The Prehn Method of land management and reclamation is a systematic approach that results in a much improved water table. This method is the culmination of efforts by Mr. Kelly Prehn to improve the ecosystem on five different land parcels. Mr. Prehn does not claim any formal titles when it comes to land management. He is a self-described pragmatist when it comes to his land. The approach Mr. Prehn has taken is an endless trial-and-error method that will be refined and documented. This section will provide insight to his approach. If individuals or small groups want a closer look at the results, a tour of the ranches can be requested.

Before getting into the methods Mr. Prehn used on his ranches, there was an underlying issue on all the pieces of land. They had a large population of juniper. Since juniper is known to be a deterrent to water management, Mr. Prehn had to resolve the best method for control of this plant. He chose to cut some juniper trees and hydro-axe others. He left the mulch from these trees in the area to act as a mulch for the land and as an erosion deterrent.

Milking for Water: Reading the Land

As a practicing rancher, Mr. Prehn chooses to let common sense and science work together. He starts by “reading” the land. That is, by observing the area during different times of the year. First, he uses indicator trees and grasses to signify the presence of a water source with grasses being the best indicator. He then marks areas where water is coming to the surface during wet periods.

Thirdly, only begin the trenching during the driest time of the year---the drier the better. A drought is the best time to do the trenching. If the milking method produces water during the driest times, you can be assured that there is a reliable source of water. Kelly Prehn has found reliable sources of water at all of the sites constructed so far using his method. Remember, some trenching can be done by hand.

Fourthly, dig the trench about five feet [depending on the slope] uphill from the markers that were put out during the wet season.

Fifth, dig the trench horizontally 12 to 18 inches deep and as long as possible. Every linear foot of trench increases the volume of water.

Sixth, there must be a good layer of clay to milk [getting the water from the ground into the perforated pipe] the water. Clay soil must be on the bottom and on the downside of the trench. If not, use bentonite clay to seal possible leaks. Bentonite clay is a fine structured colloidal clay that when wet swells to 10 times its original volume. Kelly uses it in all the trenches for just extra assurances. A 50-pound bag costs about five dollars and goes a long ways.

Seventh, use four inch perforated pipe in the collection trench. Lay it on top of the bentonite clay. Cover the perforated pipe with a four-inch layer of one-half inch to one-inch clean gravel. Then put old feed sacks---Kelly’s favorite because it has already been paid for and because it is slow to deteriorate---on top of the pipe so that when the piping is covered with soil it won’t clog the perforated pipe. Always the pragmatist, Kelly is just being frugal and environmental friendly! Of course, you may use any pipe covering you wish. As the ground settles there should not be a need for more pipe covering later. However, although Kelly did not do it on his first sites, he now recommends clean out nipples at both ends of the perforated pipe.

Eighth, connect a one inch pipe to the four inch perforated collection pipe and run it as far as necessary to the trough or tank collection system. If you use a storage tank, hook up the water trough with a float valve for a reliable supply of water. Kelly has found that because of the volume of water from his sites he needs to install various sizes of storage tanks at all of the sites. Of course, each site constructed must be evaluated on its own merits. If you use the Prehn Method correctly and have a good site selected according to the Method, water should start flowing in a few days.

Lastly, clean up the site and scatter native grass seeds over the construction site. The site will return to its original state---except for the storage system---in a short time. This is an earth friendly method. In addition, the Prehn Method will not take water away from any aquifers, plants, animals, or any live streams---all of the water from this method is being captured shortly before it would evaporate into the air.

In summary, the resulting acreage will have a reduced brush underlayment with fewer junipers and more native grasses. The water table will be significantly improved for cattle or native wildlife. Contact me at information@peopleagainstcedars.com or Joe Summy joesummy@moment.net if you want more information on the Prehn Method.