Second, dams slow rivers. The O'Shaughnessy Dam is 430-foot (131 m) high made of concrete and it is named after engineer Michael O'Shaughnessy, who oversaw the entire construction. The reservoir is fed by the Tuolumne River. As the Hetch Hetchy Valley was part of Yosemite National Park, Hitchcock preferred to protect the parks natural wonders. The dam was then 227 feet (69m) high; its present height of 312 feet (95m) was achieved only later, in 1938. The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir also serves to provide energy in the form of hydroelectricity, with a capacity of over 200 megawatts a year. Loss of the reservoir would decrease the Bay Areas water and energy security, requiring new water storage (possibly in reservoirs not owned by San Francisco) and the development of new water and energy supplies. Forests might provide for the material well-being of human beings, but they did not exist for this reason alone. William Howard Taft became president in 1909. Furthermore, they provided a place for the wild plants and creatures to live out their own lives, according to their purposes. In continuance, water has a personality and the presence of it can change moods and help people feel better. Hydroelectric power generated from the Hetch Hetchy project is largely sold to Bay Area customers through a private power company, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). Pipelines 1 and 2 cross the San Francisco Bay to the south of the Dumbarton Bridge, while pipelines 3 and 4 run to the south of the bay. In the future, we will certainly need diverse supplies to rely on in a prolonged drought, but we will also need Hetch Hetchy more than ever. The glacial Hetch Hetchy Valley lies in the northwestern part of Yosemite National Park and is drained by the Tuolumne River. John Muir, the first president of the Sierra Club, condemned plans to build the dam, saying, "Dam Hetch Hetchy! For example, plan to stop at the Lucky Buck Cafe on your way to or from a day of exploring Yosemite. 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 idea of punching a hole in or removing the dam and allowing the valley to be restored to its pre-development conditions has been around since the late 1980s. The proposed study would also have been required to identify potential replacements for the water storage capacity and hydroelectric power production.[87][88]. A full breakfast is served in the dining room. Dams, including this one, dont last forever, and perhaps in a few generations the conversation about a different future for the Hetch Hetchy Valley may be worthwhile. The entire valley is now flooded under an average 300ft (91m) of water behind the dam, although it occasionally reemerges in droughts, as it did in 1955, 1977, and 1991. Next to John Muir, the most vocal defender of the Hetch Hetchy Valley was Harriet Monroe. Each switchback reveals scenic overlooks of the reservoir and Kolana Rock. Let us introduce you to some of the unique giant sequoia groves in the Yosemite Mariposa County area the Merced, Tuolumne, and Mariposa Groves are inside Yosemite National Park, and the Nelder Grove is just outside the park boundary to the south. 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 Get SPUR news and events delivered straight to your email inbox. But Hetch Hetchy was a federally protected as part of Yosemite National Park. 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. We can't help it either. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like The 1987 UN Commission on Sustainability first introduced the concept of ________ as a necessary focus for maintaining sustainability. If you want to follow the old railroad line today, the Hetch Hetchy Road and most of the Mather Road were built on the old railroad bed and are beautiful scenic drives as well. Hetch Hetchy and many others were built by . The Dam flooded about nine miles of the river, including the Hetch Hetchy valley. [53], As completed, O'Shaughnessy Dam is 910 feet (280m) long, spanning the valley at its narrow outlet. Since then, the "Hetch Hetchy System" has continued to grow, now including nine impoundments . 