From left to right Brian Leaders of the National Park Service, Roger Wolfe of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, and Gov. Sam Brownback talk Thursday after a news conference held on a boat ramp to the Kansas River.

Topeka – Not a good day weather-wise to showcase the Kansas River, but Gov. Sam Brownback and an enthusiastic group of supporters of the Kaw braved chilly winds Thursday to launch an effort to increase recreational use along the 173-mile river.

“The Kaw is a tremendous asset,” Brownback said during a new conference announcing the formation of the Kansas River Development Committee.

Advocates of the Kansas River are hoping to get more people canoeing and kayaking, camping on sandbars, fishing and watching wildlife along the river.

“This is just another step in something great that is happening,” said Brian Leaders, landscape architect with the National Park Service.

Last year, the National Park Service designated the river as a National Water Trail.

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Secretary Robin Jennison said there are 18 boat ramps in 15 communities along the river. Jennison said he would like to see at least two more ramps along the 30 or so miles between Belvue and Topeka. Thursday’s news conference was held at Kaw River State Park.

Here is a promo that Brownback and then-Interior Secretary Ken Salazar did last year about the Kansas River.