REFERENCE MANUAL
ON
KINGS RIVER WATER HISTORY
2013
By James R. Provost, P.E.
Consulting Engineer to the Kings River Water Association
i
Table of Contents
Kings River Time Line ..................................................................................................... 1
References for People Involved in the Kings River Issues ............................................ 11
References to Sources for General Kings River History................................................ 20
Selected Bibliography Notes ......................................................................................... 22
ii
KINGS RIVER TIME LINE
Jan
25
1805
Captain Gabriel Moraga discovers the River and names it El Rio de los Santos
Reyes or the River of the Holy Kings.
Jan
10
1846
Mexican Government gives Manual Castro a land grant for the Laguna de
Tache.
1850
Lt George H. Derby, a U. S. Army topographical engineer explores and
surveys portions of the river. He records in his diary some good descriptions all
that he saw including what would be called the Fresno Swamp
1858
United States government recognizes the Grant as a legal ownership enabling
Castro, through 1868, to make several sales to Jeremiah
Clark from San Francisco.
1858
Byrd Ditch constructed in Centerville Bottoms.
1860
Jeremiah Clarke sells about 3,000 acres of the Grant to Southerland.
1865
The original North Fork is permanently closed off by Southerland and Mann.
1866
First Kings River water claim is filed by Morrow, Hazelton and Harvey above
Centerville.
1867
Barton Ditch is constructed before this date in Centerville Bottoms.
1868
Centerville Canal constructed (purchased in 1874 by Fresno Canal and
Irrigation Company)
1868
T.H. Hatch, E. St John & R. M. Brangon obtain 10 year lease/option on the
Grant.
1869
Edwin St. John builds a small ditch that floods washed into a natural channel
and is now called the Dutch John Cut.
1870
Sween Ditch constructed (later purchased by the Fresno Canal and Irrigation
Company)
1870
Lower Kings River Canal constructed (first head gate installed in 1872).
1871
Fresno Canal and Irrigation Company is formed.
1872
Gould Canal constructed (later purchased by Fresno Canal and Irrigation
Company)
1872
Zalda Canal is constructed and extended to Crescent Weir. A flood
subsequently enlarges the canal which becomes known as the North Fork.
1872
Appropriative water rights established in California Civil Code 1410–1422.
Apr
Feb
Nov
10
1
Jan
Aug
Sep
Feb
Mar
23
16
21
1
Aug
28
1873
Edwin St. John buys out his partners on the Grant.
1873
Last Chance Ditch is constructed.
1873
Peoples Canal is constructed, 37 miles long.
1874
First stage of Fresno Canal Completed. Before 1900 increased to 1,100 cfs.
1875
Mussel Slough Ditch, a three mile cut, between the River and Mussel Slough is
constructed. It diverts too much water, causing flooding, and is closed in 1898.
1875
Turner and Riverdale ditches are constructed.
1875
Vanderbilt Cut constructed.
1876
Emigrant Canal constructed.
1877
Centerville and Kingsburg Canal constructed.
1878
Tulare Lake spills through Summit Lake into the Fresno Swamp for the last
time.
Oct
30
1879
For the water year just ended the State Engineer reports 1,258,195 acre-feet
have been delivered through 13 canals.
May
1
1880
Poly Heilbron & Clayburgh obtain a 10 year lease option on “Grant” plus
adjacent land for a total acreage of 54,160 acres plus 1217 acres from J. G.
James and 302 acres from three other landowners.
1882
’76 Canal Constructed (Now Alta ID).
1882
Liberty Canal constructed. Headworks moved to the Sutherland Canal in 1894
where it is today.
1882
Liberty Mill Race Ditch constructed.
1883
Fowler Switch Canal constructed (now Consolidated ID.)
1885
James East Side Canal, 15 miles long, is constructed starting at the end of
Murphy Slough and the beginning of Steamboat Slough.
Jul
21
1885
John Heinlen, Poly Heilbron & Company v. Fowler Switch Canal Company:
decision that the Fowler Switch Canal Company could divert no water because
of riparian land downstream.
Sep
12
1885
John Heinlen, Poly Heilbron & Company v. Centerville and Kingsburg Canal
Company: decision that the Centerville and Kingsburg Company could divert
no water because of riparian land downstream.
Nov
5
1885
John Heinlen, Poly Heilbron & Company v. Kings River and Fresno Canal
Company: decision that the Fresno Canal Company could divert no water
because of riparian land downstream.
2
1886
Lux v. Haggin decision made by State Supreme Court that riparian rights come
before appropriative rights.
1887
Moses J. Church sells Fresno Canal and Irrigation Company to Dr. E. B.
Perrin.
1887
Crescent Canal after two years of construction is completed.
Aug
14
1888
Alta Irrigation District is formed.
Nov
4
1889
John Heinlen, Poly Heilbron & Company v. 76 Canal or the Alta Irrigation
District: decision that the company or District could take no water because of
riparian land downstream, except for some riparian land.
1889
Stinson Canal is constructed, taking water from Bogg Slough.
Feb
3
1890
John Heinlen, Poly Heilbron & Company v. Emigrant Ditch Company: court
decision that the Emigrant Ditch Company could continue to divert water as it
had secured a prescriptive right by five years of use.
May
7
1890
Selma Irrigation District organized; later dissolved.
Aug
16
1890
Heilbron, Poly & Clayburgh execute option to purchase the 54,160 acres of the
Laguna grant from Jeremiah Clark for $ 50,000 down and two notes totaling
$ 282,000.
Oct
17
1890
Sunset Irrigation District formed but subsequently dissolved.
