benefits of hetch hetchy dam

In the autumn of 1871, John Muir visited Hetch Hetchy for the first time. Photo: Kim Lawson. Friday, enjoy an evening about bats starting at 7 pm. Hoffman observed a meadow "well timbered and affording good grazing", and noted the valley had a milder climate than Yosemite Valley, hence the abundance of ponderosa pine and gray pine. To begin the trail, cross the dam and pass through the tunnel. [47] On October 28, 1934 twenty years after the beginning of construction on the Hetch Hetchy project a crowd of 20,000 San Franciscans gathered to celebrate the arrival of the first Hetch Hetchy water in the city. These benefits include: Reservoir-based recreation - swimming, fishing, camping etc. [2] The dam and reservoir are the centerpiece of the Hetch Hetchy Project, which in 1934 began to deliver water 167 miles (269km) west to San Francisco and its client municipalities in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. But tearing OShaughnessy Dam down now in order to restore Hetch Hetchy Valley would be a disaster. The battle for Hetch Hetchy was perhaps the first effort at what is now known as "grassroots lobbying," getting individual citizens to contact elected officials in support . It also was an early battle of conservatives vs progressives. The trail continues to climb for 1.8 miles (2.8 km) above the trail intersection, but you can turn around any time. The Sites Reservoir a $4.4 billion project to add dams and store more water that'll be sent south is still years away from completion. Some of these studies determined that the idea of draining the reservoir was technically feasible but incredibly costly. This fight set the stage for future battles between those who believed natural resources were to be used for the greatest good versus those who believed natural resources were to be preserved for the greatest enjoyment. [20] They hunted, and gathered seeds and edible plants to furnish themselves winter food, trade items, and materials for art and ceremonial objects. Most importantly, San Francisco would lose its source of high-quality mountain water, and would have to depend on lower-quality water from other reservoirs which would require costly filtration and re-engineering of the aqueduct system to meet its needs. [84] Karin Klein has described Yosemite Valley as "so crammed that it looks more like a ripstop ghetto than the site of a nature experience. The battle for the Hetch Hetchy Valleys future was not simply preservation versus conservation. [24] Screech reported that the valley was bitterly disputed between the "Pah Utah Indians" (Paiute) and "Big Creek Indians" (Miwok), and witnessed several fights in which the Paiute appeared to be the dominant tribe. [49], The narrow defile at the lower end of Hetch Hetchy Valley where San Francisco planned to dam the Tuolumne River, seen in 1914 before construction began, The same area seen today, with O'Shaughnessy Dam and Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, Hetch Hetchy Valley serves as the primary water source for the City and County of San Francisco and several surrounding municipalities in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. (In fact partially because it is so difficult and destructive to build large dams, we are running out of new supplies of water in California.) The locations of these two formations roughly correspond with those of Cathedral Rocks and El Capitan seen from Tunnel View in Yosemite Valley. The first is utilitarian conservation. Plus, the granite walls converge into a narrow outlet at the bottom of the valley the perfect location for a dam. By Posted student houses falmouth 2021 In jw marriott panama concierge lounge People have died after being swept off the bridge and onto the rocks below. Should nature be left alone so that flora and fauna flourish while people enjoy its primal wonders? The new 68-mile (109 km) railroad wound its way up the narrow canyon of the Tuolumne River past sharp curves and up steep 4% grades. Progressive political leaders, of whom Mayor Phelan was one, believed it was time to take this power away from the private interests and turn it over to the people. [citation needed] The George W. Bush administration proposed allocating $7 million to studying the removal of the dam in the 2007 National Park Service budget. Expect delicious meals and hearty portions to fuel your adventure or beat that post-hiking hunger. If youre excited about a long hike or backpacking trip, you can continue to Laurel Lake for a 14.2-mile (22.9 km) out and back. Including additions made between 1934 and 1938, the dam currently stands 430 feet (131 m) above the bedrock below. . A recent report evaluates the economic benefits of restoring Hetch Hetchy Valley. Included with your registration: Two-day guided experience in Yosemite; one day at Hetch Hetchy and one day in Ackerson Meadow (Saturday, May 11, at 8 am, through Sunday, May 12, until about 3 pm). John Muir, the first president of the Sierra Club, condemned plans to build the dam, saying, "Dam Hetch Hetchy! It carried workers and materials for the dam, as well as tourists, postage and other amenities. [74] A 2019 study commissioned by Restore Hetch Hetchy argued that draining the reservoir and equipping the valley with a tourism infrastructure comparable to that of Yosemite Valley (which receives around 100 times as many visitors annually as Hetch Hetchy's 44,000) could result in a "recreational value" of up to $178 million per year, or possibly an overall economic value