A. D. 180-B
TELEGRAM
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE WASHINGTON, D. C. Night Letter Mr. R. L. Pars Soil Conservat P. 0. Buildi Room 202 Berkley, Cali Selected L. G. McLau direct diversion Pine C interested, has records sin plan into effect.
Soil Conservation Service 1261000.020
In-S-1 (0-1-SO) Laramie, Wyoming April 22, 1946
tion demonstration. Water supplied of 24 acres available. Party
find possible put tenative
r A. Reeves
THE UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND EXPERIMENT STATION AGRICULTURAL BUILDING LARAMIE, WYOMING
November 271 1946
Mr. R. L. Parshall
Senior Irrigation Engineer Soil Conservation Service Fort Collins, Colorado Dear Mr. Parshall:
I expect to be in Laramie,and available for a conference on December
9.
I am asking Dr. Vass to come to the conference and bring Mr. Lang and any other members of the staff he thinks will be able to contribute to the plans for conducting this research.Very truly yours,
AL A. HILL
(-Dean and Director JAH:hib
cc: Dr. Vass Mr. Reeves
Livision of irrigation Fort Collins, ColoT'Ao
hovJuber ;5, i946
Director J. A. Hill
Wyomin 'gricultural 4periment 3t tion University of Riming
L rit, 7iyoming Demi. Director Hill:
Aftdr eont-ottag you on Octobs5tr 24 concerning A meting with
yff%,1 ,2nd your stfr, Vr. Keeve, IhystIlf %Lnd others ?oho eight be Interested for the 2urpose of discussing the proposed Mountain-YeAow Irrig_ tixa 2roject 471(); proi:osed for thu '4ruen k,rde In ,:estern Vyomin4, youIti it be i.grtie- ble to i ucn "wetting rist :your office Nmber 9th? In tit* Interi= I hz-lie di6cue.eed this matter rith r. 4eorge D. Clyde, Chief of ,ur Division of Irrigation, 3ho ,,,L4xe:.te that sucil ,:le,.4tia,; be ,1.4.‘:. but it houia not be
poible for hitu t :tten. Lis-47 I ,zieure you tht our Division mIchinterlste,d in taL: projact, .13,1 6::,,.).J4 it finily worK out th,;t funds 'mill be !:/nil..ble to initifttl such a project this coming
ring, I thinit it wouI,i be desirabl,..., to :.Lecass our reittti„)n3 pretty much in detail n.t thit. ti2e.
am sending ccpy of thi3 letter to ar. Aeeved and to Mr.
Clyde for tdfrwation„ ..nd trust that 1.-; wil 'ad posbible for II to -eat on the date mentioned above.
Very truly 7,:yurs„
K. L. Axiihell
Senior Irrigtion Engineer
RI.14:de
CC Mr. heaves
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
College Hill, Box D Logan, Utah
September 4, 1946
Director J. A. Hill
71oming Agricultural Expt. Sta. Laramie, Wyoming
Dear Director hill:
I spent most of last week with members of my staff discussing proposed research work in irrigation in connection with the Bankhead-Flannigan ;Jill which recently passed Congress and as signed by the President. I feel this provides an opportunity for an effective program in irrigation research in each of the 17 Western states. I am thinking particularly of the proposed irrigation research program in the high mountain meadows of Wyoming. I am preparing a proposal for the consideration of the Directors of the 17 States and the Chief of Research in Washington covering in a broad way the entire field of irriga-tion research in the ';estern States.
Mr. hnlph Parshall attended this conference and I have asked him to call on you upon his return from Logan to discuss with you the features of this proposal.
I will forward to you as soon as a copy is available the de-tails of these proposed projects.
Yours very truly,
George D. Clyde, Chief Division of Irrigation cc - h. L. Parshall
A.
L.
180-BTELEGRAM
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
WASHINGTON. D. C. 3troicht 1:essnr7e I. L. Soil Conserv, Colorado A Ft. Collins, Impossible to have rt-:: Supervisors. Bill and Yoeting preferably =non
3011 3ousorvati-n iorvice
Leranie, ,:yominc rctdbor 24, 1946
18th aceeunt jtato jootinc District of town. 3uGgeot week December
9th.
th.
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(74 /14-1.41.1.41Z144
Berkeley, Calif. DeCoesber 7,
1944
P.O. Box 180
Mr. C. J. Francis, Chief ' Regional ...]ngineering
Soil Conservation Service, Box 713,
Lincoln 1, Nebraska.
Dear Mr. Franciti
There is enclosed a brief report prepared by R. L. Parshall on "Irrigation of Mountain Meadows in Wyoming. This
re-port was prepared at your request, and contains some recommend-ations which may be found useful.
One other subject that has not been covered sufficiently is the change in the type of vegetation resulting from the practice of continuous irrigation during the growing season. It is hoped that this matter can be gone into for the purpose of determining type of vegetation resulting from this practice. It should be determined whether this is the most desirable vegetation or whether intermittent irrigation would permit of a better hype of grass being grown.
Very truly yours,
McLaughlin, Chief Division of Irrigation.
P.S. Copies of enclosed report have
been sent
to Nichols, A.E. Jones, J.S. James, and Hill of Wyoming.Memorandum Concerning the Irrigation of :Jountain Meadows in The Green River Valley in Western Wyoming
by
R. L. Parshall Senior Irrigation Engineer
Soil Conservation service, Division of Irrigation Fort Collins, Colorado
At present there appears to be a good opportunity to investigate the subject of mountain meadow irrigation, primarily from the stand— point of increasing the yield and improving the quality of the hay. It is hoped that resulting from such an investigation, important facts
will be found that will be fundamental in their application to other areas throughout the mountain districts of neighboring states here the hay crop and its attendant livestock feeding constitutes the chief
industry of these localities. Reports are at hand indicating the decaine of tonnage per acre, inferiority of the quality of the crop, and the general effects upon the animas consuming the hay. At present there are some promising avenues of aparoach to the problem as a whole whereby improvement in yield and quality of grass can be attained by moderation in the application of water and the reestablishment of certain species of grasses known to be well suited to growth in the higher altitudes and also to have high nutritive values. For the most part the present mountain meadow .nas are fairly well suited to the application of water and will in general require little or no grading or leveling. Occasional fields could be resurfaced to advantage from the standpoint of increasing the efficiency of the use of water and at the same time promote a better growth of grass. High altitudes are indicative of short growing seasons •'nd therefore restricts tae program of crops largely to that of hay, which has a relatively low return per acre. The expense involved in the rehabilitation of meadow lands lei resurfacing, new layout of the irriga— tion distribution system, elimination of willows and trees and other improvements, must be justly considered in reltion to the productive revenue return per acre. For special favorble places, larger costs of
,reparing land may be entirely warranted ,,here pure stands of grasses are cultivated for seed production.
