Kansas warns of millions in irreversible economic and ecological damages from invasive carp species if approved

TOPEKA - On August 16, 2024, Governor Laura Kelly and Attorney General Kris Kobach issued a bipartisan letter to Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen expressing their objection to Nebraska’s proposed Platte-Republican interbasin transfer.

“The proposed Platte-Republican interbasin transfer would severely damage Kansas’ finest fishing and boating destinations,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Places like Milford Lake are enjoyed by thousands of Kansas and Nebraskans alike. We cannot stand idly by while our state’s critical natural assets are put at risk.”

The transfer, currently under consideration by Nebraska’s Department of Natural Resources, would allow invasive carp species to enter Harlan County Reservoir in Nebraska and Lovewell and Milford Reservoirs in Kansas. These fish have been known to cause devastating economic and ecological consequences to river basins around the country, harming native species, sport fishing, commercial fishing, and recreational boating wherever they are introduced.

“As an avid fisherman, I’m one of thousands of Kansans who enjoy our first-class lakes and waterways for fishing,” Attorney General Kris Kobach said. “I will use every tool available to keep these invasive species from harming Kansas waters.”

Kansas previously shared these concerns when Nebraska first considered an identical transfer application in 2018. Since then, the threat of invasive species, such as silver head carp, entering the Republican River Basin has only grown more dire. Recent data shows that invasive populations have expanded to just yards from the site of the proposed interbasin transfer.

“These species can decimate local fish populations and pose safety hazards for recreationalists in impacted rivers and lakes,” said Acting Secretary Christopher Kennedy, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. “Efforts in other states to eliminate these carp populations once they’ve established are costly and largely unsuccessful, making prevention critical wherever possible.”

Along with the letter issued to Governor Pillen today, Kansas provided both written and oral testimony to the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources during the public hearing for the transfer on May 23, 2024.

A copy of Governor Kelly and Attorney General Kobach’s joint letter can be found here.