

OVERFLOW OF RED RIVER OF THE NORTH. 87 



districts. An organization formed along the lines of that provided by 

 the Ohio conservancy act should be able to carry on the work effec- 

 tively and economically. If it is necessary to make provision for a 

 special board or commission, care should be taken to see that the 

 number of members is not too large. 



Practically all streams, even the smallest, affect areas that extend 

 beyond the control of any one interest; and as the effects upon any 

 part of the lands through which they flow are not due to causes origi- 

 nating wholly within that part but to broadly distributed conditions 

 these streams should, to an extent, be considered as public property. 

 The conditions along a stream are the result of natural processes not 

 confined to any locality, and the beneficial effects of streams, as well 

 as the extent of damage due to their existence, are dependent upon 

 the balance of affecting conditions throughout the watershed. 



These conditions can be controlled to a great extent by artificial 

 means and the natural processes so directed as to operate to the last- 

 ing benefit of mankind. As the development of any part of a water 

 shed may affect other parts, it is most desirable that there should be 

 some central authority over the whole, to regulate such develop- 

 ments .so as to receive the most equitable distribution of benefits 

 among all concerned. 



Such authority is desirable not only in regulating the construction 

 and maintenance of artificial development, but also in preventing 

 deterioration of the natural waterways as they exist. All artificial 

 works require inspection and repair from time to time to keep them 

 in proper order, and all channels whether natural or artificial are 

 subject to a variety of conditions which impair their usefulness. 



Little attention to proper maintenance of watercourse channels, as 

 such, has been given in the past and much damage has resulted from 

 channel obstruction and ungoverned flow, where the only reason for 

 such damage was the lack of authority and initiative to remedy the 

 evil. The need of such authority is generally understood and ad- 

 mitted, but until some definite action is taken in the matter present 

 conditions will continue. Legislative action regarding this should 

 not only provide the necessary authority, but should also impose the 

 responsibility for administering it, and fix penalties for failing to 

 do so. 



CONCLUSIONS. 



Owing to peculiar topography, soil, and climatic conditions much of 

 the land in the Red River drainage basin requires extensive artificial 

 drainage although in many respects it is naturally well adapted for 

 farming. Much has been accomplished in the way of reclamation of 

 swamp lands and the improvement of run-off conditions, but further 

 operations are necessary to provide adequate outlets and to relieve 