of up to $100 billion. He said, So we come now face to face with the perfectly clean question of what is the best use to which this water that flows out of the Sierras can be put. Once again, the political pendulum had swung. [64] Peter Byrne of SF Weekly has stated that "the plain language of the Raker Act itself and experts who are familiar with the act (and have no stake in city politics) all agree: The city of San Francisco is not in violation of the Raker Act. [82] Dianne Feinstein opposed this allocation, saying, "I will do all I can to make sure it isn't included in the final bill. From the turn-off, the road winds for 16.5 miles up the old Hetch Hetchy railroad grade (26.5 km) to the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, passing many lonely trails along the way. Principally, dam removal on the Klamath will require annual replacement of 696 gigawatt hours of electricity by other means. 2023 Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau, Yosemite Itineraries: What to Do in Yosemite. Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, encompassing 2,000 acres of federal park land, has clearly been maintained for the benefit of San Francisco with minimal consideration of the wider public whose tax dollarsand, in the case of visitors, entrance feessupport the national park. The construction of the Hetch Hetchy Railroad took place from 1915 to 1918. To get to Hetch Hetchy, turn north off Highway 120 onto Evergreen Road about 1 mile (2.2 km) outside the Big Oak Flat Entrance gate, and 12.5 miles (20 km) east of the small community of Buck Meadows. Building the Dam. If their signature-gathering campaign is successful, a small group of environmental advocates, led by Restore Hetch Hetchy, will give you the opportunity this November to vote on a measure that would require the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) to develop a plan to drain Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. The National Park Service concluded that two years after draining the valley, grasses would cover most of its floor and within 10 years, clumps of cone-bearing trees and some oaks would take root. While John Muir led the fight against building the dam, the opposition was supported by Gifford Pinchot. Even in the summer when Yosemite Valley is being explored by visitors from around the world, Hetch Hetchy remains an oasis of relative calm. 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. California O Shaughnessy Dam Analysis 1428 Words | 6 Pages. The trail to Wapama Falls is one of the most popular trails in the Hetch Hetchy area for a good reason. The grassroots organization of environmental activism, established by John Muir and his supporters, became a model for future environmentalists. Residents drink it in 26 cities and water districts from San. They would light upon a man's blue shirt and turn it brown, and were voracious as mosquitoes would be. Smith Peak (7,751 feet) is the highest point in the area and offers outstanding views. Photo: Theresa Ho, Of course, the proposal was immediately opposed by environmentalists including the Sierra Club and John Muir. Ultimately, San Francisco sold hydropower from the dam to the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), which led to decades of legal wrangling and controversy over terms in the Raker Act. [24] It is likely that the edible grass was blue dicks. Required fields are marked *. The larger issues at stake would frame environmental debates for years to come. Put another way, if Congress denied the city of San Francisco the Hetch Hetchy Valley, the California Progressive leaders suspected that it would only be a matter of time before the emerging Pacific Gas and Electric Company would grab the area. [5] The valley was slowly becoming known for its natural beauty, but it was never a popular tourist destination because of extremely poor access and the location of the famous Yosemite Valley just twenty miles to the south. Within 50 years, vegetative cover would be complete except for exposed rocky areas. Mirror Lakes famous spring-time reflections capture the eye and mind. John Muir knew that without public support, the Hetch Hetchy Valley would be lost. In the early 20th century, San Francisco flooded the Hetch Hetchy Valley, destroying "one of nature's rarest and most precious mountain temples." This is why the city can now ban new natural gas. [59] The water quality is high because of the unique geology of the upper Tuolumne River drainage basin, which consists mostly of bare granite; as a result, the rivers feeding Hetch Hetchy Reservoir have extremely low loads of sediments and nutrients. The dam is a small portion of the overall Tuolumne River/San Francisco storage system that benefits the Bay Area. First, the beauty of the valley which they felt should not be sacrificed to build a dam. Finally, with the railroad complete, teams broke ground on the OShaughnessy Dam on August 1, 1919. . We have historic photographs to remind us of what Hetch Hetchy Valley looked like before the dam was built. The proposed study would also have been required to identify potential replacements for the water storage capacity and hydroelectric power production.