The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1902-09-09
INSPECTION OF
THE ARID WEST
Irrigation Plans of the Govern
rent as at Present Outlined.
RESERVOIR SIZES SELECTED
WORK OF CONSTRUCTION WILL
BEGIN NEXT SPRING.
RESERVOIR SIZES SELECTED
fsneclal 10 The HeraldN


the geological survey, just
back from a tour of inspection in the
west, says such satisfactory progress
has been made with the examination
of feasible reservoir sites that in all
probability the work of construction OF
the first approved project under the
new law can be commenced early next
spring. His idea is 10 begin with the
construction of several projects OF me-
dunn proportions with funds now
available. getting the most promising
under way before the contract for the
second is let. and so on until the avail
able funds are utilized.
Give Promise of Success.
On his recent trip Mr.. Newell found
a number Of projects which give prom
Use of entire success, and says there
will be no difficultS in making a good
start. In inaugurating this work an
attempt will be made 70 construct sys-
TENS by which a maximum number OF
settlers can be provided for on re
claimed lands at a minimum cost. and
whereby construction funds arising
from the disposal of water rights
will be returned to the reclama lion
fund in the shortest possible time
Several field parties now at work are
making satisfactory progress. and VIII
continue until late in the season when
those in the northern states will be
transferred to Arizona. New Mexico
and southern California. where they
will continue through the winter.
Bear River Project
II is probable that the Bear river
project in northern Utah will be among
those first undertaken By the govern
ment The chief objection Is that II
involves interstate schemes, the stream
extending into Wyoming and Idaho
On the first works undertaken II is de-
sired to avoid complicated questions.
This project involves so many ramif-
cations that will require prolonged
study before ii can be adopted.
Mr. Newell was much impressed with
the Devils Gap project on Sweet
water river in central Wyoming,
which is now being examined. Whether
or not this will be among the first de-
ponds largely upon depth of bedrock
| in the canyon If it Is necessary TO 80
100 feet for foundation, the cost
would be too great: if foundaf\p can
| be had at fifteen feet. il will be a
very cheap undertaking. and otherwise
/ gives exceptional promise.
A Wyoming Scheme.
The Lake Desmot project in Wyo-
/ ming is also being carefully examined.
! II, however, involves the construction
| of a series of small reservoirs In the
1 Big Horn for turning the water into
4 a natural lake. from which ii will be
I taken out onto the land. Further eX-
( animation is being made to determine
! the amount of water supply that can
! be depended upon here, as well as the
cost Of finally getting the water onto
/ irrigable land.
Buffalo Bill has big project in
] hand near Cody, Wyo., where he IN
/ tends TO build. if he can raise sufhcie>r
/ capital. Should he abandon the pro-
I ject. which is an exceptionally
/ promising one, the government
would be glad to take it up. Cody
now has an option on adjoining
/ land. but this would be relin-
/ quished If the government undertook
! the Improvement. The best sites in
| Idaho are now segregated under the
] Carey act. and il is. therefore, not
/ pfODdDle any OF the IuIlldl pIoJeClA
will be built there.
Coming TO Salt Lake.
Mr.. Newell has accepted an invita-
/ ton to address a meeting OF the Utah
/ Irrigation association at Salt Lake City
/ Oct or 8. and the National Irrigation
/ congress at Colorado Springs Oct. 8. He
VIII speak particularly Of work now
/ being done and in prospect under new
/ irrigation laws.
The general land Office, upon being
/ notified that a forest fire, extending
a distance Of five miles. is raging south
/ Of Laramie. WyO.. has authorized For
! est SunArvisor AfherlY To exnend so