The Organization

Formed in 1949, the KOS (Kansas Ornithological Society) is the only statewide organization in Kansas devoted specifically to the study, conservation, and enjoyment of birds. Collectively, we have unrivaled knowledge about the status, distribution, ecology, and identification of the state's avifauna.

The Mission

Our mission is determining what we can do to assist in the survival of avian species. We also strive to educate both ourselves and others in ecology and what can be done to promote avian welfare. As we seek to assist avian species survival, we realize many other species will be helped as well. 

The Project

The Cast It In, Kansas Edition project is designed to, with the help of volunteers, build, install and monitor Monofilament Recycling bins around the entire Kansas Waterway System. Emphasis will be placed on those areas where fishing is more common. The collected monofilament will be removed from the bins and sent to Berkley’s Recycling Program, thus mitigating the risk of entanglement resulting in injury or death for many species. Waterfowl, fish, amphibians and reptiles are just a few of these species.

We also plan to speak to groups as well as produce and distribute flyers providing education about how damaging monofilament line left in the environment is; and where to recycle it. 

Cast It In, Kansas Edition started with a personal experience with the Kansas project originator, Lynnea Nelson. On April 24, 2017, Lynnea and her mother came across an American Coot entangled and hooked in some monofilament line that was snagged in Lake Shawnee. They were able to untangle and release the Coot that evening, but it brought the problem to Lynnea’s attention. From the rescue on, Lynnea has found loose monofilament, often connected to hooks at nearly every Kansas Waterway she has been to. At a mere 10 years old, she kept talking about how someone should do something about the problem. The realization came to her that she is someone.

Lynnea began talking to others, educating them about the monofilament problem and completed a 4-H Wildlife project on Monofilament Recycling. As members of the Kansas Ornithological Society, we have seen and picked up monofilament for years. Lynnea, with her youth, excitement, and commitment to this project has encouraged us to take more steps to correcting the monofilament problem in Kansas.

Key Project Milestones

• A list and price comparison of the necessary parts for the Monofilament Recycling Bins has been provided to assure every dollar is spent effectively. 
• Lynnea Nelson (idea originator) has spoken with KOS at our 2017 Fall Meeting about why the Monofilament Recycling Bins are necessary and what needs to be done to get a project going in Kansas. 
• The Missouri Department of Conservation has a similar project, Missouri Stream Team. They have allowed us to adapt forms as well as to provide guidance and assistance.
• A Volunteer Agreement has been written and is available for use.
• The Santa Fe Trail High School Green Team has offered to assist in building, installing and monitoring bins in the Osage County, Kansas area. 
• Some area lakes and reservoirs near the project originator have been contacted and would like Monofilament Recycling Bins installed as soon as available. Others are continuing to be contacted regarding the project.
• A Facebook page Cast It In, Kansas Edition has been set up for coordinating activities, sharing success stories and education. A website is currently under construction,
• Burroughs Audubon Society  (Kansas City area), Wichita Audubon Society, Sperry-Galligar Audubon Society and Topeka Audubon Society have all contributed time and/or financial support to Cast It In, Kansas Edition. Steps are currently being taken for Cast It In, Kansas Edition to become a project under the 501c3 umbrella.
• Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks through Chickadee Checkoff is donating 30 Monofilament bins and will be writing an article about Cast It In, Kansas Edition in the July/August edition of their magazine.
• Several Monofilament Recycling Bins have been completed and are installed at both Melvern Lake (3) and Carbondale City Lake (1).
• Permission has been given to install 2 Monofilament Recycling Bins each at both Overbrook City Lake,  and Shawnee County State Fishing Lake.
• Lake Shawnee in Topeka, Kansas has received permission to install multiple Monofilament Recycling Bins. We are currently working out the details.
• Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks through Chickadee Checkoff is donating 30 Monofilament bins and will be writing an article about Cast It In, Kansas Edition in the July/August edition of their magazine.
• Lynnea was interviewed by KOFO Radio of Ottawa, Kansas about the Cast It In project. 

• Project Locations

The Cast It In, Kansas Edition project will begin in Osage and Shawnee Counties. Osage County contains both Pomona and Melvern Reservoirs, Osage City Lake, Osage State Fishing Lake, Overbrook City Lake and Kids Pond, Carbondale East Lake and Melvern River Pond. Shawnee County contains Lake Shawnee and Shawnee County Jr., Shawnee State Fishing Lake, Auburndale Park Stream, Cedar Crest Pond, Freedom Valley Lake, Govenor’s Ponds East and West, Horseshoe Bend Park Pond, Topeka Central Park Lake, Topeka Clarion Lake and Topeka Westlake. Cast It In The Bin, Kansas Edition plans to spread into other counties in as bins are constructed, volunteers located and educated.

Rough Budget for This Project

$170,000 in total. {A cost analysis spreadsheet supplied to PIG Difference shows the cost of a single monofilament recycling bin at about $70}