JEC grounds available for outdoor recreation, including hunting, fishing. Westar Energy and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism have extended their partnership that allows public access to the land around Jeffrey Energy Center, 25905 Jeffrey Rd., St. Marys, for hunting and fishing. They celebrated the 20-year agreement Saturday, May 30, with a ribbon cutting and fishing derby at the energy center.
“We have 10,000 beautiful acres available for outdoor recreation, and we love it when our neighbors put them to use,” Doug Mericle, executive director, Jeffrey Energy Center, said.
Nearly 50 youth participated in the fishing derby Saturday, despite unseasonably cool temperatures. Officials from the St. Marys Chamber assisted with a ribbon cutting and KDWPT Secretary Robin Jennison praised the partnership and reinforced the need for people to get outdoors.
“We have tremendous natural resources in Kansas,” Jennison said. “Partnerships like the one we enjoy with Westar Energy give the next generation opportunities to explore these resources and to develop an appreciation for what we have.”
Since 1990, KDWPT and Westar have worked together to make the land around JEC available for outdoor recreation. In January, a 20-year extension agreement was signed.
Outdoor recreational features at the plant include:
- 1,400 acres of public hunting and fishing land.
- 5,200 acres of hunting and fishing with a written permit available by contacting Westar Energy.
- 20 acres dedicated to environmental education and walking trails along the historic Oregon Trail.
- 3,500 acres of wildlife refuge that is closed to the public.
