Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism facts for kids
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| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Kansas |
| Headquarters | 1020 S. Kansas Topeka, Kansas |
| Employees | 420 |
| Agency executives |
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| Parent agency | State of Kansas |
| Website | KDWPT Website |
The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism (KDWPT) is a special part of the Kansas state government. It helps manage and protect Kansas's natural areas. This includes wildlife, parks, and even tourism.
A person called the Secretary of Wildlife and Parks leads the KDWPT. The Governor of Kansas chooses this leader. The main office for the Secretary is in Topeka.
A group of seven people, called a commission, also helps the KDWPT. The Governor chooses these people too. They give advice to the Secretary. They also approve rules about outdoor fun, like fishing and hunting. They help protect fish and other animals in Kansas.
KDWPT has about 420 full-time workers. These workers are in five main groups. These groups are Executive Services, Administrative Services, Fisheries and Wildlife, Law Enforcement, and Parks. The Law Enforcement group includes the Kansas Game Wardens. They have 83 positions to help protect wildlife and enforce rules.
History of KDWPT
The idea of protecting fish and game in Kansas started a long time ago. In 1905, the Kansas Fish and Game Department was created. This was the beginning of state efforts to manage wildlife.
Later, on July 1, 2011, a big change happened. The part of the government that handled travel and tourism joined the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Before this, it was part of the Kansas Department of Commerce. After this change, the agency became known by its current name: the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism.
Images for kids
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Kansas Historical Marker at Big Basin Prairie Preserve