Various brancnes of the science of agriculture should be associated with this problem, namely, the soil scientist, agronomist, engineer, aniaal husbandryman, chemist, economist, the native stocknan and possibly the forest and range specialist. The problem will of course touch upon the subject of soil, water and plant relationships. In this the scientific animal husbandryman and the chemist will be concerned with rations and nutrition of various species of high altitude grasses,
_2—
the agronomist with varieties of el.: nts and their adaptability, the engineer in reletion to proper irrigation end management of water, the economist will be c ncerned with costs of roduction ald arrketing, the native etocklln ,ith loctl experience, will be concerned with tne practical aspects of tne study, and no doubt, the ree-eion of eunuer r nos and meadow hay roduction will be e siJelight in connection with the 'problem as a whole.
From the engineering point of view, it is hoped that facts may be secured covering the controversial subject as to how' much of the water diverted from a stream into the ditches, eerving mountain meedow lands, is immediately returned to the etreAs as surface drainage and also; what effect, if any, has temperature of tee irrigation water upon the
development and growth of native gresees? Further review of the investiga-tion no doubt will suggest other eeually important phases of the study.
Reconnaissence
It is suggested that before any outline or preconceived plen of study be developed, that an inventory be taken of the general features of the problem mere er lese based on e thorough field inspection as to advantages and poseibilitios found conducive to the proeecution of the propoeed investigation.
At the present time it :le eel's most likely that certain 'teas in the vicinity of Boulder, Pinedale, Daniel, ns Big Piney a y afford opportunities for carrying on irrigetion studies in cooperation with some of the stockmen in these eoemunities. It would be in mine to discuss luite fully with these men the general overall features of the inves'igetion, the purpose, tee anticipated reale-tat benefits and
gentrelly hoe the work is ex, ected to be netnaged. Also the encouragement of their cooperation in the study. :hi succese of ouch a project will be greatly enhenced by seekin tea edveice of natives who by long contact with these )robiems, know much from the practical side that will be of consider bee Avantage to such a study.
(;omprehensive map should be made avallebee for this initiel
inspection for the purpose of identification of possible areas suitable to the work, acres involved and for the entry of other useful information. inspection of the individual meadows, species of . redomin,nt grasses,
general topography of the meadows, slopes end other feat,res should be .1-de of record. The distribution of the irrigation water, laterals and
capacities, source of supply, eue,uacy of seeely, history of delivery and priority for use. Rather full particulars as to aeelicetion, now
accomdlisned and other itens related to the general prectice of
irrigition in these S. Record wade of the frost eriods and pre-cidit%tion,
ro
get information s to previous winter snoe cover 'ne thefollowing ,;.3,i8on he/ crop. How soon after the snow is gone from the meadow lands eili irrigation eater be aeelied? Search out some areas weere meadows are maintained under more or loss restricted water supply. Ascertain depth to water table and get informetion Ji to aeerion's
fiuctuetion. Get Weeth.r Bureau temperature records for these areas. It is assumed that other eertinent and useful infornetion beering on the
problem will be collected by the representatives interested in soils. Agronomy, livestock, economics and other ehi.ses of such a eropoeed investigation. This field ineeoetion trip, through the Green River
district, should be made just prior to the cutting of the neadows to eermit of a general impression of the growth of the grass, stand, and other
featires useful in summing up the acteetebility of certain fields for experimental work.
It is desirable to obtain the location of one or more selected pieces where experimental
grass
plots can be established. such plots ehould_eve the advantage of good soil an exposure and n dependable water steeply. from a travel standpoint these plote should not be to far removed from
head uarters. If it is later decided that attention be given to the consumptive Use of water on mountain nee.dor lands, LJ a particular pert of this general study, it wouLl be well during this reconnaissance survey of the area to keep in mind the eeeaction of a suitable pl co to carry on this phase of the investigation. For this purpose a more or Jess Ideal setup would be a seell tributary area huving total of 1,500 to 2,000 acres of meadow lands served by
6 to 10 •aitches.
The simple over-all feateres of this eroblem would be to first measure the stream flow of the coil:eon source of supply at a point just above the first diversion, also at a point down stream from the margin of the last e ow irrigeted and simultaneously the flow of all the diversion between the eeeer and lower stations on the main stream. From these reeerds of flow, or acre-feet taken from the stream, and the amount in the streem et the lower stet on, it can be determined how much water was retained on the n'edows. This difference in acre-feet is made up of two f. eters, first the actual use by the vegetation and second the amount of water held in the soil, shich over a period of time will grevit,te back to the stream as seepage returns.eminery survey or ineeection trip over state, will consume 4 full week er 10 reletione as a basis for eateing up linos of study.
It likely that this erel' the a eaes, in the section ef the days to fully aam up the various the most :ractical and efficient
-4—
Ossortunity and Anticipated Results
There assetrs to be a tendency, over the ,-• st few years, in the detonation of the quality and yield of hay from the mountain meadows in the Green River csintry in western syoming. It may be later found
that tse siality of hay has diminished becsuse of undesirable grasses that have cJne in shish constitute a more or sess dominant growth of the mesuows. The practice of irrigstion, has no doubt, renained substantially the same over the ye,rs Lnd tne reason of decadence in
ield if due to irrigation srsctice, is not so apparent at this time. General information and knowledge of the water requirements of plants &Lis be applied to this problem with the hope of beneficial results
in promoting better yi!lds of hay.
rhe
present situation seems to offer an excellent oppurtunityto undertsSe s cooperative study in this area with the view of advancing the sroduction of hay to a higher level.
One f the desirable features of this proposed investigstion is the ossortunity uf csoserstion between state and federal agencies together with the earnest cooper ties) effort ,ad encoursgesent from
the stockmen to be benefited. The outline of this proposed roject s. ould be practice', comprehensive and moderate in scope. The work can, without doubt, be carried on at a reasonable cost and not involve any one cooperator with an svor burden of expense. The general requirements for e,uipment . needed sill be nominal and should be provided at a modes te cost. From
the standpoint of the irrigation phase of tse Investigation, s few record— ing instraments may be required and a limited number of water seesuring flumes, ,r other suitable structures. These needs can also be provided at reasonable expense.