1890
Burrel Ditch is constructed.
1891
Reed Ditch is constructed.
Mar
25
1891
Notes on the Laguna Grant are purchased by A. Laton and L. A. Nares.
Mar
26
1891
Heilbron, Poly & Clayburgh give 1/5 interest in the 54,160 acres to S. C. Lillis.
(Lillis is Manager of the Grant for Poly Heilbron & Company and also Secretary
of the Fresno Canal and Irrigation Company.)
May
22
1891
Heilbron, Poly, Clayburgh & Lillis sell “Grant”, (54,160 acres), to Cheape,
Perrin & Menzies. (Cheape is from Scotland, Perrin is the President of Fresno
Canal and Irrigation Company and is from S.F. & Menzies is from Liverpool
England.)
May
4
1892
Cheape, Perrin & Menzies “sell” a low-flow water transfer deed to Fresno
Canal & Irrigation Company for $1.
1893
The United States economy collapses.
1893
The 54,160 acres of the Grant is sold to the Fresno Canal & Irrigation
Company for $ 10 and at the same time the Fresno Company places a
$ 1,000,000 lien on the land obtained from English Insurance companies
through Laton, their general agent. (Perrin had obtained an option to
purchase Grant for $ 800,000.)
May
13
th
3
Dec
27
1894
Fresno Canal and Irrigation Company sells 8,768.5 acres of land and water to
United Guardian (Menzies is Director and it is financed by Manchester Trust.)
On Jun 30, 1899 L.A. Nares is given power of attorney.
May
21
1895
L.A. Nares, Liverpool Mortgage Insurance, et al sue Fresno Canal, Menzies,
Laton, Cheape, et al. (Nares is President of Fresno Canal.)
Case dismissed March 28, 1896.
1896
English Insurance Companies foreclose Fresno’s canal system and the Grant
and send L. A. Nares to manage their assets.
Fall
Apr
4
1896
Fresno Canal and Irrigation Company gives a mortgage on the Grant to L.A.
Nares & Charles Laton for $ 80,000 cash plus advances of up to $ 400,000.
(Paid off on Nov. 19, 1902.)
Oct
4
1897
Kings River water schedules approved, on July 19, 1898 they are approved by
court.
1898
All of the ditches in Centerville Bottoms are completed.
1898
First Kings River Water Agreement amended.
1900
Total canal diversion capacity totals 9,920 cfs.
1900
U.S. Geological Survey locates site of Pine Flat Dam by field survey and a
very rough estimate of cost is completed.
Before
Sep
18
Oct
30
1900
Fresno Canal deeds substantial Grant land, free & clear, to Laton & Nares.
(Laton signs as President of Fresno Canal and as the recipient.) On Nov. 1,
1900 Laton & Nares also obtain water agreement from Fresno Canal for a flow
rate of 1 cfs per 160 acres for a specific land area in the Grant.
Dec
15
1900
Fresno Canal enters water right agreement with Centerville and Kingsburg
Irrigation Ditch Co, acknowledged by Consolidated Canal Company for
irrigating land in Township17, Ranges 21 & 22 with a 2 cfs supply for each 160
acres up to a total diversion of 600 cfs.
Apr
24
1902
Fresno Canal conveys to United Guardian Company 1 cfs per 160 acres and a
total of 400 cfs until 1921 on specific described lands.
Oct
28
1902
Laguna Lands Limited is incorporated for £60,000 and all of the land owned by
Nares and Laton.
Nov
21
1902
L. A. Nares acquires control of the stock of Consolidated Canal Company.
Dec
8
1902
Fresno Canal gives a 1 cfs per 160 acres to 400 cfs to expire in 1921, to
Laguna Lands Limited.
1903
Centerville and Kingsburg canal system extended to irrigate 8,678 acres of the
Grant (Island area)
1903
Lakelands Canal construction starts and is completed in 1904. Injunction to
stop diversions by that canal is obtained.
4
1903
A fish ladder is installed on Island Weir.
Nov
10
1904
Cohn Central Consolidated Reclamation District formed.
Jun
12
1909
L. A. Nares and I. Tielman, under the Right of Way Act of 1891, obtain a five
year permit to construct a 225 foot high dam at Pine Flat.
1912
William “Bill” Boone organizes many river wide meetings to find a way to work
together so that a Pine Flat project could materialize.
1914
Water Commission Act passed.
1916
Stratford Irrigation District formed.
1916
The “Committee of Thirty” of the Kings River Water Control and Conservation
District is created to develop the Pine Flat project.
1916
The Los Angeles engineering firm of Quinten, Code & Hill completes a cost
study of Pine Flat for the U. S. Reclamation Service, recommending a dam
large enough to hold 600,000 acre-feet at a cost of $ 9,530,000. There is no
sizing or assumed benefits for flood control.
Dec
May
12
15
May
24
1916
Water Right Application 353 for storage in and use from Tulare Lake Sump is
filed with the Division of Water Rights.
May
31
1916
Water Right Application 360 for storage in and use from the proposed Pine
Flat Reservoir is filed with the Division of Water Rights. Geological work is
required and that work is submitted to the State.
Jan
1
1918
The State Water Commission agrees to send a water engineer, Charles
Kaupke, as the State’s watermaster of the Kings River.
Jan
3
1918
Tranquillity Irrigation District formed.
1918
Crescent Canal Company enters into a contract with the Department of Fish
and Game that states at the end of the irrigation season all game fish in the
canal will be placed back in the river.
Jul
28
1918
Corcoran Irrigation District formed.
Aug
10
1919
South Fork River Association is formed.
