What happened at Hetch Hetchy Valley?

The City built a dam and reservoir, drowning this beautiful valley, even though other less-damaging sites existed. It was the first time the young national park system had been so violated. Although the Sierra Club lost that battle, the loss of Hetch Hetchy served to awaken the nation in defense of its national parks.

Why was Hetch Hetchy Valley dammed?

In 1906 an earthquake struck San Francisco, resulting in many terrible fires. After the flames had been put out, the city began looking for a higher capacity water source. They found a solution in damming the Tuolumne River and flooding the Hetch Hetchy Valley.

What was Hetch Hetchy and what happened there?

The law authorizing the dam passed Congress on December 7, 1913. In 1923, the O’Shaughnessy Dam was completed on the Tuolumne River, flooding the entire valley under the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir….Hetch Hetchy.

What were the environmental consequences when the Hetch Hetchy Valley was dammed?

Dams are controversial among environmentalists, providing water and clean energy—but destroying and fragmenting habitat. A different story is unfolding at Hetch Hetchy reservoir in Yosemite National Park, where water is being released to conserve and restore wildlife.

Will Hetch Hetchy ever be restored?

As the habitat is restored, animals will migrate home and the twin of Yosemite Valley will re-emerge in the light of the 21st century. Families from around the world will be able to return to Hetch Hetchy Valley year after year to witness a national treasure coming back to life.

Can you swim in Hetch Hetchy?

Water Quality: Swimming and boating are prohibited in Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in order to maintain a clean source of drinking water. Fishing: Fishing is allowed year-round in most lakes and the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and part of the year in most rivers and streams.

When was the Hetch Hetchy controversy resolved?

On August 30, the Sierra Club board of directors adopt a resolution addressed to the Secretary of the Interior strongly opposing damming of Hetch Hetchy Valley.

Is Hetch Hetchy worth?

Hidden in Yosemite National Park’s peaceful northwest corner, Hetch Hetchy Valley is a treasure worth visiting in all seasons. Located at 3,900 feet, Hetch Hetchy boasts one of the longest hiking seasons in the park and is an ideal place for thundering spring waterfalls and wildflower displays.

What caused John Muir to temporarily go blind?

In the history of the American environmental movement, one of the original “Big Bang” events — the puncturing of John Muir’s right eye by an awl, which caused him to temporarily go blind in both eyes — happened at a factory on Indianapolis’ Old Southside.

Can you kayak Hetch Hetchy?

Can you kayak Hetch Hetchy? Swimming and boating are not permitted in Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, since it is used as part of the San Francisco water supply. There was concern that the pure water that supplies San Francisco might be contaminated.

What is Muir often called?

John Muir (/mjʊər/ MEWR; April 21, 1838 – December 24, 1914) also known as “John of the Mountains” and “Father of the National Parks”, was an influential Scottish-American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, botanist, zoologist, glaciologist, and early advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the …

What was the debate about the Hetch Hetchy Valley?

Hetch Hetchy Environmental Debates Between 1908 and 1913, Congress debated whether to make a water resource available or preserve a wilderness when the growing city of San Francisco, California proposed building a dam in the Hetch Hetchy Valley to provide a steady water supply.

Where is the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in California?

/  37.94806°N 119.78806°W  / 37.94806; -119.78806 Hetch Hetchy is the name of a valley, a reservoir and a water system in California in the United States. The glacial Hetch Hetchy Valley lies in the northwestern part of Yosemite National Park and is drained by the Tuolumne River.

What is the value of removing Hetch Hetchy dam?

In 2019, Restore Hetch Hetchy commissioned another study that found enormous ‘recreational value’ from removing the dam. 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.

What’s the difference between Hetch Hetchy and Yosemite?

For all the similarities between Hetch Hetchy Valley and Yosemite Valley, there is one enormous difference – the Hetch Hetchy reservoir. The surface of the water hides an additional 300 feet of granite cliffs and once-upon-a-time waterfalls within its depths.