Kansas' Community Fisheries Assistance Program

Prior to the Community Fisheries Assistance Program (CFAP), opportunity to fish on many publicly-owned small impoundments in Kansas was greatly reduced for many anglers because the communities that owned the waters charged additional fees to fish (fees were in addition to the state fishing license). In addition to the financial barrier, smaller impoundments tended to be lacking in fisheries management and angler facilities as most were originally constructed for purposes other than fishing. In 2005, CFAP was introduced statewide with the goals of eliminating the additional financial barrier to fish, improving fisheries quality, and improving the amenities for anglers. CFAP leases the angling rights from the communities on behalf of the anglers, thus removing additional fees to fish. Community lakes were targeted because of their popularity with anglers, their convenience of fishing close to home, and their locations allowed the program to serve all socioeconomic groups. Currently 138 of 146 Kansas communities that own fisheries are enrolled in the program. This encompasses 245 impoundments, ranging in size from less than an acre to 980 acres, totaling greater than 13,000 acres. The CFAP program also provides competitive cost-share grants for increasing the number and quality of amenities at these waters. Ultimately, CFAP has made it easier for the public to participate in fishing, increased the quality of the amenities and fisheries, and resulted in an outstanding federal, state, and local partnership.