Feb
6
1920
James Irrigation District formed.
Feb
20
1920
Laguna Irrigation District formed.
Apr
10
1920
Riverdale Irrigation District formed
May
3
1920
Foothill Irrigation District formed near Orange Cove but subsequently
dissolved.
Jun
28
1920
Fresno Irrigation District formed.
5
Oct
11
1920
Lemoore Irrigation District formed but subsequently dissolved.
May
3
1921
Island No. 3 Irrigation District formed but subsequently dissolved.
Aug
23
1921
Consolidated Irrigation District formed.
Sep
15
1921
Stinson Irrigation District formed.
Sep
27
1921
First Kings River Agreement is entered into, primarily addressing how to pay
the Water Master.
1922
The State Division of Water Rights holds a hearing to collect diversion
information and establishes the first monthly schedule to 10,000 cfs.
Nov
24
1924
Clark’s Fork Reclamation District formed.
Jan
1
1925
Lucerne Irrigation District formed but subsequently dissolved.
Feb
5
1925
Crescent Irrigation District formed but subsequently dissolved.
Aug
12
1926
A “Report On Usage, Requirements and Available Conservation of Kings River
Water Supply” dated May 22, 1926 is submitted to the “Committee of Thirty”.
Sep
12
1926
Tulare Lake Basin Water Storage District formed.
1927
Crescent By-Pass constructed.
May
23
1927
The Kings River Water Association (KRWA) is created and permanent water
schedules are approved.
Jul
30
1927
Application 5640 for additional Pine Flat water storage and use is filed with the
State Division of Water Rights.
1927
L. B. Hayhust becomes the first General Counsel of KRWA and serves
approximately seven years.
1927
KRWA General Counsel Hayhurst recommends that litigation should be
commenced to condemn the riparian water rights in certain areas.
1928
Kaupke presents the first pump survey to KRWA.
1928
California Constitution amended to require that all water must be beneficially
used.
Sep
Nov
22
Dec
Jan
7
1930
South Fork Agreement was entered into, scheduling the division of River
water for the South Fork.
Jul
14
1931
Empire West Side Irrigation District formed.
1934
Kings River loses 2,000 cfs of wet year water to Miller & Lux for its’ riparian
land downstream of Mendota Pool.
1934
Phil Conley becomes General Counsel of KRWA, serving until August 1946.
Jul
7
6
Sep
14
1939
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation purchases San Joaquin river water rights and
2,000 cfs of Kings River water rights from Miller and Lux.
Nov
4
1943
KRWA enters into a temporary contract with Tulare Lake Basin Water Storage
District for the Corps of Engineers to construct Army Weir and the KRWA
operate the gates.
Dec
22
1944
Pine Flat Dam authorized by Congress as a Corps of Engineer project.
Feb
10
1945
Application 10979 for storage and use of water from the propose Wishon
Reservoir project is filed with the State Division of Water Rights.
Feb
24
1946
Gilbert Jertberg becomes General Counsel of KRWA, serving until Sep. 1952
May
2
1946
President Truman orders U. S. Bureau of Reclamation to negotiate with the
water users for Pine Flat storage and repayment contracts.
1946
First appropriation of $ 1,000,000 for Pine Flat Dam is approved.
May
27
1947
Ground breaking ceremony for the construction of Pine Flat Dam.
(Construction start a year latter.)
Jul
10
1947
Lower Kings River Water Association is formed.
Dec
15
1947
The South Fork Agreement is entered into giving the monthly schedule of flows
that the South Fork is to receive and, as required by the Corps of Engineers
the water schedule has percentages added so that all water is scheduled. The
phrase, top of the schedule, refers to the percentages of flow allocated.
1948
Pine Flat Dam site clearing is commenced as federal funding is received.
Apr
11
1949
The 1949 KRWA agreement and water schedule are approved.
Jan
13
1950
U. S. Bureau of Reclamation delivers the first draft of a storage agreement that
calls for all water to belong to the federal government and that Pine Flat is to
be a part of the Central Valley Project.
Nov
5
1951
Kings River Conservation District organized.
Dec
18
1951
Referendum confirms KRCD’s organization.
1952
Kings River Water District formed and a few months later request to become a
member of KRWA.
Jun
Oct
12
1952
Breckinridge Thomas becomes General Counsel to KRWA, going on to serve
23 years until his death.
Jan
13
1953
KRCD requests a draft storage contract from the Bureau of Reclamation.
Mar
9
1953
Application 15231 for additional storage and use of water from Tulare Lake
Sump is filed with the State Division of Water Rights.
7
May
7
1953
Watermaster Charles Kaupke recommends that Centerville Bottoms be placed
on the water schedules.
Oct
9
1953
A one page memorandum of conclusions and recommendations, prepared by
the Board of Engineers, is the foundation for the proposed Inter-Association
Temporary Agreement.
Feb
4
1954
KRCD enters into first annual temporary storage contract with the U. S. Bureau
of Reclamation.
Feb
13
1954
First storage of water behind Pine Flat Dam occurs.
Mar
22
1954
Pine Flat Dam is completed and dedicated.
May
31
1955
The Inter-Association Temporary Agreement is entered into on how to operate
the River since the first storage had started.
Jul
18
1955
Application 16469 for additional storage and use of water from the proposed
Courtright reservoir is filed with the State Division of Water Rights.
Aug
16
1955
Clarks Fork pumpers are told at a KRWA meeting that they did not have any
riparian water as their water has been stored and has become an appropriated
water right.
