In 1897, California approved legislation for the formation of public irrigation districts. It was fairly simple two-step process. The organizers first had get approval of the county board of supervisors. When that was accomplished, the California State Engineer’s Office would review the proposal whether the water source was sufficient and that the project was financially feasible.

In January 1918, W.G. Wilds, A.L. Lincoln, W.D. Grivel, F,M. Dinsmore, H.O. Edwards, Carl Wirth, Peter Anderson, Joseph Gronoski, James Godman, Bruno Wirth and W.H. Evans all of Ravendale petitioned the Lassen County Board of Supervisors for the formation of the Painter Creek Irrigation District. Painter Creek &  Flat is a remote location east of Madeline Plains.

On March 4, 1918 the Lassen County Board of Supersviors approved the formation of the Painter Creek Irrigation District. The County Clerk was instructed to notify the California State Engineers Office who had the final say. No doubt that office must have bewildered by the proposal. This agency denied the proposed irrigation district.

Tim