Wetlands

The Wetland Program's mission is to protect and improve Kickapoo Nation's water quality and increase wildlife habitat. This Wetlands Project Plan has been in place since 1994 and has grown over the years through employee training as well as community outreach and education. Protecting Delaware River, streams, ponds, wetlands, and groundwater quality keeps these waters safe for a multitude of beneficial uses such as drinking water, fish habitat, recreation and irrigation. After being funded through grants from the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, work has started on analyzing, reporting, and restoration of the tribe’s wetlands.

Jessica Raley is acting as the new Wetlands Program Coordinator and has conducted the 2019 wetland field assessments using the National Wetlands Conditional Assessment methods. She was able to team up with Norman Ecological Consulting to conduct assays of 8 local wetlands including the well-known Mascoutah Marsh as a reference. These field assessments consisted of water, vegetation, and soil collection, not to mention notation of hydrology indicators and buffer characterization. The restoration of these sites is critical considering how important the wetlands are in preventing flooding, improving water quality, providing ecological niches for wildlife, and maintaining the overall health of our ecosystem. Since more than half of the land in Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas is used for agriculture, the wetlands can be utilized to lower harmful effects of insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, and run-off. By completing the 2019 field season she has been able to update the KEO’s wetland records.

Jessica is available Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm.

CONTACT

EPA Wetlands