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. [50] The removal of the dam would be extremely costly, at least $310 billion,[76] and the transport of the demolished material away from the dam site along the narrow, winding Hetch Hetchy Road would be a logistical nightmare with possible environmental impacts. The battle over the Hetch Hetchy, in part, was a fight over public versus private ownership of vital resources such as water. a strong proponent of restoring Hetch Hetchy Valley and Senator Feinstein is still[when?] There is no Starbucks here no daily parade of tour buses and RVs. Day 6: Hetch Hetchy Reservoir to San Francisco. As well dam for water-tanks the people's cathedrals and churches, for no holier temple has ever been . Rounding the corner and catching the first glimpses of Hetch Hetchy Valley reveals the play of light on water. [21][33] Albert Bierstadt, Charles Dorman Robinson and William Keith were known for their landscapes that drew tourists to the Hetch Hetchy Valley. From this work, we have concluded that it is not wise to reduce water storage facilities considering the realities of a growing population and climate change. 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. Public disapproval nationwide with the Raker Act helped to bring about the creation of the National Park Service. It spans 900 feet (270 m) with a 17-foot (5.2 m) wide trail across the top that hikers use to cross to the opposite side. "[65] Harold L. Ickes, Secretary of the Interior in the late 1930s, said there was a violation of the Raker Act, but he and the city reached an agreement in 1945. [75] The remaining deficit would likely have to be replaced by polluting fossil fuel generation. Only a tiny proportion of Yosemites visitors explore this out-of-the-way corner of the national park. The trail includes spectacular views of Tueeulala and Wapama Falls. Like Muir, he was totally transfixed by the Hetch Hetchy Valley. Hoover Dam. [66] In 2015, Restore Hetch Hetchy filed a complaint arguing that the construction of the dam had violated a provision in the constitution of California about water use, but the lawsuit was rejected by an appeals court and later the California State Supreme Court. Your email address will not be published. Formerly called Buck Meadows Restaurant and Bar, the new caf crosses rustic-mountain flair with roadside cafe friendliness. It forced elected representatives to consider what a national park designation truly meant and whether or not the land within these parks deserved protection. The regional water system provides water to 2.4 million people in San Francisco, Santa Clara, Alameda and San Mateo counties. But Sites would be what's called an off-channel reservoir, built away from the river. The network goes from the Sierra Nevada mountains, across the Central Valley and out to the coast, and serves 2.5 million Californians in 30 cities across four counties. Third, dams alter natural habitats and change the ways in which rivers function. [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. Most people called it Hetch Hetchy, a mispronunciation of a Central Mohawk word for a plant that indigenous people were harvesting there when the first white man came along.. As surely as forests provided timber, so did they provide beauty, inspiration, and the renewal of over-citified spirits. This time it was in favor those who wanted to preserve the valley for generations yet to come. The Hetch Hetchy Valley was within Yosemite National Park and protected by the federal government, leaving it up to Congress to decide the valley's fate. Dam Hetch Hetchy! "[19], People have lived in Hetch Hetchy Valley for over 6,000 years. DWRs meta-study found a range of costs from $3 billion to $10 billion for restoration and replacement of water and power sources. Then, in 1906, a devastating earthquake caused a series of fires in San Francisco that destroyed 25,000 buildings across 490 city blocks. [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. [54] An additional hydroelectric system comprising Cherry Lake, Lake Eleanor and the Holm Powerhouse is also part of the Hetch Hetchy Project, adding another 169 megawatts of generating capacity. Swimming and boating are prohibited in Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in order to maintain a clean source of drinking water. 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? Hidden in Yosemite National Parks peaceful northwest corner, Hetch Hetchy Valley is a treasure worth visiting in all seasons. They were both initially carved by rivers flowing down the Sierras relatively gentle western slope. The Tuolumne River, the source of. The inadequacy of the citys existing water supply came into sharp focus. The falls roar in spring and early summer. Since the valley was within Yosemite National Park, an act of Congress was needed to authorize the project. [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. . For most of the year the waterfall offers a refreshing shower or cooling mist along with an amazing view. "[83], Opponents of dam removal have pointed out that the flooding of the Hetch Hetchy Valley has also deterred the crowds that overrun other areas of Yosemite National Park. 