The Delta independent., 1905-07-14
GRAND MESA HATCHERY
" 7. Thompson Superintendent
Bureau OF Fisheries Makes
Interesting Talk.

In view of the very general interest
in our Grand mesa work shown by the
citizens of Delta, Mesa and adjoining
counties, and on account of the equally
general lack of correct information as
to the conditions under which they are
now operated by the U. S: Burean Of
Fisheries, feel that it is but proper
to present the matter to the readers of
your paper from an official source.
During the past year we have received
the support and cooperation of very
large proportion of the residents of the
immediate vicinity. The u. S. Bureau
of Fisheries, is operated entirely in the
interest of the people. It's aim and
work are so entirely free from selfish
ness and self interest and so generally
and impartially beneficial to the indi-
vidual and community alike that they
have but to be understood to be appre-
ciated.
Many have inquired of me as to the
manner in which title has been ac-
quired to the fish cultural rights on the
Surface creek system of Reservoirs,
others are probably equally interested.
for their benefit ] will say that in
March, 1872, Alexander and Forest
made an agreement with and secured a
lease from the Surface Creek Ditch
& Reservoir Co. Said Alexander and
Forest gave a quit claim deed to GER
tain lakes and reservoirs and also agreed
to, and did, do certain stated work on
various named reservoirs. In return
they were to receive, and did receive,
from the Surface Creek Co., the rights
to all fish then contained in the lakes
and streams, also the privilege of using
them for fish cultural purposes and the
running of boats thereon. At this
time the shareholders reserved the priv
ilege of fishing in the lakes during the
open season with hook and line and sub
ject to the fish and game laws of the
state of Colorado. This agreement was
to run for period not to exceed 90
years and covered all waters then
owned and controlled by the Surface
Creek D. & r. Co., or that should
thereafter be acquired by them and was
signed by Henry Kohler, president,
and Francis E. Boyd secretary.
The Alexander & Forest rights were
afterwards bought by VIM. Radcliffe,
who in August 1900. made supple
mentary agreement with the Surface
Creek Co. wherein the latter surrend-
cred the shareholders fishing privileges
in return for additional water rights,
embracing the use of the water stored
in Arch Slough, on alternate years and
the use of one-half the water stored in
Alexander lake each year, which had
been retained by Alexander 4 Forest
at tho time of tho prior agreement.
Henry Kohler, president and A. L. Rey-
nolds secretary, signed this agreement
on behalf of the Surface Creek Co.
Mr.. Radcliffe secured state license
on the waters as private preserve for
the propagation of fish. In November,
1901, he assigned his lease hold to Geo.
N. Bowers, commissioner acting for
the United States, for q period ending
June 80, 1905. He, Radcliffe, later dis.
posed of his entire interests to the
Grand Mesa Lake 4 Park Co.. Of Dem
yer, of which corporation Judge D, C.
Beaman, the well known angler and
authority on fish and game, Ia presi.
dent and counsel, and NJ. Lille rs sec
rctary. This company has recently
granted an additional lease to the U.
S. Bureau of Fisheries.
My first visit to the lakes convinced
me as to their great yslNa ~ spawn-
ing field - well as their possibilities a.
= fishing resort, have since earnestly
recommended the erection Of hatch-
cry building and the introduction Of the
rainbow end eastern brock te further