Page:Report of the Oregon Conservation Commission to the Governor (1908 - 1914).djvu/155

Rh gardeners have provided themselves with a small water supply which they use in the production of late crops of vegetables which could not be matured without it These late vegetables and berries go OD the market when the earlier crops have become exhausted, This is especially true of such vegetables as celery, c,ulifiower, and potatoes.

"(4) Both irrigation and drainage will deubtleas be of service in reclaiming a vast area of prairie land which, owing to poor natural drainage and to the abuse it has received in grain cnltivatio., lies in a water-logged condition till lat, in the spring, and which, even when eulUvated and sub-soiled, is wholly inc.p,ble of producing normal crop. Dr&cge of these laM, will relieve the waLe-logged condition and make them responsive to cultivation, while irrigation will carry the exps grolni on them through the dry period."

The Conservation Commission has undertaken a campaign of education, to the end that the water ajid lands in the Witlamette Valley may be put to the highest use. It is expected that this campaign will cost from fl,000 to $10,000 and be completed in two years.

The first year will be devoted to the gathering of definite information, which will be presented to the public through newspapers, official reports, and by official report to the legislature. The second year an experienced Ieturer will be employed to visit evefl town and district possible and present the facts in an instructive and entertaining manner.

To properly outline a plan of irrigation and drainage for the Willamette Valley will require knowledge as to the relative elevation of different sections of the valley; the location of all possible reservoir sitea; the amount of water available in the various streams, and some knowledge as to soil conditions. As no topographic map is available, it Is proposed by the Commission to have a sketch map made to serve its purpoee temporarily. A tentative plan with preliminary estimates of cost for irrigating each district in the valley will then be worked out. This information wiH doubt]es assist in the organization and constniction of many of the smaller projects.

THE NEW WATER LAW.

On February 24, 1909, an act providing for complete State control of the waters within the State became effective. It is based upon the police power of the State tpreserve the public peace and safety of its water usrs. After 10 months of trial, no defects of importance htve developed, and the law appears to be giving general satisfaction.

The law is somewhat in advanss of other states, in that rights to the use of water for power development are limited to a period of 40 years, and a simple and expeditious method of settling water rights wag incorporated therein. As this