[87][88]. From our petition "The cost of replacing water storage in Hetch Hetchy Valley to maintain the current levels of water service and electrical power production by CCSF would be approximately 2 billion dollars, including 199 million dollars for additional interties, 372 million dollars for water supply, 387 million dollars for water treatment, 669 This can lead to algal blooms and decreased oxygen levels. The spacious rooms include access to a heated swimming pool, spa, playground, and laundry facilities. The Hetch Hetchy Valley underwent a monumental transformation when the City Of San Francisco received the approval of Congress in 1913 to build a dam in the Hetch Hetchy Valley, thus storing the water of the Tuolumne River and flooding the valley to a height of over 350 feet. They suggest that draining the reservoir and turning Hetch Hetchy Valley into a tourist center similar to Yosemite Valley could be worth up to $178 million per year. Photo: Chris Migeon Shasta, Oroville, Hetch Hetchy and many others were built by damming large rivers. But Hetch Hetchy was a federally protected as part of Yosemite National Park. Following a fierce nationwide debate led by John Muir and Will Colby of the Sierra Club, the City of San Francisco was authorized by the U.S. Congress, in the Raker Act of 1913, to construct a dam and reservoir on the Tuolumne River in Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park. [54] The entire system produces about 1.7 billion kilowatt hours per year, enough to meet 20% of San Francisco's electricity needs. The first Moccasin Powerhouse in Moccasin, California began commercial operation in 1925 followed by the Holm Powerhouse in 1960 (the same month the Early Intake Powerhouse was taken out of service). The controversy over damming Hetch Hetchy became mired in the political issues of the day. The battle over the Hetch Hetchy, in part, was a fight over public versus private ownership of vital resources such as water. There is a third concept, too, though it was little understood at the time. The Hetch Hetchy Valley is about 8 miles (13 km) from Yosemite Valley. The water shunted through them about 218 million gallons a day arrives in most city taps by gravity alone. The reservoir provides water to a large portion of the Bay Area through a 160 mile delivery. But how did the dam get to be here? Hetch Hetchy water travels 160 miles via gravity from . Formerly called Buck Meadows Restaurant and Bar, the new caf crosses rustic-mountain flair with roadside cafe friendliness. The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir itself store 85% of the City's overall drinking water supply, the remaining 15% is stored in the system's 5 other reservoirs. National opinion divided between giving San Francisco the right to dam the valley and preserving the valley from development. Next to John Muir, the most vocal defender of the Hetch Hetchy Valley was Harriet Monroe. For thousands of years before the arrival of settlers from the United States in the 1850s, the valley was inhabited by Native Americans who practiced subsistence hunting-gathering. Hetch Hetchy is an iconic, rare and spectacular landscape, Hetch Hetchy is part of Yosemite National Park and its damming and flooding is by far the worst destruction of our national parks have ever experienced Restoration would not only make Yosemite whole once again it would inspire people that we don't need to live with mistakes of the past" Could you imagine building a dam inside a national park today? The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, which lies within the Yosemite National Park, supplies 85% of the water needs of San Francisco and surrounding counties. Horace Albright, the second director of the National Park Service, wrote that Franklin Lanes appointment to the cabinet was made specifically for the purpose of pushing this [Hetch Hetchy project], the so-called Raker-Pittman Bill. (Source: The Battle Over Hetch Hetchy, Robert W. Righter). As a result, San Francisco secured a reliable and . [8], While its cousin Yosemite Valley to the south had permanent Miwok settlements,[25] Hetch Hetchy was only seasonally inhabited. "[61][62], The battle over Hetch Hetchy Valley continues today[when?] The 68mi (109km) Hetch Hetchy Railroad was constructed to link the Sierra Railway with Hetch Hetchy Valley, allowing for direct rail shipment of construction materials from San Francisco to the dam site. Even if we could obtain the several billion dollars necessary to carry out this endeavor (neither private nor public sources have yet been identified) some of the tasks involved may not even be possible. The terminus of the incomplete line was "conveniently located next to a PG&E substation", which connected to PG&E's private line which in turn bridged the gap to San Francisco. DWR also found that the planning studies necessary to refine the costs and benefits of restoration would cost $65 million alone. Not to be outdone by Los Angeles, San Francisco had a greater feat in mind: dam the Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park and pipe the water into San Francisco. In an effort to build this support, he published his bookThe Yosemitein 1912. [53], As completed, O'Shaughnessy Dam is 910 feet (280m) long, spanning the valley at its narrow outlet. The upcountry portion of the System begins with Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park. And today there is even an organization, Restore Hetch Hetchy, which is committed to doing just that. The dam was then 227 feet (69m) high; its present height of 312 feet (95m) was achieved only later, in 1938. [58], Water from Hetch Hetchy is some of the cleanest municipal water in the United States; San Francisco is one of six U.S. cities not required by law to filter its tap water, although the water is disinfected by ozonation and, since 2011, exposure to UV. In the foreground, the deep still water of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir reflects sunshine, clouds and the proud shadows of the surrounding mountains. As Muir famously protested: Dam Hetch Hetchy? Specialty pricing may require . 