Topeka ? From the Tallgrass Prairie to the Ogallala Aquifer, Kansas needs to do a better job protecting its water, preserving its landscapes and providing better public access to its outdoors.

According to a report released Tuesday by the Kansas Natural Resources Legacy Alliance, that means the state needs better financing and planning of conservation programs.

The alliance, which was created by the Legislature in 2002, delivered its final report to the Legislature after 15 months of work and public input.

The report says Kansans have a deeper appreciation for the state’s natural resources and are increasing demand for hiking and biking trails and access to rivers.

“Kansans want outdoor recreation opportunities,” the report said.

With 95 percent of Kansas land in private hands, the report recommends expanded leasing programs with private landowners and “the targeted acquisition of new public areas.”

The report also recommends promoting better land management, restructuring the state bureaucracy that deals with natural resources and conserving groundwater.

It also calls for improving air quality, funding the Kansas Water Plan, increasing public access to outdoor recreation and teaching students about the importance of the state’s environment.

“Our report reflects many points of view,” said Sheila Frahm, chairwoman of the alliance.

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The alliance remained mostly quiet on how much money would be needed to accomplish its goals, but the report says the Legislature should restore about $8 million per year to the Kansas Water Plan, which pays for many natural resource projects.

Senate President Dave Kerr, R-Hutchinson, praised the alliance’s work, but said providing extra funding would be difficult.

“It will be hard to squeeze monies loose,” he said.

Frahm didn’t press legislative leaders, saying she knew budget times were tough.

She said some of the alliance’s recommendations needed more study, such as a proposal to expand the role of the Kansas Water Authority to handle planning for preservation of all natural resources.

Frahm said the alliance would seek a legislative resolution in 2004 to develop that proposal for consideration in 2005.

Among the alliance’s other recommendations:

• Encouraging adoption of county planning and zoning guidelines.
• Working with water districts and neighboring states to develop ways to more efficiently use groundwater.
• Providing state funding or tax incentives for conservation easements.