Enforcement of an Anachronism: The 160 Acre Limitation


 

Publication Date: December 1977

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Milton R. Copulos

Research Area: Agriculture, forestry and fishing; Environment

Keywords: Agriculture

Type: Report

Abstract:

The Imperial Valley controversy spotlights the potential danger to American agriculture inherent in a mindless enforcement of the acreage limitations and residency requirements contained in the 1902 Reclamation Act and its subsequent amendments. In fact, the valley was irrigated prior to the advent of federal water projects, and it was only after numerous assurances that the 1902 Act would not apply that the farmers in that region agreed to support the construction of the All-American Canal. To have the federal government abruptly change its position will work an undue hardship on the valley's farmers.