406 California Historical Landmark)", "John Muir's Yosemite: The father of the conservation movement found his calling on a visit to the California wilderness", "Timeline of the Ongoing Battle Over Hetch Hetchy", "The Hetch Hetchy Letters: If a Group of Intellectuals Argues in a Forest, and then that Forest is Submerged Under Water, Does Their Argument Matter? The water winds between granite features like Kolana Rock and Hetch Hetchy Dome. It is definitely worth to visit Hetch Hetchy area especially in 2021 when main Yosemite area requires booking permits in advance. By 1908, a different Interior Secretary, James R. Garfield, sided with the utilitarian conservationists and issued a permit for the Hetch Hetchy project. In 2006, the California State Department of Water Resources (DWR) and Department of Parks and Recreation evaluated the cost estimates of multiple feasibility studies conducted between 1988 and 2005. A) 5 billion B . [4] A broad, low rocky outcrop situated between Kolana Rock and Hetch Hetchy Dome divided the former meadow in two distinct sections. The most prominent preservationist spokesman was John Muir.. Pinchot argued that applying the principle of the greatest good for the greatest number, meant the benefits accrued to the people of San Francisco from having the dam far outweighed leaving the valley in its current state. Indeed, Hetch Hetchy today[when?] William Howard Taft became president in 1909. [21] Miwok names are still used for features, including Tueeulala Fall, Wapama Fall, and Kolana Rock. He had journeyed to Washington to lobby the federal government on behalf of the project. (Source: American Rivers, How Dams Damage Rivers). A bigger population will increase demand, meanwhile climate change could significantly reduce supply through drought and hydrological cycle changes. There is plenty to see and do right here, from kayaking on the water to climbing the magnificent domes above. It's a big job to open the tunnel and close it again. [2] It is spectacular: a miles-long placid blue lake nested within towering granite cliffs, from which waterfalls cascade. The trail includes spectacular views of Tueeulala and Wapama Falls. Richard Ballinger was a conservative who was one of the main characters who was responsible for the progressive-conservative split in the GOP in 1912 (leading to the creation of the Bull Moose party), which is the factor that determined the GOP would be on the right side of the political spectrum (and therefore ensuring the Democrats would be on the left side of the spectrum). The dam in the Hetch Hetchy valley of Yosemite National Park, first proposed in 1908, was intended to create a reservoir that would provide water and electricity for the burgeoning city of San Francisco. Show More. [15] When the glacier retreated for the final time, sediment-laden meltwater deposited thick layers of silt, forming the flat alluvial floodplain of the valley floor. Even a short stroll from the car gives a magnificent view of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir from the OShaughnessy Dam. Congress, confronted with rising public opposition, refused to act on the measure. It is 13 miles from the Yosemite National Park border and twice as close to the park than the town of Groveland. In fact, this is so obviously a good idea that the SFPUC and other end users of Hetch Hetchy water have been doing it for years. For all the similarities between Hetch Hetchy Valley and Yosemite Valley, there is one enormous difference the Hetch Hetchy reservoir. Plus, they needed a way to bring supplies and workers into the mountains. Located 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, the dam captures water from the . Swimming and boating are prohibited in Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in order to maintain a clean source of drinking water. [30] After the valley's native inhabitants were driven out by the newcomers, it was used by ranchers, many of whom were former miners, to graze livestock. The glacial Hetch Hetchy Valley lies in the northwestern part of Yosemite National Park and is drained by the Tuolumne River. Stand on OShaughnessy Dam and feel the cool updraft. It's dumb, dumb, dumb. Animals were principally driven along Joseph Screech's trail from Big Oak Flat to Hetch Hetchy. Many are vital pieces of infrastructure that provide reliable water supplies, hydropower, flood control, and recreation. . GROVELAND,CA San Francisco may be required to pay more rent to the federal government for water from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir or even tear down the O'Shaughnessy Dam. In terms of quality, Hetch Hetchy water is so pristine that it is one of only a handful of water supplies in the country that doesn't need to be filtered, a process that is expensive and energy intensive. [5] Chief Tenaya of the Yosemite Valley's Ahwaneechee tribe claimed that Hetch Hetchy was Miwok for "Valley of the Two Trees", referring to a pair of yellow pines that once stood at the head of Hetch Hetchy. These clean and comfortable rooms also enjoy access to the pool, spa and other facilities at Yosemite Westgate Lodge. Call 209-372-0200 for the latest road and weather conditions, Hetch Hetchy Road Daily Hours: 8 am to 5 pm. There, he met