1. Any three or more persons possessing swamp, bog, pond, meadow, or other low or wet lands or any lands in the vicinity thereof, or any public corporation in which such lands are located, or in the vicinity of such lands, may present to the department a verified petition praying for the formation of a drainage improvement district.

2. Such petition shall set forth:

a. The proposed name of such district, as the .................. Drainage Improvement District.

b. The facts showing that the swamp, bog, pond, meadow or other low or wet lands are a menance to the public health, safety or welfare and that it is necessary for the conservation of the public health, safety or welfare to drain or improve such lands by the construction of such drains, ditches, channels, dams, dikes or other works, through or upon such lands or through or upon the lands of others, so far as necessary for any or all of such purposes.

c. A general description of the lands to be included in the proposed district.

d. A general statement of the benefits which will inure from the formation of such district and the drainage of such lands.