It con be assumed trust the results from this investisation will be
A substAntiLl contribution to the field of agriculture in general and will
have particular ssslicstion to the various localities throughout all our western states ssere mountain meadow a are basic in the sus s)rt of the livestock industry and general prosperity of tna test.
The
initiation of Leech s proposed study in .yoming is vary timely,first, secssse tsis state is far tuvanced in the sivestock business and
secsnd, AvLst.ge of c uncil Lrid guldtnce by the scientific staff of too iyosins ..;xseri2ent Station whose training and. exserience will be invaluable in assisting in the direction and supervision sf the sork.
Sussiwents1 Notes
The
meadow lands in western S„rsming are typical of those fundelsewhere in neishboring states. Tii grosing season is short because of the altitude ranges from sbsut 7,u0 to 7,5SU foot above Lieu sevel.
rhe gring season is short 1)cise of the altitude mniiing
from ,;bout 7,0C)0 to 7,500 feet :loove 60h level. Livestock cQnstitutes the principal industry of this section of the Green River Valley. Water for irrig:ition is generally ample. ?resent quality and yield of hay apears to be declining over the past few ;'ears.
The opportunity for establiahing an investigntion covering the
prob-em of hay production from mountain meadows is timely. A preliminary inspection of the .trett is to be made hb ut truly 1, 1945, to ascertain the broad aspect of this proposed project aid to determine the e:Aent of cooperation, limitritions, suitability, conveniences and other related details.
Lesirabe to Aave :pecL11 grass plots established in :..;pring of 1945 to servo as possible mans of correlation of results later as the investigtion continues. Because ofthe universal application of the oxdected results such a study at this time is believed to be of consider— able import tics.
Fort Collins, Color do March 30,
1945
cc - 3. J. Francis, Lincoln,heUraska - John 6. Jumps, Biiiing*,Mpntang
IrrigAtion Fort Oollins, Color%do
IIVAY 6, 1946
Ar. George 11. Clyde
Chief, Division of Irrie-tioa
Sji Conservatiou Service Co.age Hi.11, Box D
Log n, Utah Dear Mr.
Resulting from a short conference with gr. Reeves, State Soil Conservo.tionist, 6011 eonserv4tion 'oervice, ;:t Llramie, en th.: evening of April 16th, I Ilvve prepllred a tent!Itive outline covering the proposed .cloonttain medow iv'rig:tion pro-ject intended to be conducted in the (..reen River volley in weat-ern yoing. "s you will note, this project outline pro-poses that Mr. J'MA13 ba the leader, and 'Ir. 0. K. B, rnas, n,vonouist of the Soil t,onocev ,t5ou oervice, and Frofet,sor Robert i,ang, kgronomist of the Wyoming ix2;eriment Station, asuiatttnts.
You will observe the two brie-* reports, prepared November 1944 and MArch 1945, attlohed to the outline, these menorand,i covering much more detii of the proposeu investigution. rhese
two ahort reports are aade a pxt of thio outIne as 1. mono of giving more information ritive to this subject.
i am ouitc 511031 thAt Mr. Frnilcis, tegional Chief ,agineer, Soil Conservation Service, at iancoln, is very much concerned about this proposed work, and it would be my suggestion that ilmodiate contact sh,)10. 1)-J mAe with his office ...nd also
ith Mr. with the hope that some preliminary work might get Ander way some time next month, providing the necessary
cooperttion ,;.ira be set up with the Wyoming z4periment Station and possibly 30M'.1 of the farmers in th3 vicinity of Big Piney and Pinedaie, Wyoming.
Very truLy yours,
R. Parshall
:)enior Irrigntion Lngineer &closures -, copies Outline
CO - Berkeley office and 1 copy Outline
THE UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE and EXPERIMENT STATION AGRICULTURAL BUILDING
LARAMIE ,WYOMING
June 28, 1945
Mr. R. IL. Parshall
Senior Irrigation Engineer Division of Irrigation Soil Conservation Service Fort Collins, Colorado Dear Mr. Parshall:
I did not answer your letter in regard to the date of the trip to western Wyoming because I was handling it through Mr. Reeves. I think he has worked it out with you so that the trip will start by leavinL: Laramie on the morning of July 16. He said that you considered this the most suitable time.
Professor Vass thinks tl,at it will be too early because the season is very late this year, and the water will still be run-ning over the meadows and it All not be possible to get around. However, we shall have at least Mr. Lang go along with you, and if it is possible Professor Vass and I shall also go.
I am very anxious to make the trip myself, but just at pre-sent I am Acting President of the University until the arrival of our new presiclent, Dr. U. D. Humphrey. If he should plan to arrive during the week of the trip, I think it would be necessary for me to stay on the campus in order to meet him and introduce him to the University staff.
JAR:jrm
cc: Edgar A. Reeves
Very truly yours,
J . hILL
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
P. O. Box 713 Lincoln 1, Nebraska
June 19, 1945
Mr. R. L. Parshall
Senior Irrigation Engineer Soil Conservation Service klort Collins, Colorado
Dear Mr. Parshall:
Subject: Proposed Irrigation Studies in aestern Wyoming
In reply to your letter of June 15th relating to the proposed trip to western 'Wyoming, the week of July 15th would be satis-factory to me. It would not be convenient for me to take the trip before the above-mentioned date, but in the event the
other members of the group were favorable to postponing the trip to the week of July 22nd, that date would also be satis-factory.
Very truly yours,
, Chief
Form SCS-112 INTEROFFICE TRANSMITTAL
To:
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
Billings, Lontana :r. H. L. i-arshall,
Jenior Irrigation Engineer Fort Jollins, Colo.
(Location)
Subject: Liountain Leadows of ,:estern Your letter of June 15 to Er. Francis.
Attached hereto find listed as follows:
PERIOD OR DATE NUMBER ISSUED TO— AMOUNT
I a7ree that, on account of the lateness of the season, July 15 would be better qlri an earlier date for an inspection trip to the mountain meadow area.
