irrigati.html

The Goldendale Sentinel, Goldendale, WA., July 20 1911, page 1

GLENWOOD WILL FORM IRRIGATION DISTRICT

It is now very probable that the valley of Glenwood will be irrigated with the waters of Hell Roaring Creek. This rich Valley is located thirty miles north and west of Goldendale on tributary of the Big Klickitat. Here-to-fore the waters of Bacon, Byrd and Frazer Creeks have furnished water for about 500 acres of ground the water failing in the mid summer affording water enough for stock and not making it possible for a second crop of hay. About three years ago a company of farmers was formed and made water appropriations on Hell Roaring Creek which is about twelve miles north of Glenwood. They have kept work on their rights every year but were not strong enough financially to carry their plans through as it would necessitate the ditch of the water fifteen miles over rough country. Several attempts were made to finance the proposition but they were never able to get all the land holders to sign for water. It is not necessary to build storage reservoirs at all for this project as Hell Roaring Creek is fed by the glaciers on Mount Adams so that when the hottest weather comes in the summer there is the maximum amount of water in the stream. There is enough water to irrigate twenty thousand acres.
About three years ago an attempt was made to drain the Conboy Lake by the district plan, the lake being in the heart of Glenwood valley, this was carried through the court by some of the opposing farmers until this spring all obstacles were removed and the work of draining this large area which was covered by only a few feet of water will be perfected. This will make a large area ready for irrigation.
Last week through the efforts of L.T. Gillett the district plan of irrigation was made possible. This will bring the cost of the main canal to about $7.50 acre. Which will be borne equally by the land owners and they will have twenty years time in which to pay for this project. Nearly everyone has signed a petition to the County Commissioners asking that this district be formed, a few signatures were not obtained, those refusing being ones in close touch with outside interests which are desirous of using the water for other purposes. It will be necessary to hold an election in the district and the farmers have bound themselves together to fight any outside interests that may come in to take the only water available for the valley. They have the power to condemn any rights the court might give any other parties and exercise the power of eminent domain which power is given a farming community and not a corporation desiring to use the water.
The valley of Glenwood is ideal for irrigation lying at the foot of Mount Adams; the land is nearly flat having just enough slope for good drainage. After the completion of this project this will be one of the richest dairying sections in the state of Washington. Last year a road was surveyed from Lyle to Glenwood and such a proposed road would be built at once should there be enough business in the community to demand it.