The Playa Lakes Area in western Kansas is part of the Playa Lakes Joint Venture with the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.

Playa lakes, as they are called, are actually shallow depressional wetlands that are generally round and small, averaging less than 30 acres. Precipitation is inconsistent in the playa region and drought is a common occurrence. The resulting wet-dry cycle of playas produces a highly diverse plant community. These plants produce large quantities of nutritious seeds, essential for waterfowl and other birds which migrate and winter in the region. Playa lakes may be the most important wetland habitat type for birds in the region.

Kansas Partners for Fish and Wildlife is working with other government agencies, conservation groups, corporations, and landowners to protect, restore and enhance these playa wetlands and other valuable habitat for wildlife.