I have no k esent committments which would conflict with making a trip to western iyoming on, or shortly after, July 15.
cc to i_r. _Laughlin
Official Project No Work Project No
_LOW
184. 190
(Date)
Irric —ngineer (Title)
Purchase Orders (Form SOS-ill) and Notice of Miscellaneous Encumbrances (Treasury Form A-5) are the only forms that may be listed on the same sheet. Each other typo of document should be listed on separate sheets. There should be listed on one sheet only the documents pertaining to a single Work Project.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE BUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING ,
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UNITED STATES
bEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
Division of Irrigation Fort Collins, Colorado
April 19, 1946 AIR MAIL Mr. Ralph L. Parshali P. 0. Box 180 Berkeley, California Dear Mr. Parshall:
I have looked all over the office for the large envelope entitled "itdountain Meadow Irrigation"
but I can't find it. I remember sein,-; the envelope in the office not long ago but it is not there now. I believe you must have picked up the envelope
when you started to California so that you would have it at Laramie. I would suggest a thorough search of all the material you took with you.
CM •
Very truly yours,
PRODUCE
Ar,
CONSERVE
FIGHTS
The following outline enumerates the work which could be accomplished by Mr. Lang of the Agronomy Department, University of Wyoming, and Mr. Barnes of the Research Division of the Soil Conservation Service,in connection with proposed mountain meadow studies near Pinedale, Wyoming.
This amount of work could be accomplished without the aid of an assistant and assuming that the necessary machinery is available.
1. Seed plots as indicated on attached diagram (spring of 1946). 2. Harvest and determine yield of hay (fall of 1946).
3. Take stand count, general observation notes, and yield. (1947 to 1950.
When sufficient additional labor is available, this study may be expanded to include other methods of seeding, other plant species or mixtures, and any other meadow improvement practices which may be indicated by this preliminary study.
Seeding rates proposed as follows: Alfalfa - *5-if per acre )
Brome - 7# per acre ) Mixture No. 1 Lolium -
a*
per acre )Alsike - 34 per acre )
Timothy - 7k per acre ) Mixture No. 2 Lolium - 2-4 per acre 1
* 5:4 used because available seed of Ranger alfalfa is of poor germination. This variety used because of wilt resistance.
4\
• • Border Planting Check Brome-Alfalfa-LoliumAlsike - Timothy - Loliru
Check
Brome - AlfLlfa - Lolium
Alsike - Timothy - Lolium
Border Planting
Border Planting
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Check
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Check
Brome - Alfalfa - Lolium
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Border Planting
Border Planting
Brome - Alfalfa - Lolium
Alsike - Timothy - Lolium
Check
Brome - Alfalfa - Lolium
Alsike - Timothy - Lolium
Check
Border Planting
I[OITTI
CLASS bF SERVICE This is a full-rate Telegram or Cable-gratn unless its de-ferred character is in-dicated by a suitable symbol above or pre-ceding the address.
WEST RN
UNION
A. N. WILLIAMS PRESIDENT .1 SYMBOLS DL =Day Letter NI. = Night Letter LC =Deferred Cable NLT =Cable Night LetterShip Radiogram r
The tiling time shown in the date line on telegrams and day letters is STANDARD TIME at point of origin. Ti is SZANDARD TIME at point of destination
7A50
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'T4-VA651 GOVT NL PD=LARA 11E WYO 29
R L PRASHALL7
=SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE PO BLDG ROOM
222:PERKLEY
CALIF=
:SELECTED L G MCLAUGHLIN RAPQR IRRIGATION
DEMONSTRATICN*
WATER SUPPLIED DIRECT, DIVERSION PINE CREEK*
ALL OR PART OF
24 ACRES AVAILABLE* PARTY INTERESTED-, HAS
RECORDS SINCE 1921-:
HOPE YOU FIND POSSIBLE PUT TENATIVE PLAN INTO EFFECT=
EDGAR A REEVES-i
.-24 1971-4-w
STANDARD FORM No. 14A
APPROVED BY THE PRESIDENT MARCH 10, 1926
TELEGRAM
OFFICIAL BUSI NESS-GOVERN MENT RATES oovERNazarr P11217.0 ern. 8-6009
Night Letter E. 0. Reeves
Soil conservation Service Laramie, Wyoming DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE BUREAU APPROPRIATION 222 Post Office Bldg. Berkeley, Calif. April 23, 1946
Outline of project later. Advised no funds available rest of fiscal year for Green River study. Letter follows.
Parshall Send Gov't Rate - Paid
Gftarge - Div. of Irrigation 222 P.O. Bldg. Berkeley, Calif.
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July 24th. All day Tuesday in Cokeville-Hamsfork and Big Virmy Distrieta. Spend night in Piney. July 25th. Wednesday.
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Piney and Pinedmie nistriote.Spend night in ?inedale.
July 11th. Pinedale district, Boulder flat. Spend night in Jackson.
July 27th. Jackson district.
COLSVILLE.. HAMSF,JAK DISTRICT
OLOF ?OLSON RANCH Planted May 1944 without nurse crop.
Mixture: Alta fescue Of, Red Clover 4, Smooth bums
3,
Lentueky Bluegrass it, Crested Nheatgrass 41. Plowed In fall and leveled with Sveraman Leveler.Irrigated the ground 2 or 3 days prior to seeding. Cut early in July to control weeds.
Yield 2 tons per acre the first year. Cut in September.
Alfalfa and brass
Yields on 65 acres vary fram 100 to 200 teas. Masa are accurate measurements as he sells hay every year. Alfalfa was winter killed when used im a solid stand. Red Clover gees in {Iraq's of 2 to years.
Practices on and off irrigation. He states that ths meadow grows every time he puts an the water and every time he takes it off.
Seeds right on the ground by broadcasting, followed with a harrow and then irrigating. Does not plow. This is an salt sage ground where brush does not interfere with operatians.
$10 PIM DISTRICT
WALTZ, T*,)SE RARCH
Typieal native meadow.
Water turned on In spring as soon as it VOA possible to get water in the ditch out of the Orson River. Water turned off before hayirk, to allow ground to
dry enough for machinery to work.
=later turned an again atter haying if possiblo to get it in the ditoh.
LOB MUIR RANCH
Alfalfa and brom*. Also various mixtures. May 194$. This laud had boon in small train for throb years before
planting.
The irrigation system was laid out with contour 'grade laterals at intervals of about 150 foot.
The first year was noot irrigated and volunteer crop of oats was harvested.
Spring of '44 was heavily grazed with horses, and irrigation was poor and spotted.
Crop was out in '44.
Throughout the life of this plot it has had hard use wYtch is tylloal of this area. The stork soneentrato au this area in preforonoe to others.
JOVN VIENILD
Alfalfa stand that is not owing very well. Good stand but not much height.
McNinch
Alfalfa that is diseased with wilt, crown rot. Stand is three years old and very thin.
DISTRCT
NORMAN BAI(LOP RAhCR
Crested whisatgrass, on same of the best soil In the area and acme of the most avivelly.
