's activities directly benefit the county's agricultural and environmental landscape.

Gehring also announced an upcoming workshop featuring a soil health expert from North Dakota, which has already attracted significant interest with around 70 participants registered. This event, scheduled for the following day at the Pleasant View Activity Center, aims to educate attendees on sustainable practices and the effective use of conservation funds.

In response to inquiries about future conservation tours, Gehring indicated that while no formal tour is currently planned, there is potential for personalized tours to showcase conservation practices in action. This openness to community engagement reflects a commitment to transparency and education regarding the use of conservation funds and their impact on local ecosystems.

Overall, the meeting served as a platform for reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts in watershed management and the ongoing commitment to conservation in Reno County. As the community looks ahead, the focus remains on fostering partnerships that enhance both environmental sustainability and water resource management.