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. Hetch Hetchy Valley, dammed and flooded in the 1920s despite bitter opposition from Sierra Club founder John Muir, provides drinking water for an estimated 2 million people in the San Francisco . [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. . OShaughnessy Dam and the waterworks that connect it to the Bay Area are a marvel of engineering. That reservoir is New Don Pedro, and it rests over existing pipelines to the Bay Area. The SFPUC tests its quality more than 100,000 times a year to ensure that it exceeds all safe drinking water standards. 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. Surrounding the water are a few waterfalls, the most prominent being Tueeulala and Wapama Falls, and countless rock features. The construction of the Hetch Hetchy Railroad took place from 1915 to 1918. They poured an estimated total of more than 398,000 cubic yards (304,000 cubic meters) of concrete to form the dam. Muir concludes his treatise on Hetch Hetchy with the now familiar words, "Dam Hetch Hetchy! Yosemite Westgate Lodge offers newly-remodeled and well-appointed modern accommodation. The Tuolumne River continues through Tuolumne Meadows and the associated park developments at an elevation of 8,600 feet. At the time, neither side understood the long-range consequences of human actions to manage the environment. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. A bigger population will increase demand, meanwhile climate change could significantly reduce supply through drought and hydrological cycle changes. 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. We have historic photographs to remind us of what Hetch Hetchy Valley looked like before the dam was built. Albert Bierstadt was known for his sweeping landscapes of the American West. 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. [8], While its cousin Yosemite Valley to the south had permanent Miwok settlements,[25] Hetch Hetchy was only seasonally inhabited. (Read SPURs analysis of this plan.) Rancheria Falls itself is a series of whitewater cascades that crashes through a narrow canyon on its way to the reservoir. can you smoke on royal caribbean cruise ships benefits of hetch hetchy dam. At full capacity, the reservoir stretches eight miles (13 km) upstream of the OShaughnessy Dam. It has two trailhead options. By Posted student houses falmouth 2021 In jw marriott panama concierge lounge This is also a place imbued with history: San Franciscos congressional delegation won the right to build the dam in 1913, to secure a reliable source of water in the wake of the 1906 earthquake. Today, descendants of these people still use milkweed, deergrass, bracken fern, willow, and other plants for a variety of uses including baskets, medicines, and string. This was likely because of Hetch Hetchy's narrow outlet, which in years of heavy snowmelt created a bottleneck in the Tuolumne River and the subsequent flooding of the valley floor. Fortunately, that time has not yet come, so this November, vote no on the Water Sustainability and Environmental Restoration Planning Act of 2012. Lets keep Hetch Hetchy around for the forseeable future. In 2007, in approving the environmental impact report for the Water System Improvement Program an investment of more than $4 billion to shore up the seismic reliability of the Hetch Hetchy water system the SFPUC gave itself, and its wholesale customers on the peninsula, ten years to develop a plan that would identify reliable alternative sources of water to meet the regions future growth in demand, rather than diverting more water from the Tuolumne River. Hetch Hetchy, located at 3,900 feet in Yosemite National Park, is one of the park's most popular hiking . ", "The Hetch Hetchy Story, Part II: PG&E and the Raker Act", "The Forbidden Water: San Francisco and Hetch Hetchy Valley", "Idyllic Pulgas Water Temple still offers comfort for weary wanderers", "Chronology of San Francisco's Water Development", "Frequently Asked Questions About Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and the Regional Water & Power System", "Water From Yosemite Is Still Cheap, for Now", "Serving 2.6 million residential, commercial and industrial customers", "Hetch Hetchy water goes through ultraviolet rinse", "A historic bid for limited boating at Hetch Hetchy Reservoir", "Trump team reassigns Yosemite National Park superintendent; timing raises questions", "Western Water Wars: Efforts to Take Over San Francisco's Hetch Hetchy Systems", "Hetch Hetchy Power Debacle: Continuing Yosemite Threat", "Could Hetch Hetchy Valley be worth $100 billion? It involved