SAK STARK
Reeonversien of typioal i-iesdow to hitch producin4 alsike, timothy said red top.
This area was plowed up, wooded t o grain, floated with tversman Leveler and seeded in '44 with cover crop of oats.
BOULDER CAhAL
Built with contractor and District equipment Bummer of D42.
BILL MOCLUAS
Crested wheatgraso, Ladak alfalfa. &rim alfalfa.
LIRT if:1MR
bow land broken up with disc plow, alfalfa ad time moadows.
JACKSON 11 0 LE DISTRICT
hARK7:7At,S.41
4101.11111111111110111M
Brom &rasa on dryland, now 6.4414 of brome &rase with cover crop of barley.
MATT Dryland grass mixtures for pasture. Alfalfa
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kfle -I 1".1 A Ai '41.16Z7 C f t-CLASS OF SERVICE This is a full-rate Telegram or Cable-gram unless its de-ferred character is in-dicated by a suitable symbol above or pre-ceding the address.
WESTE
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A. N. WILLIAMS PRESIDENT 1201(47
SYMBOLS DL Day Letter NL -=Night Letter LC =Deferred Cable NLT =Cable Night LetterShip Radiogram r
The filing time shown in the date line on telegrams and day letters is STANDARD TIME at point of origin. Time of receipt is STANDARD TIME at point of destination
V420 10 GOVT=BILLINGS MONT 21 737A
R L PARSHALL=
1945 JUt. 21 AM 7 51
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE COLO AGR EX!' S-1.
I WILL ARRIVE FORT COLLINS ON BURLINGTON SUNDAY JULY 22=
S JAMES4,
22.
D
EAR Candidly consider its words of truth and warningFRIEND :— Carefully read this little tract. You are in the world for a purpose. Multitudes there are who seem to live for nothing more than the pleasures with which the circumstances of life fill each passing hour. This should not be. God intended that you should live an upright, pure life, in fellowship with Him on the earth and enjoy His blessedness and glory in the heaven of heavens. Soon you must leave these earthly scenes; their passing pleasures and lingering sorrows; the laugh of the gay and light-hearted, the tears and sighs of the care-worn; the rumbling and rattling of commercial, social and political life will soon be still in death's midnight darkness. Brother, sister, friend, with all the various responsibilities of life upon you, with all the changing, fleeting, deceptive things around you calculated to divert your mind from this awful fact, let me kindly remind you that you are going to the tomb. Business will cease, plea-sures will be over, the winding sheet, the coffin, the funeral tread, the grave will end the story of earthly life and soon will be your lot, for, "It is appointed unto man once to die." Nor is the grave the goal of the route upon which you travel; man's long home lies beyond the tomb! I know the seeming wants of the human, and the hurry and whirl of this fast age directly tend to drive from your mind .all thoughts of things eternal. But, precious soul, I will speak by the quiet way of this little tract, if youwill listen. "After death the judgment." What arrange-ments are you making for entertainarrange-ments in the great beyond? What plans for pleasure have you, when this world of bewitching excitement reels, staggers and falls to its final doom? Listen! Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. Why not now turn from sin, seek Him with all your heart and thus be prepared to meet your God? We shall be without excuse, for full provision has been made for our forgiveness, yea, our redemption from sin and eternal death, for "He came to seek and save that which was lost."
F. L. Baker, OS E. Van Buren Street, Battle Creek, Michigan.
1
This Concerns
YOU
-UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
Laramie, 1yaming June 26, 1945
R. L. Parshall
Senior Irrigation Engineer Division of Irrigation Fort Collins, Colorado
Dear Mr. Parshal 1:
Attached are five copies of the tentative schedule for the Mountain Meadow Tour. le will leave Laramie on July 16th at 8:00 A.M. from the Conner Hotel.
We have sent copies of the schedule to Robert Lang, Oscar Barnes, J. A. Hill, A.F. Vass, C. J. Francis, Thomas Doughty and Richard linters.
If you have any further suggestions about this tour T hope you will not hesitate to let us know what they are. It is possible, since talking to you, that neither Mr. Vass nor Mr. Hill will be able to go on this tour, although Mr. Hill said he would do his
best to make arrangenents to go. For some reason or other, it seems that the President elect of the University will not be here until about the 15th or 16th and Hill has been put in as President of the Deans until the President arrives. This may complicate mattersa little. However, I believe if the Dean will send some of his men along in his place, we had best go along with the tour as planned, rather than put it off. We will awaiWour decis'on in this matter.
Yours very sincerely;
EdgarA Reeves
Division of Irrigation Fort Collins, Colorado
July 2,
1945
Mr. ZdgHr A. Reeves 6tate Conservationist Soil Conservation ,,arvice Laramie, Wyoming
Dear Mr. Reeves:
This is to :Icknowiedge your letter of June 26 inclosing
copies of the tentative tr,vel schedule covering the inspection trip in the L;reen River Va-Ley in western 4.ycy,ing relative to the mountain meadow irrigation study.
It 1,4111d be my opinion that since a number of ?ersons are c.ncerned in this proposed trip rici that nrr%noments now have been mmcie to tmvel during r.rit: week of July 16, we should endeavor
t maintain this date and thus avoid possible complications otherwise.
I am sending co?les of our suggested schedule to gr. W. W. mdtaqghlin, Chief of our IJivision of Irrigation,
suggesting tivA Mr. Sales of Billings, Amtana be informed of our plans and if possible, have him join us on this inspection trip. I note in your letter that Messrs Robert Lang, Oscar .'6.1-nes, J. A. Hill, A. F. 1/.1ss, C. J. Francis, Thorns Doughty and Richard
iiinters have alredy been supplied T4lth a copy of this itinerary.
If anything further deve.Lops c ncerning my plans I will immediately inform you.
Very truly yours,
R. L. Parshall
Mountain Meadow Tour Leave Laramie, ;yoming, 8:00 A.M. July 16, 1945. Arrive Kemmerer, lyoming night of July 16, 1945. July 17.
Poison Ranch
Danvers Ranch Facinelli Ranch Chrisman Ranch -gait Yose Ranch July 18.
Henry Budd Ranch Sadie Ousterhout Kveneld ranch
1101.111111111•1..11.1.1...11•1111 ...
Joe Rudd Ranch July 19.
John Bloom Ranch Niko Steel Ranch
Feltner Ranch
'Afton Ranoh
OUT OF Kr" 'rrI•slz
Improving meadow, email acreages at a time, leveling, grain for a period then to hay. Some irrigation inprovement. Good meadow and irrigation establishment.
