Canal Context and Evaluation Procedures
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WATER CONVEYANCE SYSTEMS IN CALIFORNIA Historic Context Development and Evaluation Procedures Prepared Jointly by: JRP Historical Consulting Services California Department of Transportation 1490 Drew Avenue, Suite 110 Environmental Program/Cultural Studies Office Davis, CA 95616 Sacramento, CA 95814 December 2000 © 2000 California Department of Transportation. All Rights Reserved. December 2000 Water Conveyance Systems in California ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This report reflects the contributions of many individuals. Its strengths can be attributed to the diverse professional backgrounds and experiences of two multidisciplinary teams, one from the private sector and one from state service. John Snyder of the Caltrans Cultural Studies Office in Sacramento was responsible for the vision that prompted the study, and he oversaw the contract with JRP Historical Consulting Services to produce the initial document. JRP staff, including Jeff Crawford, Rand Herbert, Steve Mikesell, Stephen Wee, and Meta Bunse authored the draft report under that contract. In June 1995, JRP submitted the manuscript to Caltrans, completing their responsibilities under the contract. JRP’s excellent work constitutes the body of this report, with subsequent work by Caltrans staff to meet additional needs not foreseen in the original contract. Caltrans Cultural Studies Office staff Thad Van Bueren, Dorene Clement, Greg King, Gloria Scott, and Laurie Welch contributed to the revisions and preparation of supplementary material, while Kendall Schinke assisted with graphics production. Throughout the process, Meta Bunse and other staff at JRP Historical Consulting Services cooperated in the revisions and rendered invaluable assistance, particularly with regard to the conversion of electronic files. The authors gratefully acknowledge the many professional colleagues who shared their expertise and suggestions during the formulation of this study. This report has benefited from their generous and thoughtful observations. Any questions or comments on the study should be directed to the Chief, Cultural Studies Office, Caltrans Environmental Program, MS 27, P.O. Box 942874, Sacramento, CA 94274-0001. Cover Photograph: Folsom Dam (courtesy of the California Room, California State Library) i Water Conveyance Systems in California December 2000 ii December 2000 Water Conveyance Systems in California CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ....................................................................................................................................................i CONTENTS.........................................................................................................................................................................iii INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................................1 HISTORICAL OVERVIEW...............................................................................................................................................3 IRRIGATION.........................................................................................................................................................................6 Native American Irrigation ...........................................................................................................................................6 Spanish and Mexican Period Irrigation........................................................................................................................8 American Period Irrigation.........................................................................................................................................11 The Legacy of Irrigation Canals .................................................................................................................................31 MINING.............................................................................................................................................................................31 The Gold Rush.............................................................................................................................................................32 Development of Large-Scale Mining...........................................................................................................................33 Hydraulic Mining ........................................................................................................................................................38 Effects of the Sawyer Decision ....................................................................................................................................48 Quartz Mining .............................................................................................................................................................51 Dredge Mining ............................................................................................................................................................52 Return of Small-Scale Placer Mining..........................................................................................................................52 The Legacy of Mining in California............................................................................................................................53 HYDROELECTRIC SYSTEMS...............................................................................................................................................54 Pioneering Development, 1890s-1910 ........................................................................................................................56 Consolidation and Watershed Development, 1905 to Present....................................................................................62 Public Development of Hydroelectric Power..............................................................................................................67 The Legacy of Hydroelectric Power............................................................................................................................69 COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMS ........................................................................................................................................70 RECLAMATION SYSTEMS ..................................................................................................................................................71 MAJOR MULTI-PURPOSE SYSTEMS ...................................................................................................................................72 The Central Valley Project..........................................................................................................................................73 The State Water Project ..............................................................................................................................................80 Integration of the Major Multi-Purpose Systems ........................................................................................................83 TYPICAL COMPONENTS ..............................................................................................................................................83 DIVERSION STRUCTURES ..................................................................................................................................................85 CONDUITS.........................................................................................................................................................................85 FLOW CONTROL AND CLEANSING DEVICES ......................................................................................................................88 ASSOCIATED RESOURCES AND SETTING ...........................................................................................................................88 SURVEY METHODOLOGY ...........................................................................................................................................89 RESEARCH........................................................................................................................................................................89 FIELD INSPECTION AND RECORDATION.............................................................................................................................90 SIGNIFICANCE EVALUATION .............................................................................................................................................92 Application of the NRHP Criteria ...............................................................................................................................92 Integrity.......................................................................................................................................................................95 Eligibility Details ........................................................................................................................................................95 PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS...........................................................................................................................97 ENDNOTES........................................................................................................................................................................99 BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................................................................113