drowning of big meadows: Nature's managers in progressive-Era California, The

Environmental History, Jan 1999 by Teisch, Jessica

The process of subverting local opposition in Big Meadows began in 1901. A real estate agent from Oakland, Arthur H. Breed, began acquiring land and water rights in Big Meadows for GWP under the pretense of consolidating ranches, the same guise under which Mayor Fred Eaton acquired land in Owens Valley. Although Breed was "questioned by the curious, [he] managed to conceal the true purpose of his visit." He even duped the editor of the local newspaper, who speculated that the entire area was to be converted into a large cattle operation, possibly in anticipation of Hawley's Western Pacific railroad line that was to be built in the area.23

In 1902, after preliminary investigations had been conducted, Schuyler wrote to Edwin Earl: "I confine myself to the plan that seems most complete and economical, from the knowledge we can gain without the detailed surveys proposed to be made after secrecy is no longer necessary." Company records indicate a deliberate policy to deceive local landowners in order to keep the cost of land down. Not surprisingly, Schuyler became a major stockholder in the new company. More importantly, land was bought and options secured on a hunch that could be confirmed only by means of more complete scientific investigation. Although nature as a potentially rebellious actor never factored into these men's decisions, the community-and its possible resistance-did.?

Breed enlisted the aid of Augustus R. Bidwell, a nephew of pioneer John Bidwell and a respected civic leader. Together they obtained options on dairy and cattle ranches in the valley. John Bidwell had consolidated more than 39,ooo acres from Mexican ranchos in the Chico area, which included 8oo acres in Big Meadows. His family vacationed in the valley during the summer, and his nephew Augustus lived there year-round. Involving Augustus Bidwell was a key step in dismembering the communities of Big Meadows and opening the door for GWP's control. By enlisting Bidwell's aid, the company eliminated a potential roadblock, community resistance. As the first owner to sell his land and water rights to the Earls in 19o2, Bidwell set the precedent for gullible owners to do the same. Breed immediately transferred Bidwell's land to GWP.5

In assisting GWP to buy land, Bidwell deceived his community and acted a double role as respected civic leader and land speculator. Since he accompanied Breed in a race against other prospectors to claim water rights along the Feather for "milling, mining, manufacturing, irrigation and domestic purposes and for the purpose of water and the generation of electric power" in 1902, it is unlikely that he was ignorant of the larger power plan, as claimed by local historians. When the Plumas National Bulletin announced in a 1902 "exclusive" that Big Meadows was to become a vast reservoir, Bidwell's betrayal was made clear. Shortly after, he became GWP's director of operations. Two years later, GWP had purchased directly or by condemnation many of the lands needed to begin construction of the dam, and by 19o6 the Earls and their eastern cohorts controlled more than 30,ooo acres in Big Meadows and the adjoining Butt Valley. 6