Coalition History
2017
An informal coalition formed to discuss the need for a conservation fund in Kansas.
2018 - 2019
Feasibility studies and needs assessments were conducted; results showed our idea had potential.
2022
Kansans for Conservation was formalized and incorporated as a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization.
2023
By this point, 18 organizations had joined our cause, and together, we began drafting a conservation bill and launched our marketing efforts.
2024
House Bill 2541 was introduced, the Coalition held a statehouse Advocacy Day, organized 40+ proponents for a bill hearing, and hosted a legislative luncheon.
2025
House Bill 2063 was introduced, the Coalition held several outreach events and meetings with legislators, and we partnered with Kansas State University researchers on an updated needs assessment.
Now
Over 40 organizations have joined the coalition, and we're preparing to introduce a new bill in the 2026 legislative session.
Board of Directors
CO-CHAIRS​
Erika Devore
Kansas Parks and Recreation Association
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Laura Downey
Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education
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TREASURER
Dan Meyerhoff
Kansas Association of Conservation Districts
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SECRETARY
Tim Connell
Ranchland Trust
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MEMBERS
Mandy Frank
The Nature Conservancy
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Jordan Martincich
Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever
Carmen Miller
Ducks Unlimited
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Ginny Moore
The Conservation Fund
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ADVISORY LEADERSHIP TEAM
Dawn Buehler, Kansas Riverkeeper
Friends of the Kaw
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Robert Manes
The Nature Conservancy
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Kurt Ratzlaff
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
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Isis Stark
The Nature Conservancy