Last Friday, community leaders, farmers, and conservation partners joined together on the Sacramento River in Hamilton City to celebrate the 105th anniversary of the Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District (GCID). Under the shade of tall trees and beside the district’s iconic 1,100-foot fish screen, the gathering both honored a century-plus legacy and looked forward to the work ahead.
The celebration opened with remarks from GCID General Manager Jeff Sutton, who traced the district’s roots back to pioneer Will S. Green—often called the “Father of Irrigation” in California. In 1883, Green nailed a handwritten notice to an oak tree on the riverbank near Hamilton City, establishing a water system that would ultimately transform the fertile plains of Glenn and Colusa Counties into one of the world’s most productive agricultural regions.
Although the early decades saw challenges and setbacks, the perseverance of local landowners prevailed. On February 21, 1920, GCID was officially organized, carrying forward Green’s vision of a reliable irrigation system that would sustain farming and communities in the Sacramento Valley. Today, GCID is the largest irrigation district in Northern California, serving over 1,200 family farms and delivering water to 140,000 acres of farmland as well as three national wildlife refuges along the Pacific Flyway.
In addition to Sutton, GCID board members, including longtime NCWA board member Don Bransford, NCWA President David Guy, and other regional leaders spoke about the district’s enduring leadership. Their reflections underscored how GCID has shaped not only the Sacramento Valley but also the broader course of California water.
“In modern California, being a large irrigation district is no easy task,” said Guy. “Yet GCID has consistently stood as a leader in multi-benefit water management—not just in this region, but across the state.”
From its 100,000 acres of ricelands that fuel both local economies and sustain millions of migratory birds, to its leadership in salmon recovery through fish screens, spawning gravel projects, and floodplain reactivation, GCID demonstrates how farming and ecological stewardship go hand in hand.
Sutton noted that GCID’s strength lies in its people: “I am confident because of the talented and devoted GCID staff that is dedicated to operating, maintaining, and modernizing our water delivery system to reliably serve the irrigation needs of the farms that make up the District—for today, tomorrow, and generations to come.”
While the anniversary reflected proudly on GCID’s storied past, the day was equally forward-looking. Speakers emphasized the importance of farmer-led governance, innovative projects, and partnerships with conservation groups and agencies to meet the challenges ahead.
As Guy concluded: “This is what makes GCID so remarkable: it’s not just about delivering water, but about community and supporting an entire living system—people, farms, wildlife, and rivers—all working together in harmony.”
Congratulations to GCID on 105 years of leadership, perseverance, and innovation in the Sacramento Valley!