Mar
16
1956
Kaupke retires as Watermaster and continues as a consultant. Clarence
Smith becomes Water Master serving 3½ years.
Jul
16
1957
Department of Fish and Game officials testify at a hearing that a minimum fish
flow of 50 cfs is needed at Highway 180 crossing.
Sep
12
1957
Department of Fish and Game appears before the KRWA Board of Directors
requesting a minimum 50 cfs at Highway 180.
Nov
4
1959
KRCD undertakes operation for the Corp of Engineers.
Jan
11
1960
Robert Leake, Jr. becomes Acting Watermaster and William McGlasson
consulting engineer.
Apr
25
1961
The Board of Compromise completes addressing water storage and delivery
issues.
Sep
11
1961
Pam Lassley becomes KRWA Secretary/Book Keeper, a position she still
holds more than 50 years later.
Feb
15
1962
Release of water from Pine Flat Dam is stopped since Mill and Hughes Creeks
were supplying all of the irrigation demand. The river below the dam goes dry.
May
28
1962
Pumpers sue the water users in a case entitled Turner v. KRCD. That is
dismissed on May 8, 1963 without any testimony taking place.
Apr
16
1963
Charles Kaupke attends his last KRWA meeting after 46 years.
8
Sep
10
1963
The Inter-Association Agreement, Lower River Agreement and many other
supporting and supplemental agreements are entered into. The Pine Flat
Storage Contract provides for a repayment cost of $ 14,000,000 including the
purchase of the 2,000 cfs previously owned by Miller & Lux. The contract also
provides for a “test case” on the question of the application of Reclamation
Law if the financial burden is paid with cash.
Sep
3
1964
Robert Leake, Jr is awarded a civil engineering license and is appointed
Watermaster.
Sep
22
1965
The six Kings River water right applications are put into a trust with Fresno
Irrigation District as the trustee.
Nov
30
1967
The State Division of Water Rights approves the six Kings River water right
applications and issues six permits.
Mar
16
1976
James Flanagan Jr. becomes General Counsel of KRWA, serving until March
1979.
Mar
18
1977
The “test case” on Reclamation Law is lost and as the U. S. Supreme Court
declines hearing the case.
1979
A. Ben Ewell, Jr. becomes General Counsel of KRWA, serving 10 years.
Apr
Sep
18
1979
Douglas Woodman becomes Watermaster. He serves for 21 years. Since
Woodman is not an engineer, Jim Provost becomes the KRWA consulting
engineer.
Oct
12
1982
Congress enacts a Reclamation Reform Bill and exempts all Corps of
Engineer projects from Reclamation Law.
1984
KRCD completes Pine Flat Power Plant.
1984
The State Division of Water Rights issues six water right licenses for the
storage and use of Kings River water.
1987
Congress passes bill placing Rodgers Crossing Reservoir site in special
federal management area, blocking development.
1988
Fresno Irrigation District consents to the KRWA being the water right license
trustee.
1989
The State Water Resources Control Board declares the Kings River fully
appropriated.
Apr
May
18
Apr
Apr
1
1989
Gary W. Sawyers becomes General Counsel of KRWA.
Nov
13
1990
Storage in Pine Flat Reservoir falls to 35,400 acre-feet with a release as low
as 52 cfs of very warm water, resulting in a major fish kill.
1991
Fishery groups file a “public trust” complaint with the state to require a 300,000
acre-foot minimum pool and a 250 cfs minimum release from Pine Flat.
Apr
9
Jul
1
Jan
1991
J. Randy McFarland is retained as and Public Relations Consultant, also
becoming KRWA Recording Secretary.
1996
Negotiations with fishery interests are completed but a crucial agreement with
P.G. & E .is not resolved.
1997
P.G. & E. agrees to new contracts allowing for a minimum pool of 100,000
acre-feet in Pine Flat.
May
28
1999
The KRWA “Framework Agreement” is entered into which covers who provides
a temperature control pool and the minimum fish flow under the new Kings
River Fisheries Management Program.
Mar
1
2000
Tim O’Halloran becomes Watermaster, serving three years.
2000
Thorburn Spawning Gravel Channel is completed as the Fisheries
Management Program’s first project.
2002
KRWA begins installing computer-based telemetry to aid water management.
2002
KRCD and KRWA lead organization of Southern Jan Joaquin Water Quality
Coalition.
2003
Turbine Bypass Project at Pine Flat Dam’s KRCD power plant is completed.
2003
Steve Haugen becomes the Watermaster
2004
KRCD renames Pine Flat Power Plant on its 30 anniversary in memory of the
late Jeff L. Taylor, long-time general manager and driving force in the plant’s
development.
2004
Kings River water quality compliance monitoring begins.
2005
KRCD completes its new 96-megawatt peaking power plant in Malaga.
2009
Upper Kings Basin Integrated Regional Water Management Authority
organized.
May
Apr
Oct
21
th
10
REFERENCES FOR PEOPLE
INVOLVED IN THE KINGS RIVER ISSUES
In doing the research for this reference manual certain individuals appear to be
worthy of mentions on their lives. There are two who had major contributions to
the Kings River. L. A. Nares at one time controlled the Fresno Canal & Irrigation
Company, Consolidated Canal Company, Laguna de Tache Land Grant and
Stinson Irrigation Company. He was the leader in establishing the first Kings
River water schedule for the first 2,200 cfs and he is the man who actually
constructed the North Fork channel. The other very significant individual in the
River history is William (Bill) Boone who was instrumental in bringing about the
formation of the Kings River Water Association and the authorization of Pine Flat
Dam. Other important individuals that should be written about are John Heinlin,
leader in the 1885 litigation against the upper river canal companies as to
riparian rights. He was also a major riparian landowner on the South Fork who
moved by contract his riparian rights to the head of Lemoore Canal Company
and managed to get them converted to an appropriated right with a more reliable
supply. W. R. Southerland owned much land before the turn of the century,
including the Summit Lake Investment Company. H. L. Haehl was an engineer
who represented everyone on the North Fork in the 1920s and was on the first
KRWA Board of Directors for many years. And of course there was the Kings
Rivers first watermaster, Charles Kaupke. There were several father and sons
involved on the River such as: Boone, Martin, Howe, and McKean.
