Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1897-05-28

Believing that the conservation of the
surface waters of our state is one Of the
most important matters IN our domestic
economy desire in this public manner to
call particular attention to the following
act pertaining thereto passed at the late
session of the legislature:
! "An act to provide for building dams for the
| storage OF surplus water in lakes, rivers, or
| other waterways for public use within the
State OF South Dakota. Be it enacted, etc.:
SECTION l. That all surplus water above
| the normal amount in lakes, rivers, creeks or
| other bodies of water, is hereby appropriated
| to the use and benefit Of the people OF this
State.
SEC. 2. That the Board Of County Commis-
| sioners in any County in the State Of South
Dakota shall upon a petition signed by the ma
jority Of the legal voters OF such County, to be
determined by the poll books in the office OF
the Auditor Of said County. proceed to build
dams across streams, to cut bitches and other
wise prepare to, and to store all surplus water
| as described in SecLion of this act.
| SEC 8. Any damage arising to adjacent pro-
perty shall be settled in the manner prescribed
| by law for settling similar damages.
SEC. 4. All acts and parts of acts in conflict
| with the provisions OF this act are hereby
repealed"
I regard the foregoing law as one Of
great Importance to our state. We shall
not, however, reap the benefit to be de.
rived from it unless the people are aware
Of its contents and alive to the necessity
Of a vigorous application of the policy
laid down. A lively public sentiment
will have much to do with enforcing this
law and all who are interested should
make it their especial duty to see that:the
Boards Of County Commissioners are pro-
perly petltioned to begin the work and
that local road overseers proceed to act
upon the law in their road work. If
dams are built by County or Township
officers in all cases where practicable,
| along creeks. sloughs and draws on the
public highways, it will be found posi-.
BILE to save great deal of the water
which will otherwise escape if open
bridges are built: and when the heavy
rains of June and July have gone the sur
face of the State will bear witness to the
benefit derived from their work by the
increased number of ponds and sloughs
which contain water.
1t ought not TO be expected that revo.
luton in the character of our climate can
be at once accomplished but start can
be made which will soon begin to be OBJ
served in a modification of climatic con-
ditions. the result of which will event.
ually be witnessed in more frequent and
heavy rainfalls.
Thisis the present practical method of
irrigation. Its effect will be immediate
ly seen in more abundant dews, greater
supply of water for stock and better
pasturage as lakes and ponds at close
intervals are certain to cause the ground
generally to become more moist and
thereby aid vegetation.
I would therefore suggest that those
charged with the duty of carrying out
this act give 1t their immediate and
most thoughtful attention.
l deem this law OF sufficient impor-
tance to the people Of our state to have
it published IN order that the people may
have cue notice of its passage so that
they may take immediate advantage Of
the same which cannot help but result in
great benefit to our state if the letter of
the law is carried out.
Very respectfully submitted.
ANDREW E. LEE,
Governor of South Dakota.