Over irrigation, start of inprovement program. Improve7,ent program of rancher.
Typieal local meadow (over irrigated.) OUT OF BIG PINEY
General meadow hay production. 4eadow problem. That to do. Hay production
Improvement irrigation, pasture, hay, etc. OUT OF PINEDALE
Old meadow with local irrigation system. Drainage. Abandoned meadow. lhat to do.
(Grass plot.) Development of 500 acres of land for V:: and feed production.
Use of water on boulder flats. ceeding o vegetation. Sam tarks Ranch Conservation development on 160 acres, wind break, leveling
reseeding, etc.
July 20. BETWEEN PIN7DALE JACK SON
Pfisterer Ranch Old meadow, irrigation and type of meadow, etc. %ealeipih Ranch Pasture development by water killing sage. Tronson Panch Meadow development and irrigation lay out. Frank Hansen Ranch Brame grass seeding. 'et his story.
Andrew ':-rickson 7ebb Ranch Hiatt Ranch
Ranch Meadow probleq. How can he keep Crested wheat, alfalfa, grass-legume Grass plots, green alfalfa, peas and
meadow. mixture.
July 21. !:TrInr 'reek Yormen Flats Diteh ''rook Flat Crook Peturn July 22. OUT OF JACKSON
STANDARD FORM No. 14A
2:30PM
APPROVED BY THE PRESIDENT MARCH 10, 1926
TELEGRAM
OFFICIAL BUSINESS-GOVERNMENT RATES
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Form SCS-112 INTEROFFICE TRANSMITTAL
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
Billings2 Lontana (Location) To: Mr. Ralph L. Parshall,
3enior Irri.7ation Engineer
Attached hereto find listed as follows:
PERIOD OR DATE Dear Ralph: It has occur re by public cony ;;yoming, to me meadows. If • of Yr. McLaugh advise me as s To eliminate u come by train both of these Very best rega
cc. Lr. ricL NUMBER to me that, on yance, it might t you at some p ou think this w in,—who will be on as you can o certainty, I ca o Fort Collins, lternatives ope ds, ughlin
ISSUED TO— AMOUNT
account of the present difficulty of travel be better for me to drive the truck into earranged point, for the trip to the mountain uld be well and if it meets with the approval advised by a copy of this letter,— please ' the time and place for such a meeting.
advise you definitely by wire wh4her I will or meet you in the field, if you w- sh to leave
for my final decision.
6incerely,
Official Project No. Work Project No. July 9, 1945
(Date)
(Title)
Purchase Orders (Form SCS-111) and Notice of Miscellaneous Encumbrances (Treasury Form A-5) are the only forms that may be listed on the same sheet. Each other type of document should be listed on separate sheets. There should be listed on one sheet only the documents pertaining to a single Work Project.
dir
•
Form SCS-112 INTEROFFICE TRANSMITTAL
To:
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
420 Stapleton Bldg. Billincs2 Montana
(Location)
Mt. Ralph L. Parshall, 3enior Irrigation Engineer Fort Collins, Cob.
Attached hereto find listed as follows:
PERIOD OR DATE Dear Ralph: Truman _-,nd Office in subject to Please let the mounta to come to leaving y I will, of dith best NUMBER
son ahs asked ru ozeman, July 20
he trip to west e know as soon n meadow country Fort Collins byt at some convien course, adjust egards,
Jincere
cc/ Er. McLaughlin
ISSUED TO— AMOUNT
to attend a Staff Meeting at the State d 21. I have told him that I would, n yoming.
s definite dates are set for the trip to If it works out that way, I would be glad train and travel with you from thee, probably ent RR or bus station along your return trip.
plans to your plans for me.
yl
Official Project No. Work Project No. July 3, 1945
J. S. James
(Signature) Irrigation Engineer
(Date) (Title)
Purchase Orders (Form SCS-111) and Notice of Miscellaneous Encumbrances (Treasury Form A-5) are the only forms that may be listed on the same sheet. Each other type of document should be listed on separate sheets. There should be listed on one sheet only the documents pertaining to a single Work Project.
Divsloaf Irrigatioa Fort Cailias, Colorado
June 15, 1945
Mr. C. J. Tremolo, Chief Lnsineer Engineering Divisiss
Soil Cosservaties Service Liaoola 1, Nebraska
Dear itr.,Tranels.
Sr. Z. A. Some, Stet. Conservationist of Wyoming just 'phoned me eomeeming to.,)reposed inspeelion trip to be aside
in the Gress River Valley of western Wyoming in conuestiom with trie ?ropoeed irrigstica studies to be conducted in that eras. I gathered from Sr. Reeves' restate that ne a,,d in mind that -„,ossib4 I should comtast ell parties 4oerned to dateraim, Mon a tiftte soot satisfaetory for this trip. Alecause of the lateeese of the OWNS ann adverse gruwing emoditiona, perheys about the middle
allay
would be ft most op -ortune ttme to viol% this area. It le boalowee %he development of the eemiese would be more er less at st maximum at this time.I sa eirsulating espies of my letter to you to tower, SeLaughlts, Director HIll as June* elth the thought of briftos
them reA7 a* to *Sinner or not the meek of Ju.17 15 would be met setlifeetury to oil ecneerced. After having reeeived revile*
will let yam mod the rest of the interested parties knoe of definite pl.tns moot suitable to all* this matter if Is seecr4ance with my suggestions mode is eemereedem covering the asetias in Director offies at She University' of wyoming last Nardi 15.
&rime
CC te My. wnr-Dtrastsr Sr. Jesse Mr. Some
Very truly yoars,
R. L, Parshall
Division of Irrigation Fort CoJains„ Color4o
Jtine 15, 1945
r. G. J. Fr:mois, Chief ,.;n ineor ringinsertua DivIsion
Soil Cionserwativn ,1- ervice Lincoln 1, Nebrniska
Den? Mr. Fralcitts
Nws A, As 4000.44 State Uonswristioniut of iromimg just
ligobisosi as
someornimg the proposed ins;Asotion trip to be made La the Gress River Valley of **stern wymmimg in conaection with the proposed irrig%tiom stadia* to he comimeted in that area. I dathere4 fron Ur. Rooms' remarks that be had in nind thatpoisibLy 1 should contact all parties esisiosrviwi to deteraino upon vh date gest satisfactory for this trip. Semmes af the Intones* of the essason smd eilveree growing eondittsme, iiora:144 about the middle ',.)f July would heamest opportune Uwe to visit this area* It Ls tbedevolopeeent of the meadow would he more or less at A meatimma at this time.
