A ConocoPhillips grant provided seed money to assist the state of Kansas purchase 160 acres of salt-marsh wetland in Lincoln County, Kansas, from an elderly landowner who wanted to preserve the land perpetually. Kansas state biologist Matt Smith dealt with owner Jim Gurley, helped Gurley achieve his goal, and says the process was a very satisfying experience. As it was non-federal funding, the ConocoPhillips grant got leveraged multiple times by increasing the amount of federal and state funding made available to the project.
PARTICIPANTS:
Christopher Rustay
Conservation Delivery Leader
Playa Lakes Joint Venture
Albuquerque, NM
Matt Smith
Farm Bill Coordinator
Kansas Dept. of Wildlife & Parks
Sylvan Grove, KS