Pawnee-Buckner Subbasin Information

The Kansas Department of Agriculture's Division of Water Resources (KDA-DWR) is the State agency responsible for water resource development and management. Two Groundwater Management Districts (GMDs) provide local management in coordination with KDA-DWR. Big Bend GMD (#5) is located in the alluvial valley of Pawnee County. Southwest Kansas GMD (#3) is located in Ford and Gray Counties and part of Finney County. 

Pawnee Buckner Sawlog Project Area Map

Big Bend GMD
On June 12, 1980 Big Bend GMD initiated proceedings to establish an Intensive Groundwater Use Control Area (IGUCA) in the Pawnee County area of the valley, which limited future water right development. New appropriations were further restricted in March, 1990 when a moratorium on new appropriations was established. In 1996, the moratorium was lifted and this area was closed to further appropriations.

Southwest Kansas GMD
Portions of Hodgeman County were once included in the boundaries of Southwest Kansas GMD. Local residents requested to be removed from the GMD based on the differences between the Ogallala aquifer and the Buckner alluvial aquifer. Based on information from the public hearing, the Chief Engineer reduced the boundaries of Southwest Kansas GMD in 1988 to exclude Hodgeman County.

Southwest Kansas GMD continues to have local authority to regulate water rights within Ford and Gray Counties and portions of Finney County. These aquifers include the High Plains, Dakota and upper reaches of the Pawnee, Buckner and Sawlog Creeks.

KDA-DWR
In 1989, KDA-DWR established a moratorium on future appropriations from Buckner Creek, Saw Log Creek and the Pawnee River, their tributaries, their alluviums and hydraulically connected sources of water supply in Ness and Hodgeman Counties, except for domestic use, temporary permits and term permits for five years or less. This moratorium is still in place. Development of the Dakota aquifer, the High Plains aquifer and the alluvial valleys in Lane, Finney, Gray and Ford Counties can still occur, subject to existing regulations.