Boone, William “Bill”: 1st Chairman of KRWA 1927, died July 4, 1944, p.(2, 36,
48)12 , p.281, letter22, (p. 31, 36, 38)3, p.1218, p. 123.
Boone, William P.: Executive Committee 1950’s, 1961 Board of Compromise,2
p. (31-38)3.
Borba, A. J., (Mark Borba’s father), August, 1954 was a leader for the riparian
pumpers. Mark served on the Executive Committee from 1992 to 1996.
Church, Moses J.: formed the Fresno Canal and Irrigation Company on February
16, 18714, p.665, p. 126, p.(7, 17, 18)7, p.148, p. 459.
Clarke, Jeremiah: In 1858-68 owner of the Laguna de Tache Land Grant p. (6 –
19).10
Dennis, Heram: Centerville Bottoms pioneer (1880’s), p 282.11
11
Derby, Lt. George: U.S. Army topographical engineer who surveyed portions of
the River, but more importantly wrote about his observations in his 1850 diary.
Fitzwilliam, Earl: From England; hired L. A. Nares to subdivide and sell land in
Stinson Canal Company service area.
Gordon, Philip A.: member of the KRWA Executive Committee in 1955 and FID
Board 1933 – 1949, p.(9, 61, 73, 81, 85, 90 & 91)12, transmittal letter13. Also, a
member of the KRCD Board, 1952-71.
Graham, Brent: Manager, TLBWSD 1969 to 2009, Lower River Chairman, Active
in SWP (see KRWA & Lower KRWA Minutes on pumpers) and finally on the
Kings River Conservation District board of Directors, 2006 – 2011.
Haehl, May Burrel: In 1941 one was one of three owners of Burrel Ranch and
Wife of H. L. Haehl. (see engineers listing)
Hansen, Kirby: member of 1st Board of the Kings River Conservation District.
Heinlen, John: owned 12,433 acres on South Fork before the 1927 water
schedule was developed and claimed that 5,662 acres were riparian. This
included 1,500 acres on west side of South Fork that is on schedule today. He
was one of the litigators along with the Grant owners (in the same litigation)
which legally closed down the Upper River to irrigation. See Kings River timeline
in 1885 as to his involvement on riparian litigation, p. (67, 74 & 75)10, p. (42, 47 &
52)6, p. 112.8
Howe, Ceil: 1st Board of the Kings River Conservation District, 1951-52; his son,
Ceil Howe, Jr. followed him, 1993-present.
Howe, Ed: Executive Committee KRWA in the 1970’s followed by his son John
Howe in the 1990’ and into the 2000’s. John’s relative, (probably a cousin of Ed)
Frank Howe was one of the original settlers reclaiming Tulare Lake in the 1870’s.
Johns, Doyle: Clarks Fork pumper and leader of the Clarks Fork pumpers in
1955; became KRCD river maintenance superintendent, 1972.
Kent, Bob: Manager James ID, 1961 Board of Compromise, KRWA Executive
Committee and Chairman.
Laton, Charles, p.237, p. 1414.
Marshall, Ralph: 1954 owner of Floribel Ranch & riparian pumper from South
Fork.
12
Morgan, Ralph: member of 1st Board of the Kings River Conservation District,
1951-1956.
Maddox, Rufus A.: active pumper from Cole Slough, 1955.
Martin, W. T.: 1961 Board of Compromise; Consolidated Irrigation District
director, 1925 - 1962.
Moraga, Captain Gabriel: In the Mexican Army discovered the Kings River
January 5, 1805.
Morrow, Jesse p. 282.11
Nares, Llewelyn Arthur14: 1915 L. A. Nares, Fresno Canal & Irrigation Co,
General Manager, et al, p. (69, 88, 89, 70 & 119)12, p.(25 & 54)6, p. 5715, p. 1216,
1928 letter17, p. (12, 14 & 16)18, p. 88; see May 7, 1932 Liberty Canal Company
minutes.
Quist, A. J.: FID Board (1967). (His dad was one of the original board members
of the Kings River Conservation District (1951).
Reed, E. R.: Alta I.D. 1st KRWA Board of Directors and Executive Committee
(1927).
Robinson, Louis T.: TLBWSD p. (5, 22, 59, 66, 73, 74, 79, 81, 83, 85, 86, 87, 97
& 119).12
Saint John, Edwin early owner of a portion of the Laguna de Tache Grant and
had apart of the River named for him. p. (17, 22, 24 & 29).10
Sample, Sam: was on Board of Directors representing Stinson Canal co.,
(1930’s). (Great uncle of Jim Provost).
Sample, A. J. “Bud”: KRWA Executive Committee (Dec 15, 1950 – February 7,
1959), representing Liberty Mill Race (uncle of Jim Provost).
Shafer, W. H.6: Pioneer water engineer, Consolidated Irrigation District (1921 1946), and member of the 1st KRWA Board of Directors and Executive
Committee 1927, p.44.7
Shore, R. E.: (probably Lemoore Canal) first KRWA Executive Committee (1927,
1957); Board of Compromise (1961).