/ ait circilattng oopies of oy letter ta you to Messrs ,irector dill oad Jame, with the taought of having that reply 4111 t whether or not the seek of July 15 would be moot eatief*etz;ry to all oomeerued. After having reeeived replies
will lot you md the rest the intermitted darties how of definite plina aoat suitabla to all. this natter is in accordance with ay suggestion* audit in ay amierandiall 4losirring the meeting in Director Millis *Moe t the Oaiversityot twining lust Iktrah 15.
'Cry trimly yours,
R. I.. Paraiba&
Lpenior Irrigation Amgimeer CC to Mr. SeLstghlin
Direetee 11113.
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-79Joint Working Plan of
Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station and
Soil Conservation Service
United States Department of Agriculture
Wyoming
R-3-10. Wyo. R-3
April 30, 1946 Plan No. 1 I - TI.5,te: Water Requirements for Irrigation
II - LOCATION: Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, L'iramie, Wyoming
III - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use and application of water to mountain natuual grass meadows in the Green Liiver valley, western Wyoming. IV - PREVIOUS WORK AND PRESEN2 OUTWOK ON THE PROBLEU: See Appendix "A".
V pROCEDURE: The general features underlying the procedure of such
a project would be to select 3 to 5 separate meadow areas, ranging from 50 to 100 acres, irrigated by water from one supply ditch where the amount of water applied to the meadow wou1,1 be accurately measured at a point upstream in this ditch above the margin of the meadow and if possible to measure or carefully estimate the extent of waste water, these data constituting the means of determining the gross/.pplication.
In the selected area grass plots would be established under the direction and care of the Agronomy Section of the Wyoming Experiment Station, who would be responsible for the agronomic features of the investigation.
Appendix "A"
Attentim was called early in 1944 to the problem of irrigation and production of natural hay in the Green River valley in western Wyoming.4- The Soil Conservation Service. Engineers and Technicians of the Lincoln, Nebraska office. A personal inspection of conditions in this area in Wyoming was made in September 1944 where it was observed that the practice of irrigation during the summer season was questioned because of the over-indulgence,of water and,
Aitm.d.AL CA) the apparent reduced crop yield in tone per acre. A brief reportAwas
covering this inspection trip and certain recommadations then made as
•
features of a study of the problem of use and application of water to mountain meadows. The necessity and importance of such a project was with Director Hill of the Wyoming Zxperiment Station at his office in
prepared essential these discussed Laramie March 1945 for the purpose of outlining such a study in cooperation with the Experiment Station in cooperation with the Division of Irrigation of the Soil Conservation Service. Those present at the conference were generally in agreement with this proposed study and further memorandum covering this meeting was prepared for further consideration, as copy attached.
Appendix "B"
It is generally believed that the present practice of mountain
meadow irrigation can be improved by fou_Lowing a schedule of applying water at certain intervals of 2 or
3
days off and on to permit the soil to be aeratedand thus maintain higher temperatures conducive to a more normal growth of the grass plants. It is also believed that the application of water to the meadows early in the spring is detrimental to the growth of the grass. This early application retards the thawing out of the frozen soil and the temperature of the water applied early in the spring is the runoff from snow-malt at low elevations. Water at such temperatures, no doubt, is not conducive to rapid spring grotth of the meadows. Observations of grass lands in Uolorado and elsewhere indicate that better growth is noted on lands where moderate irrigation is practiced.
The Division of Irrigation's interest would lie largely in the installation of suitable measuring devices, equipped with recording instruments, and be
responsible for the records having to do with application and waste as a means of determining the net application, also to set up a definite program of an irrigation schedule flexible enoogh to point out the most
practical procedure to produce maximum hay yield. Instruments are now available to accommodate the requirements of this proposed study.
VI - fCkiNiUiLEADEftb AND PLriouNNLIJ:
Technical 1..eader: John S. jamas (1.
// $-°\
- Technical Assistants: O. K. Barnes, frofessor hobert Lang VII - jouPEh,IfluN: In this cooperation it is proposed that the Hyoming
Experiment Station carry on the project as the principal party and the Division of Irrigation to cooperate more or less from the standpoint-of consultation, the furnishing of suitable recording instruments, the interpretation of data and to assist in the preparation of the final report covering this investiagtion would probably continue from 3 to 5 years. At this time there is no cooperative project agreement entered into between the Wyoming tlxperiment Station and the boil Conservation Service. VIII UF iNiTI null: From preliminary investigations it appears that
it will be possible to start this project June 1, 1946, but not idayCia,
with the intention of having it fu.Lly organized and complete in all details 44, but rather with the idea of obtaining supplemental field data t,on
c),NAik irrigation practices of one or more indigidual meadow areas, with the
thought of securing cooperation from the land owner to practice intermittent irrigation rather than continuapplicqtion throughout
the summer months.
IX - ANTiCiPAELD DURAITIuN: Because of the importance of such a study, it would be recommended that it should be carried on at least from 3 to 5 years to definitely determine the moat practical method of irrigation of mountain meadow lands.
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Division of Irrigation Fort Collins, Colorado
May 6, 1946
Mr. George D. Clyde
Chief, Division of Irrigation Soil Conservation .-.)ervice College Hill, box D
Logan, Utah Dear Mr. Clyde:
Resulting from a short conference with Mr. heeves, State Soil Conservationist, Soil L'onservation Service, at Laramie, on the evening of April 16th, I have prepared a tentative outline covering the proposed mountain meadow irrigation pro-ject intended to be conducted in the ureen River valley in estern Ayoming. As you will note, this project outline pro-poses that Mr. James be the leader, and Mr. O. K. Barnes, agronomist of the Soil Conservation Service, anu Professor
Robert Lang, Agronomist of the Wyoming Experiment Station, assistants.
You wi.L1 observe the two brief reports, prepared November
1944
and March 190, attached to the outline, these memoranda covering much more detail of the proposed investigation. ;hese two short reports are made a part of this outline RS a meansof giving more information relative to this subject.
I am quite sure that Mr. C. J. Francis, Regional Chief P;ngineer, Soil Conservation Service, at Lincoln, is very much concerned about this proposed work, and it would be my suggestion that immediate contact should be made with his office and also with Mr. James, with the hope that some preliminary work might get under way some time next month, providing the necessary
cooperation can be set up with the iiyoming Experiment Station and possibly some of the farmers in the vicinity of Big Piney and Pinedale, Wyoming.
