Editor’s note: This historical editorial originally appeared in the June 30, 1909, edition of what was then called The Bend Bulletin.

The first step toward the actual reclamation of 1,000 acres of bench land near Prineville was taken the first of last week when County Surveyor Rice and his crew of men began the survey for a canal that will lead water from the Ochoco at Crain’s bridge over lands owned by E.T. Slayton, T.H. Lafollete and J.S. Watkins.

The Journal says the capacity of this canal will depend on the number of inches of water allowed by the State Desert Land Board. It is estimated that a thousand miners inches of water would reclaim the lands and it is hoped to secure at least that amount….

Once we get this ditch on the McKay bench there is no telling where it will stop. There are thousands of acres of excellent land awaiting only the magic touch of water, that will grow anything planted.