Skoegard, George N.: FID Board (1934 – 1935; 1939 – 1963, KRWA Executive
Committee.
13
Sweem, I. B. p. 45.9
Tarpey, Michael F.: 1916 President of Fresno Canal & Irrigation Co, (1920 –
1925), FID Board, first KRWA Board of Directors and Executive Committee (1927
- Feb. 23, 1937), p. 112.4
Tompkins, Steve: Salyer Land Co; lobbied for exemption of Kings River from
Reclamation Law.
Wishon, Albert Graves:
919, p. (54 – 58).2
Pioneer hydroelectric power developer, PG&E, Chapter
ATTORNEYS:
Abercrombie, James K.; Clients: Burrel Ranch, Cohn Central Reclamation
District, Corcoran I.D., Liberty Canal. Liberty Mill Race, Reed Ditch.
Bailey, W. R.; Clients: Peoples Ditch Company (1925) and John Heinlin MW CO.,
1955 worked on 1949 Agreement.
Bennett, James S.; Clients: Lakeside Irrigation District (1925); Southeast Lake
(1925).
Chandler, A. E.; Clients: Corcoran Irrigation District (1925).
Conley, Philip; Clients: Crescent Canal Company (1925) Worked on 1949
Agreement.
Crowe, Tom, Client: Alta Irrigation District, 1961 Board of Compromise, and very
much involved with the 1967 Agreements, p. 84.12
Crooker, H. M.; Client: James Irrigation District.
Docker, William; Clients: Stinson Canal & Irrigation Co (1921 – 1952) and KRCD
(1952) for the Kings River water right filings.
Gleason, Walter M.; Clients: Lemoore Canal Company and Lower Kings River
Association; worked on 1949 and 1963 Agreements (p. 85 & 102).12
Hadsell, Dan; Client: Liberty Farms Mutual Water Company (1925) and worked
on 1949 Agreement.
Harris, M. B (Senator); Clients: Consolidated Irrigation District (1921): Fresno
Irrigation District (1925); Chairman, Pine Flat Attorney Committee (1925).
Hamlin, Charles F.; Client: Stinson Canal Irrigation Company (1954 -1968).
14
Houghton, Edward T. (office in San Francisco); Client: Lemoore Canal and
Irrigation Company (1925).
Jacobs, H. Scott; Client: Last Chance Water Ditch Company (1929).
Jennings, Charles W.; Clients: Laguna ID, Riverdale ID, Empire West Side,
Stratford ID (probably others).
Jensen, Douglas; Clients: Alta ID, Consolidated ID (1985-present) and Kings
River WD.
Jertberg, Gilbert H.; KRWA Counsel p. (67, 72, 74, 90, 91, 102, 103, 120).12
McCain, J. B.; Clients: Tulare Lake Basin WSD and Peoples Ditch Company
(1950’s – 1980’s).
Miles, Wm. M.; Client: Kings River WD, Consolidated Irrigation District (19631985).
Nordstrom, Mike; Clients: TLBWSD, Peoples Ditch Co, Crescent, Stinson,
Southeast Lake WC and others.
Rowe, Claude L.; Client: Tranquillity ID.
Sawyers, Gary W.; Attended his first meeting as Ewell’s representative on March
15, 1988 and became the KRWA General Counsel on March 15, 1989.
Sharp, Sidney J. W.; (father & son, both involved) Clients: Tulare Lake Canal Co,
Cuthbert Burrel Company (1925), Laguna Irrigation District (1925),17 , Riverdale
ID, Last Chance Water Ditch Co., Board of Compromise 1961.
Sheehan, Wallace; Client: Tulare Lake Canal Company (1925).
Sheppard, James; Clients: 1950’s – 1970’s James ID, Laguna ID, 1961 Board of
Compromise.
Sutherland, W. R.; Client: Summit Lake Investment Company (1925) In April,
1874 started purchasing land in the Laguna de Tache Grant, accumulating 6,160
acres which he retained until his death. p. 619, p.24.10
ENGINEERS:12
Alexander, W. A.; Clients: Liberty Mill Race and Riverdale ID.
15
Barnes, Stan, staff of J. G. Boswell, also on State Water Commission and KRWA
Board and Executive Committee, 1961 Board of Compromise and 1959
Committee of Engineers.
Code, W.H.; Board of Engineers (1925).
Crooker, H. M.; Superintendent and Engineer, James Irrigation District (1925).
Enderlein, Max W.; Clients: Last Chance Water Ditch Company (1925), Lucerne
Irrigation District (1925) and others. p. (14, 16, 17).12
Granville, J.J., of Quinton, Code & Hill in Los Angeles; Client: Stinson Canal &
Irrigation Company (1922-1924).
Haehl, H. L., of Duryea, Haehl and Gilman in San Francisco; wife was May
Burrel; Clients: Riverdale Irrigation District (1925), Cuthbert Burrel Co (1925),
Upper Reed Ditch (1925), Mill Race Ditch (1925), Laguna Irrigation District
(1925); 1925 Board of Engineers, Haehl was on first KRWA Board of Directors
(1927) and Executive Committee (1927) representing Burrel and Reed Ditch
companies. p. (14, 15, 17, 41–44, 52, 57, 70, 80, 84).12
Harding, S. T.; started his career as an engineer with the State Irrigation Board
and worked for the state agency on the Kings River in 1925. He became a
Consultant and represented TLBWSD.
Hall (1925).