the same Indian chief and his wives. First, they block rivers which prevents fish from migrating. Right next to the Lucky Buck Cafe, youll find the Yosemite Westgate Lodge and Buck Meadows Lodge. Winter weather conditions may cause road closures. As we all know, there is no use of water that is higher than the domestic use., He went on to say, We come straight to the question of whether the advantage of leaving this valley in a state of nature is greater than the advantage of using it for the benefit of the city of San Francisco.. Appreciate what nature created and what the city built there long ago. Through the manipulation of water, the company also had the power to determine which real estate became valuable and which languished. He discovered it a few of years later. This time it was in favor those who wanted to preserve the valley for generations yet to come. Application Opening: February 10, 2023 Application Filing Deadline: March 3, 2023 Hourly Compensation: $27.3125 Recruitment ID: RTF0131751-01138303 (131752) APPOINTMENT TYPE: Temporary Exempt: This position is excluded by the Charter from the competitive Civil Service examination process and shall serve at the discretion of the Appointing Officer. [3] Kolana Rock, at 5,772ft (1,759m), is a massive rock spire on the south side of the Hetch Hetchy Valley. Many examples of red-barked manzanita can be seen along the Hetch Hetchy Road. As we learned from Rachel Carsons Silent Spring, humankind can damage the environment while attempting to control it. Third, dams alter natural habitats and change the ways in which rivers function. Water could be diverted into the Kirkwood and Moccasin Powerhouses using lower-impact diversion dams, providing power generation on a seasonal basis, and the enlarged height at Don Pedro would also increase power generation there. Muir famously said, Dam Hetch Hetchy! [13], Hetch Hetchy is home to a diverse array of plants and animals. Within three years, Congress had passed the Organic Act, formally defining the parks and creating a new federal agency, the National Park Service, with a mission: to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.. The privately owned Spring Valley Water Company had required its customers to pay exorbitant rates for years. If you delight in getting off the well-beaten path, or if you are looking for a peaceful natural retreat, its perfection. Miners did not stay in the area for long, however, as richer deposits occurred further south along the Merced River and in the Big Oak Flat area. A) human well-being B) renewable energy C) environmental sustainability D) cultural services E) human population growth, The current total world population has just passed ________. Consider one project in progress that involves re-routing an entire river . In terms of quality, Hetch Hetchy water is so pristine that it is one of only a handful of water supplies in the country that doesnt need to be filtered, a process that is expensive and energy intensive. In the 19th century, the first white visitors to the valley did not realize that Hetch Hetchy's extensive meadows were the product of millennia of management by Native Americans; instead they believed "the valley was purely a product of ancient geological forces (or divine intervention) this was fundamental to its allure as a destination and subject. Hetch Hetchy Valley, far from being a plain, common, rock-bound meadow, as many who have not seen it seem to suppose, is a grand landscape garden, one of Nature's rarest and most precious mountain temples. . If the dam were not to be built, it would only benefit the small percentage of Americans who actually visited the site and were concerned about the park's pristine condition. Hetch Hetchy Valley is a treasure worth visiting. But the ultra-liberal President Woodrow Wilson signed off in 1913 on the multi-decade construction of a series of dams within Yosemite National Park that flooded Hetch Hetchy Valley to create a massive reservoir, hydroelectric plants, and a 167-mile aqueduct for the sole benefit of the City of San Francisco. You can expect one (short) email per month. Spring snowmelt runs down the Tuolumne River and fills Hetch Hetchy, the largest reservoir in our water system. Some hydro-power dams withhold and then release water to generate power for peak demand periods, which is particularly disruptive to migrating fish. Some years later, water began flowing to San Francisco. Standing upon it will give you the chance to appreciate the sublimity of both nature and human achievement. The report cited other dam projects in making the argument that this project would increase tourism. Located at 3,900 feet, it boasts one of the longest hiking seasons in the park. On this point we hold that while we are willing to die for the lives or the health of the citizens of San Francisco, we are not willing to die for their pockets. This can be very disorienting to fish and disrupt their migrations as they depend on steady streams and flows to guide them. Due to its high-altitude location at 3,900 feet above sea level and its snowmelt-fed water supply, water from Hetch Hetchy Reservoir behind O'Shaughnessy Dam does not require filtration. Environmentalists lost what was the opening battle in a fight to preserve Americas natural wonders. Congress has set aside the Yosemite Valley as a state park in 1864, established a national park around it in 1890, and then reclaimed the valley as part of the national park in 1903.

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