The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1934-08-16

A program for the conservation Of ground wat
ssources by the use of numerous small dams was q
anced in the August 10 issue of the St. Paul Dispatt
he idea is like that of Howard P. Sanders, which h
zen discussed at length in recent issues Of 7
azette, except that Mr.. Sanders would install slut
ates instead of dams, making the bitches serve du
urposes.
Rural Redwood county residents will be interest
the editorial which is quoted below, and in lett
ritten by Mr.. Sanders to The Dispatch:
The editorial:
Proper steps for the preservation of ground
water resources in Minnesota may be made
more difficult by lack of legislation giving any
public authority unquestioned jurisdiction over
water rights, but in spite of this handicap there
is much that can be done to meet this problem.
In the long run the most effective work in
this direction probably will not consist of large
enterprises. Huge dams and giant reservoirs
have their place in holding back run-off but
earth-works less extensive and dramatic are
even more important
The State Conservation Commission should
prepare program for the erection of small
dams and obstruction of little water channels
that could be used to guide public agencies
spending relief funds and employing men on
civil projects. Wherever there is small
couee across the outlet of which a dam of
simple construction and crude materials can
be thrown, ponds and reservoirs ought to be
created.
The most effective work in checking water
run-off and its attendant loss in water re-
source and soil erosion must be done on pri-
vate lands and probably by private capital.
The drainage bitches of twenty years ago
must be replaced by dams, in many instances.
The little earth heaps across pasture draws
and bayfield, bitches may not look impressive
but multiplied in numbers they impound
far more water than the most ambitious re-
servoir projects for the storage of millions of
cubic feet of water. Here is the place where
the Conservation Commission can aid with
plans and instructions and even with emer-
gency relief labor if necessary, without wait
ing for legislative power to tackle the more
spectacular jobs.
Mr.. Sanders letter:
In your issue of August Is noticed an
editorial entitled water conservation in which
you say "the drainage bitches of 20 years ago
must be replaced by dams in many instances"
have suggested sluice gates that can be con-
structed at small expense and placed at inter-
walls along county bitches so that the bitches
can be used as reservoirs in dry seasons These
bitches can be locked and controlled by county
officers to prevent irresponsible parties from
opening or shutting them at inopportune
times and so can serve as both drainage and
irrigation bitches. Why is not this better
suggestion than dams? The Redwood Gazette
has brought this matter before the people of
our county at my suggestion but nothing SO
far has been done about it. Let us hear from
you in an editorial about this problem.
-
One of the hardest speeches in the world to ma
und convincing is the one setting forth the reaso
by your son can't have a dog.
Only few weeks now and two seats on the 5
ard line will be the most coveted possessions of m
pms Of fans.