Holly, Carl H.; Clients: Peoples Ditch Company (1925), Cohn Central
Reclamation District, Corcoran ID and Peoples Ditch Company.
Hubbard was on the 1961 Board of Compromise.
Hyatt, Edward Jr.; Chief of the State Division of Water Rights.
Ivans, Wayne W.; Clients: Lemoore Canal Company & Stratford Irrigation
District, p.(3, 5, 6, 57, 73, 80 & 92).12
Karrer, Henry: Clients: KRCD, FID, Alta, Crescent & James; also Manager FID;
1961 Board of Compromise; and on the 1951 Committee of Engineers, p. (84, 85
& 86).12
Kaupke, Charles L.; KRWA Water Master/Consultant, (p. 2, 13, 18, 20, 23, 24,
25, 41, 42, 44, 48, 52, 55, 61, 63, 70, 72, 81, 102).12
Lippincott, J. B.; on 1925 Board of Engineers and very active in developing the
first Kings River water schedule.
16
May, Roy; manager of TLBWSD, (p. 2, 3, 6, 41, 42, 43, 45, 55, 57 & 78).12
McGlasson, William; started at KRWA on October 19, 1955 as Assistant
Watermaster; became Consultant on January 1, 1960 to Lemoore Canal
Company, Stratford ID, John Heinlin, Liberty Mill Race, Laguna ID, Tranquillity ID
and many others; 1961 Board of Compromise; Consulting Engineer to KRWA
from February 18, 1960 to September 3, 1964 when Leake became registered as
a Civil Engineer.
MacDonald, Ralph A.; KRCD Manager, TLBWSD Manager and on the 1959
Engineering Committee.
Neilsen, A. J.; Client: Stinson Canal & Irrigation Company (1925 – 1930).
Odale, H. E., (Irrigation Engineer); Superintendent of Lemoore Canal and
Irrigation Company (1925).
Patterson, J.A.; Clients: in 1950’s, Circle “L” ,Clarks Fork Reclamation District,
Empire West Side, John Heinlin MW Co, Laguna ID, Lemoore CC, Stratford ID,
Upper San Jose; KRWA Executive Committee Member; 1959 Committee of
Engineers.
Provost, Jim R.; Clients: Crescent Canal Co, Laguna I. D. & Riverdale I. D. (Oct
1, 1968 - ), Stinson Canal & Irrigation Co (1977 – ), James ID, Tranquility ID,
Liberty Canal and KRWA Consulting Engineer April 1980 to present. Other
Provost & Pritchard engineers now serve Kings River water users. James and
Tranquillity are now served by Brian Ehlers. Kevin Johansen is Provost’s
assistant for KRWA and Herb Simmons is consultant for Crescent Canal, Stinson
Canal, Reed Ditch, Burrel Ditch and Upper San Jose Water Companies along
with Laguna I.D., Riverdale I.D and the Murphy Slough Association. Provost’s
Uncle, A. J. Sample, was on the Executive Committee from 1950 to 1960.
Schindler, A. D.; on the 1925 Board of Engineers.
Shafer, W. H.; on the 1925 Board of Engineers.
Sorensen, Jim; Clients: Kings River WD and Alta ID; 1961 Board of Compromise;
1959 Committee of Engineers.
Summers, Joe; Clients: Last Chance Water Ditch, TLBWSD, Consolidated ID
(1967) and Empire West Side ID.
Swendsen, George L.; Fresno Irrigation District Chief Engineer & Manager In
1932; 1925 Chairman of the 1925 Board of Engineers, p. (8, 9, 10 & 14)12.
17
Smith, Clarence; Second Water Master and in 1960 consultant to Laguna,
Riverdale, and Crescent; 1961 Board of Compromise; 1959 Committee of
Engineers (See Board Meeting minutes during Water Master tender: much
decent, KRCD & KRWA split.).
Taylor, Jeff; purchased Smiths firm in 19 64, Clients: Riverdale, Laguna &
Crescent, sold firm in 1968 to Jim Provost and Paul Pritchard. In 1971 became
manager of the Kings River Conservation District.
Tielman, Ingvart H.; Clients: Stinson Canal & Irrigation Company (1931);
Consolidated ID (1922-1967) and many others; 1925 Board of Engineers, (see
Secrest publication on Tielman).
Tielman, Ingvart, (1878 - , farther of above); Clients: L. A. Nares, Fresno Canal
& Irrigation Company, Consolidated Canal Company, Tranquillity ID, p.(26, 27)7,
Tab 824, p.118, (p. 15, 25-28)7.
OF INTEREST
Yokuts Indian 1, 20 & 21
1
Morison, W. (1988). The Alta Empire. Alta Irrigation District.
2
Boone, W. P. (1935). Author of 3 Manuscripts: Traver Pioneer.., Alta ID Pioneer, Kings River
Settlements. unpublished.
3
Kaupke, C. L. (1957). Forty Years on Kings River 1917 - 1957. Fresno: Hume Printing &
Lithograph Company.
4
Secrest, W. B. (1995). Church Wars. Fresno Past & Present , Vol 37 No 4.
5
Willison, P. H. (1980). Past, Present & Future of the Fresno Irrigation District. Fresno: FID.
6
Shallat, T. A. (1978). WATER and the Rise of Public Ownership on the Fresno Plain 1850 1978. Fresno: City of Fresno Public Works.
7
Tielman & Shafer (1943). The Historical Story of Irrigation in Central California. Fresno:
Williams & Son.
8
Barnes, H. (1918). Use of Water from Kings River, California. Sacramento: State of California,
Department of Engineering, Bulletin 7.
