The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1935-08-13
BY GEORGE Fl. DENNY
Times STAFF Writer


Times STAFF Writer
IN the first article we
traced Indiana's sorry
history of soil erosion and
its grim ally, a lowered
water table. We saw how
the continued loss of
ground water a C u ally
would threaten human ex-
istence in this state.
What part will the thousands
of proposed low dams play in
water conservation? What will
they cost. how many men will
be employed in their construction
and where will they be located?
When the level of ground water
falls below the stream bed that
stream will be dry except during
and just after rains. Since the
natural pools in the stream bed
have become clogged with silt
from surrounding fields and
slopes the water now runs off IN
a hurry.
The dams will correct the first
of these conditions at once. At
least there will be water for
stock.
In areas where the level of the
ground water is far below the
stream bed level the water in
pools formed by the dams will
seep off through the stream
banks and down through the
stream bed to replenish the
ground water.
In time, depending on local con-
l. ditions, this storage and sub
sequent seepage will bring the
water table back to the stream
bed level and above.
The dams will never be higher
than four feet and they may be
lower. They will not flood ad-
jacent fields in time of high water.
They merely will store a part of
that high water against the dry
times, feeding it slowly back to the
thirsty soil.
After a few years the water
20 Lo fo n1icIoad
that time the other conservation
projects, reforestation, planting of
gullieS and allied measures should
be we'll along. Leaf mold and
roots will prevent erosion and silt
ing of the natural pools.
The low dams are the emergency
measure. Their usefulness will
pass when the balance of nature
is restored. But they are sadly
needed now.
OF the mora than $44,000,000
Federal funds expected to be al
lotted to Indiana. the low dam
projects will take about $2500,0 900.
Approximately 80 per cent of this
sum will go for wages. All figures
here are estimates, since final ap-
prevail has not been received from
Washington.
THERE has been criticism Of
Il the fact that trees we're to
be used in the work despite the
cry for reforestation. Dead and
dying timber will be the first to
be cut and where it is necessary
to have sound logs only crowded
groves of soft wood will be culled
And for every living tree sacri-
feed for this emergency, more will
be planted. Requirements will be
furnished by the forestry division
Of the conservation department.
Rocks will in every possible case
be made to substitute for logs.
Local conservation clubs will
contribute many of the tools and
incidental small hardware such as
wire and staples. About $3.50 men
will be employed for a year. The
average crew of IS men should be
able to build 80 dams in this time,
possibly more. The minimum
number of dams has been esti-
mated at 5000 and it is hoped the
estimate will be far exceeded
Seventy-fve counties are def
nitely listed for the benefits with
the chance that every county will
be included. In northern counties
a few dams will be constructed at
the outlets of lakes that have been
dropping fast in the last few