When was hetch hetchy dam built

The debate now revolves around cost, not feasibility. Sierra Club Conservation Director Bruce Hamilton says that the battle over Hetch Hetchy Valley restoration " illustrates the tenacity of this movement and the fact that the spirit and ideas and idealism of John Muir never died It's a piece of unfinished work that John Muir left to his heirs.

In response, some politicians say they don't even want to study the issue, while others say we need more information before making any decisions. Congress nixed the study proposal. Mark Cedarborg, RHH restoration experts explains visually how it is possible to restore the meadow and forest environments some 90 years after they were drowned.

The group, moving from Sonora to San Francisco, plans to launch a grassroots campaign to educate San Franciscans on the environmental destruction wrought by Hetch Hetchy dam. The first step is explaining that tearing it down won't mean losing their water. Once they understand that, we think the country's self-appraised "greenest city" will change their thinking about continuing to destroy a valley in a major National Park.

The group also begins "Muir's March," an annual fundraising effort where hikers take pledges for hiking the terrain of John Muir's inspiration each summer. The ballot measure asked for a study and nothing more. Could the dam be removed and could the needed water really be stored downstream?

Is it feasible? What would it cost? The defeat does not mean the battle is over. Supporters of the group Restore Hetch Hetchy quickly regroup to continue the nearly year fight. Although San Francisco owns and operates the system of pipes, dams and tunnels, only one-third of the users of the water live in San Francisco.

The other 1. The vote, which came after 13 minutes of discussion at a low-profile commission meeting on January 22, , means that unless the move is overturned by a lawsuit, environmental groups can no longer hope to drain the reservoir simply by winning approval from the voters of San Francisco.

The book is a graphically rich exploration of the pitched battle over an environmental tragedy and an inspiring reverie of a possible future. December 2 - Two former California Attorney Generals, a conservative and a liberal, in an op-ed titled Restore Yosemite? It can be done , join to argue in a guest editorial in the Los Angeles Times that we should take the opportunity of the centennial of the Raker Act to reform San Francisco's water system and return Hetch Hetchy Valley to the American people.

December 19 - The San Francisco Examiner , publishing on the th anniversary of the approval of the Raker Act to dam Hetch Hetchy, reports years after Raker Act was signed, the fight over Hetch Hetchy dam continues. Some conservation groups supported the bond, others opposed it. One possible project, however, that could be partially funded by the bond, is the expansion of Los Vaqueros Reservoir in Contra Costa County Such an expansion could be part of a plan to replace Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and make restoration possible.

The plaintiff intends to show that the value of restoring Hetch Hetchy Valley is greater than the cost of making the water system improvements that would be necessary to move the point of diversion for Tuolumne River flows downstream of Yosemite National Park. The lawsuit asserts that as a result, continued operation of the reservoir is a violation of the prohibition against unreasonable methods of diversion in Article X, section 2 of the California Constitution.

In a statement announcing the lawsuit, Restore Hetch Hetchy said: "As passionate as we are about restoring Hetch Hetchy Valley and Yosemite National Park, we are equally committed to ensuring a reliable water supply for San Francisco and other Bay Area communities.

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The National Park Service conducted research to determine what would happen if the dam were removed, and people have repeatedly proposed costly studies to further understand the consequences of removing the dam. Would that be an improvement? While the debate goes on, Hetch Hetchy remains a relaxing and often-overlooked corner of the park — much to the delight of hikers and backpackers who prefer less touristy experiences.

Wapama and Rancheria Falls. Looking up at Wapama Falls from the footbridge on the hiking trail. Photo: Chris Migeon. The gently rolling terrain has excellent views of the water and eye-catching Kolana Rock, which towers roughly 2, feet above. After 2. For most of the year the waterfall offers a refreshing shower or cooling mist along with an amazing view. But during peak spring flow, the thundering waterfall can wash over the bridge making it dangerous to cross.

People have died after being swept off the bridge and onto the rocks below. Use good judgment and stay safe. Most people turn around here anyway.

But if you still have energy, continue past the bridge to Rancheria Falls. As a Rancheria Falls itself is a series of whitewater cascades that crashes through a narrow canyon on its way to the reservoir. There are many places to stop and enjoy views of the rushing water before turning around to return to your car. Each switchback reveals scenic overlooks of the reservoir and Kolana Rock. The trail continues to climb for 1. Other trails also continue to Lake Vernon.

That trip is a If you love that insider feeling of discovering an often-overlooked gem, plan a stop at Buck Meadows on your way to or from Hetch Hetchy.

It is 13 miles from the Yosemite National Park border and twice as close to the park than the town of Groveland. You could miss this small mountain community if you blink at the wrong time, but it is home to a few remarkable small businesses. For example, plan to stop at the Lucky Buck Cafe on your way to or from a day of exploring Yosemite. Expect delicious meals and hearty portions to fuel your adventure or beat that post-hiking hunger.

Yosemite Westgate Lodge offers newly-remodeled and well-appointed modern accommodation. The spacious rooms include access to a heated swimming pool, spa, playground, and laundry facilities. These clean and comfortable rooms also enjoy access to the pool, spa and other facilities at Yosemite Westgate Lodge.

Five country-chic rooms in the main building include en suite bathrooms, free WiFi and electric fireplaces. A full breakfast is served in the dining room.