18
9
Grunsky, C. (1898). Irrigation Near Fresno, California, USGS Paper No. 18. Washington, DC:
Government Printing Office.
10
Fresno County Abstract Company. (February 24, 1902). Abstract of the LAGUNA DE TACHE
RANCHO. Fresno.
11
Grunsky, C. (1900). Report of Irrigation Investigations in California, Bulletin 100. Washington:
Office of Experimental Stations.
12
Harding, S. T. History of Work on Kings River 1938 - 1952. State Water Resources Center
Archives.
13
Haehl, H. K. (1946). Cost-Allocation of the Kings River and Tulare Lake Project, Calafornia.
14
Bostwick, R. M. (1948). L. A. Nares, As I Knew Him.
15
McFarland, J. Randall (1996). Water For a Thirsty Land. Selma: Consolidated Irrigation
District.
16
Harold Conkling and Charles L. Kaupke. (1923). Division of Water Rights, Bulletin No. 2,
Kings River Investigation, Wartermaster Reports 1918-1923. Sacramento: California State
Printing Office.
17
Laguna Irrigation District Folder; containing letters.
18
Lippincott, J. B. Kings River Schedule, July 9, 1920. Fresno. See Nov 6, 1920 report.
19
Palmer, C. (1955). The Story of the Kings River. P.G. & E.
20
Anonymous. (1851). The Indians of Tulare Lakes. San Francisco Picayune.
21
Derby, L. G. (1850). Topographical Reports on the Tulare Valley of California.
22
Haehl, H. A. (1925). Murphy Slough Area Data for Board of Engineers. Fresno.
23
Petition and Instructions to form the Kings River Storage District. (1922).
24
1922 Briefs to Division of Water Rights on Kings River Entitlement Schedule. Fresno.
19
REFERENCES TO SOURCES FOR
GENERAL KINGS RIVER HISTORY
Anonymous. (1851). The Indians of Tulare Lakes. San Francisco Picayune.
Boone, W. P. (1935 (?)). three Manuscripts: Traver Pioneer, Alta Irrigation District Pioneer, Kings
River Settlements. unpublished.
Bostwick, R. M. (1948). L. A. Nares, As I Knew Him.
Clough, C. W. and Screst, Willoiam B. Jr. (1984). Fresno County - The Pioneer Years From the
Beginning to 1900. Fresno: Panorama West Books.
Derby, L. G. (1850). Topographical Reports on the Tulare Valley of California.
Dodge, E. L. (1913). History of Tulare and Kings Counties. Los Angeles: Historic Record Company.
Elliot, W. F. (1951). Kings River History (draft manuscript). Fresno: unpublished.
Federal Power Commission Order to Issue License to Corps of Engineers to Construct Pine Flat.
(November 10, 1949).
Fresno County Abstract Company. (February 24, 1902). Abstract of the Laguna de Tache Rancho.
Fresno.
Garrison, I. D. (1991). The History of James' Fresno Ranch. Fresno.
Harding, S. T. History of Work on Kings River 1938 - 1952. State Water Resources Center
Archives.
Information on Kings River for Visit by Commissioner Straus. (1950).
Ivans, H. &. (1950). Physical Conditions in Tulare Lake Area in Relation to the Type of Agriculture
and the Size of Ownerships.
Kaupke, C. L. (November 14, 1949). Bureau vs. Corp of Engineers speach to L.A. Chamber of
Commerse.
Kaupke, C. L. (1957). Forty Years on Kings River 1917 - 1957. Fresno: Hume Printing & Lithograph
Company.
Kaupke, C. (1952). Summary of Developments of the Pine Flat Project.
McFarland, J. Randall. (1990). Rancho Laguna de Tache; Series from "The History Book" column
in the Selma Enterprise and Kingsburg Recorder.
20
McFarland, J. Randall. (1996). The Right Time for Public Irrigation. Fresno Past & Present, Fresno
City and County Historical Society .
McFarland, J. Randall. Kings River Conservation District 1951 - 1991.
McFarland, J. Randall. (1996). Water For a Thirsty Land. Selma: Consolidated Irrigation District.
Morison, W. (1988). The Alta Empire. Alta Irrigation District.
Norboe, P. M. (1913). Report to the newly formed State Reclamation Board.
P.G.&E. (1960). What You Should Know about the P.G. & E. Kings River Project. P. G. & E.
Palmer, C. (1955). The Story of the Kings River. P.G. & E.
Provost, J. R. (1986). Highlights from the Past of Stinson Canal & Irrigation Company, Stinson
Irrigation District and Stinson - Burrel Reclamation District No 1605.
Provost, J. R. (1986). Highlights of the Past of Crescent Canal Company & Cresent Irrigation
District.
Secrest, W. B. (1995). Church Wars. Fresno Past & Present , Vol 37 No 4.
Shallat, T. A. (1978). WATER and the Rise of Public Ownership on the Fresno plain 1850 -1978.
Fresno: City of Fresno Public Works.
Teilman, I. and Shafer, William B. (1943). The Historical Story of Irrigation in Central California.
Fresno: Williams & Son.
Unknown. (1949). Legislative Background and Related Data Pine Flat Dam on the Kings River For
Use in Editorial Research. Fresno: KRCD.
Weis, M. (1938). Tulare Lake History. The Corcoran Journal.
Willison, P. H. (1980). Past, Present & Future of the Fresno Irrigation District. Fresno: FID.
21
BIBLIOGRAPHY
SELECTED NOTES
(The number in the header is the location of the document in the Provost &
Pritchard library.)
22
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71