Ver:, truly yours,
R. L. Parshall
Senior irrigation Engineer nclosures -
4
copies Outlinecc - Jerkeley office and I copy outline
17r Ai Nil
UNITED SUJES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SOIL CONSERViJION SERVICE
Division of Irrigation
THE IRRIGATION OF MOUNTAIN MEADOWS IN 1dOMING
A report for the Operations Division Soil Conservation Service
Region Five Lincoln, Nebraska By Ralph L. Parshall Senior Irrigation Engineer
Soil Conservation Service
Prepared under the direction of W. W. McLaughlin, Chief
Division of Irrigation 8,Ji1 Conservation Service
Fort Collins, Colorado November 1944
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
Division of Irrigation
222 Post Office Bldg. Berkeley, California
(Mail address: P.O. Box 180) February 16, 1945
Mr. P. L. Parshall
Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station Fort Collins, Colorado
Dear Mr. Parshall:
Mr. McLaughlin has assigned me to represent him at the meeting to be held at Laramie, Wyoming, on March 15, of which you are probably informed. It is my understanding that you too are to be present, and it is to learn of your plans that I am writing you.
I have filed a request with the Southern Pacific ticket office here for reservation on the Overland Limited leaving Berkeley March 13, reaching Laramie at 6:25 a.m. larch 15. Mr. McLaughlin suggested that I purchase my round-trip ticket to Denver and return, so I am also requesting reservation on the Overland out of Denver at 5:05 p.m. March 19. Ho also suggested that I spend March 16 and 17 with you and Carl at Fort Collins.
If you are going to drive to Laramie, I could return to Fort Collins with you, probably the night of the 15th or on the 16th, depending on when we finish at Laramie.
If you are making a hotel reservation at Laramie for March 15, will you please make one for me also, for whatever time you think we will be there.
I would appreciate a note from you regarding your plans.
Very truly yours,
A. T. Mitchelson
i)Ivision of Irrigation Fort Collins, Color-do
February 20, 1945
::tr. A. T. Litcnelson, •cting Chief Division ,f Irrigation
Soil Conservation Service Berkeey, California Dear Mr. Mitchelson:
nit'
is in reply to your '.1.,,)ttr of to 16th concerningthe meeting in Director Hill's uf2ice t te University of Wyoming,
taami.e on March 15.
I J.Jubt whether ir not the things to be discussed will reTlire iore than one fuil uay, taeref6re, I tnink .,;e can safely
lan on leaving Lotranie on the evening of the 15th by automobile, arriving at Fort Collins Aiossibiy about 9:00 o'clock. This is
my scadule when spending tne day at Laramie.
iiowever, in the event 'se vvild be re,aested to stay over another day, I am ver. sure we w,)lid have no difficulty in securing hotel tceommodutions on short dotice.
Ihry truly yours,
R. L. Parshall
Berkeley, Calif.
February 17,
1945
Box 180
iammaisat too Aft
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Jam
11. L•
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FRCII: W.
16 licLagghlint Chiefs Division of Irrigation
The rieeting with Dean Hill at Laramie is set for 10 a.m.
on 'larch 15 in the office of the dean. iThe purpose of thie
meeting is to discuss proposed irTigation studies, esry.etaly
of Upland madams. Tall you please arrange to be in attendance?
UNIT4D STATES DaARV,EhT OF 1,GRICULTURE SUIL OJNSRIL,TION SzRVICE
Division of Irrigqtion
Tii Iit8.1(1,TION (iF MOO tkiN ',1,4.2:iikD3WS IN Wi041ING
A re:)ort for the Operations Division Soil Conservation Service
Region Five Lincoln, Nebn.ska
By
Ralph L. ?:,rsAall Senior Irrig,tion L:ngineer Soil Conserv:Ition Service
Prepared under the direction of W. 1%. cLaughlin, Chief Division of Irrigation Soil Conservation Service
Fort Collins, Colorado November
1944
40UNTAIN LJS IN iiYUMING
By R. L. P rohall
L.enior Irrigation Z.ngineer Division of IrrigAion Soil Conservtion bervice Fort Collins, Culor,uo
November - 1944
In the :Ilountain areas of the West, meJdow inds are meintained by the atockmen for producing native hay for feeding livestock,
principally cattle, during the winter months when the ranges are
covered with snow. The production of native hx/ from mountin medowS dates beck to the time of the early- aettlers and the pr.ctice of
irrigation aown through the years has been a part in the growing of such crops.
It has long been the contention of those who irrigate these meadow lands, that the more water a.,lied the gr tar will be the yield and not until recent years has attention been given to the matter of economic or reasonable use of water in the practice of mountain meadow irrigation. Over the years it hai been the general custom to start irrigating the meadows soon after the anor cover has d1sa?7eared from the fields in late spring and to continue without interruption until late July Y,then the water is taken off to permit the drying of the soil surface prior to harvesting the hay crop. The ranches for the most part, especially the older established ranches, have dependable water rights in sufficient auount to permit continuous Aid copious watering of tA•, 1,13,tL,J i,n(16. In m_ny localities tne water avii1,.ble for
irrigation is ample to supply 4 full ditch, e6pecial:4.y at the time of h,XiMUM runoff from the malting snow fields in the nigh _muntains. The
.eter from these eline snow drifts le raletively cold. Usually the ditches that serve the meadows are of individual ownership, relatively short in 1„Ingth v conetructed through more or less pervious soils and limited to flow capecities of 7i to 15 seeond-feet or less. since the .o,teows are uauelly confined to the bottom Inds along the streams, much
of the eter applied as irrigation i5 soon returned as surface drainage. idso, because of the general condition of N gravelly subsoil, the
sub-drainage readily returns to the neighboring stream.
The gross amount of water used for mountain no ,dows is nigh, as meeeurod by the headgate divereion. The average ditch floe for 100 acres of meadow :ley be aoeumed to be about
5
second-feet. This flow, for a period, May to July inclueive, would aggregate e total of some900 acre-feet of water a),)lied, Dr e gross duty of
9
ecre-feet per acre. The surface drainage together with loss into the subsoil and use of water by willows, reeds, and native aeuatic pl.nts could account for at least 75 percent or more of the total water e„.1,elied, leaving e net duty of about 22 acre-feet per -ere. From /929 to '32 4 series of tank experimentson the evedo-tr,nspiration 106.-06 from various connon pients were
