"This planning guide has been prepared for use by community decision-makers -- elected officials, planning commissioners, public agency staff, property owners, private developers and citizen leaders -- who are considering the planning and management of wetland and riparian areas at the local and regional levels in Kansas. This guide is intended to acquaint the layperson with the basic purpose, general scope, and practical methods of planning and managing wetland and riparian areas using existing local, state and federal programs. It will help people to work with conservation and planning professionals and officials. The goals of planners and conservationists include the improvement of coordination and cooperation among federal, state, local and private entities responsible for wetland and riparian stewardship."--Introduction