PETITION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY BARRICADE AND NO TRESPASS SIGNAGE ON
KAW RIVER DAM AT I-435

We, the undersigned residents, visitors, and concerned individuals, respectfully request that
WaterOne and relevant public safety authorities take immediate action to protect public safety
at the dam located on the Kansas River (Kaw River) near Interstate 435.

Request:
We urge the installation of a permanent safety barricade and clearly visible "No Trespassing" signage at the top of the dam to prevent unauthorized access from the bank and reduce the risk
of serious injury or death. This request is specifically focused on preventing people from walking onto the dam structure itself – not restricting boating or river access around it.

The dam structure presents a clear hazard to human life due to steep drops, slippery surfaces, fast-moving water, and lack of current physical barriers or deterrents.

This petition is made in the interest of:
- Protecting public health and safety
- Preventing future accidents or fatalities
- Supporting first responders by reducing rescue risk
- Promoting responsible access and use of the Kaw River

We respectfully ask for action to be taken by the following entities:
- WaterOne – Owner/Operator of the Kaw River Dam at I-435
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Kansas City District
- Kansas Department of Agriculture – Division of Water Resources
- Wyandotte County Parks and Planning (if jurisdiction applies)

Background Context:
The top of the dam is often accessed by the public, intentionally or unintentionally, due to insufficient physical barriers or warning signs. These conditions create a preventable risk of falls, injuries, and drownings. We believe immediate action can help prevent future tragedies.

Based on public maps and reports, the dam may be under the ownership or operation of WaterOne, a local water utility. We include this detail in good faith to ensure accountability is placed with the proper entity.

Documented incidents near or at this dam include:
- 2020: An 11-year-old girl, Rebecca Van Sui Par, drowned after being pulled under while playing near a sandbar just downstream of the I-435 dam.
- 2022: Emergency responders investigated a capsized boat near the river, which required multi-agency response.
- Previous Catfishing Tournament: Eyewitness reports confirm a boat capsized near the dam during a tournament, reinforcing the unpredictable danger of the dam's currents.
- 2007: A kayaker drowned after slipping off near the dam; another suffered a skull fracture attempting to navigate the sluice.

Environmental Concern – Fish Spawning and Poaching:
In addition to safety risks, there are growing concerns about illegal fishing activity on top of the dam. Individuals have been observed walking out onto the dam and intentionally snagging spawning fish –
particularly large catfish – during critical reproductive periods. These actions disrupt the river's natural balance and harm local fish populations.
Despite calls to authorities, enforcement response is limited due to access challenges and the speed at which offenders leave the area. Installing a barricade and clear no-trespassing signage would discourage this behavior and help protect both the ecosystem and legal anglers who follow regulations.

Environmental Degradation – Trash, Waste, and River Abuse:
The riverbanks near the I-435 dam have also become heavily littered with trash, discarded fishing gear, and even human waste.
This pollution builds up due to unauthorized access, overnight loitering, and lack of regular patrol enforcement. The result is a visibly degraded public resource that affects water quality, wildlife, and the community's
ability to safely enjoy the river. A barricade and improved signage would help limit access to the dam area, discourage loitering, and
send a clear message that this site is being monitored and protected.

Firsthand Danger – Current, Fish Power & Slippery Conditions:
As an experienced local angler, I've had fish nearly pull me over the side of a boat. Now imagine trying to hold your ground standing on the dam – with slick concrete underfoot, strong current rushing past,
and a 50 to 80-pound catfish hitting your line. When you do the math – factoring in body weight, current speed, and the force of a large fish – it becomes nearly impossible for someone to safely maintain their footing on the dam. These are the exact conditions that lead to people falling, getting pulled into the current, and risking their lives. A barricade isn't just a precaution – it's a necessary measure based on physics, not opinion.

Suggested Bank Access Restriction Zone:
To enhance both safety and environmental protection, we suggest implementing a defined distance restriction prohibiting bank fishing access within a set range of the dam structure – similar to policies
enforced at other dams in neighboring states. This would discourage high-risk foot traffic on or near the dam, while still allowing legal fishing activity in safer zones further downstream and continued access for boats approaching with caution.

Potential Funding Options:
If cost is a barrier, the undersigned community and petitioner suggest exploring available public safety and recreational access funding through:
- Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks – Boating Access or Safety Funds
- Kansas Department of Agriculture – Division of Water Resources Grants
- Wyandotte County Parks/Public Works Improvement Budgets
These funds have been used at other public access points in Kansas for hazard mitigation, fencing, and warning signage. With community support behind this petition, we believe the project could qualify for
such resources.

Privacy Notice:
Signatures collected through this petition will be submitted only to relevant governmental and safety organizations for the purpose of public safety improvement. They will not be used for any commercial
purposes.