the unintended consequences of efforts to shape the environment to meet human needs. For all the similarities between Hetch Hetchy Valley and Yosemite Valley, there is one enormous difference the Hetch Hetchy reservoir. The waterfall on the Tuolumne is now submerged under Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Other trails also continue to Lake Vernon. And Hetch Hetchy's damming has inspired generations of conservationists to protect our natural heritage and to commit to safeguarding our protected areas. All offers, including but not limited to, bonus amenities, upgrades, prices, and group benefits are based on select dates, resorts, room categories, and/or fare codes. While the dialogue around the West's water wars has been concentrated on the Colorado River and the alarming decline of Lake Powell and Lake Mead, watersheds across the Western United States are feeling the effects of a rapidly aridifying landscape due to climate change. The extensive amount of storage, which is designed to benefit the Bay Area as droughts become more severe with climate. Today the 117-billion-gallon reservoir supplies drinking water to about 2.5 million San Francisco Bay Area residents and hydro-electric power generated by two plants downstream. SPUR Urban Center, 654 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105-4015 | (415) 781-8726 | [emailprotected], 2023 SPUR Privacy Policy 501(C)(3) Non-Profit Tax Identification: 94-1498232, a member-supported nonprofit organization. remains the least visited area of the park. Us too! 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. 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. "[81] Hodel, now retired, is still[when?] Proponents of the dam replied that out of multiple sites considered by San Francisco, Hetch Hetchy had the "perfect architecture for a reservoir",[43] with pristine water, lack of development or private property, a steep-sided and flat-floored profile that would maximize the amount of water stored, and a narrow outlet ideal for placement of a dam. No BS! The valley provided an escape from the summer heat of the lowlands. Restore Hetch Hetchy and the Environmental Defense Funds own studies support a lower cost estimate, ranging from $1 billion to $2 billion. Gifford Pinchot: A 2021 Lesson From Americas First Forester, Meet The Real Life Batman & Robin Of The National Parks, Natural Rivals: John Muir, Gifford Pinchot, and the Creation of Americas Public Lands, Gifford Pinchot and the Making of Modern Environmentalism, Son of the Wilderness: The Life of John Muir, General Sherman Tree: Everything You Need to Know About The Largest Tree in the World, 11 BEST National Parks Near San Francisco to Visit (Expert Guide), 7 EPIC National Parks Near Santa Ana Youll Love (Photos + Guide). 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. If, on the other hand, San Francisco gained control, it would signal in important victory for public power resulting in lower rates for the people. To visit the waterfalls or Yosemites northern backcountry, you walk across OShaughnessy Dam. But how did the dam get to be here? The glacially-carved U-shaped valley floor maximizes the amount of water stored in the reservoir. National opinion divided between giving San Francisco the right to dam the valley and preserving the valley from development. Photo: Kim Lawson. Enjoy elegant touches like wrap-around porches, and fresh-baked cookies served daily. [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. Valley, reservoir, and aqueduct in California, USA, sfn error: no target: CITEREFMatthes1930 (, sfn error: no target: CITEREFWohlforth2004 (, sfn error: no target: CITEREFWhitney1874 (, sfn error: no target: CITEREFGlennon2009 (, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Hetch Hetchy, List of dams and reservoirs in California, List of the tallest dams in the United States, "Alternatives for Restoration of Hetch Hetchy Valley Following Removal of the Dam and Reservoir", "Hetch Hetchy Reclaimed: Drain it, then what? [12] During the last glacial period, the Tioga Glacier[13] formed from extensive icefields in the upper Tuolumne River watershed; between 110,000 and 10,000 years ago Hetch Hetchy Valley was sculpted into its present shape by repeated advance and retreat of the ice, which also removed extensive talus deposits that may have accumulated in the valley since the Sherwin period. ", "Three Square Miles of Open Space: Is It Enough? [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. 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 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. The OShaughnessy Dam was completed in 1938 and is 430-feet tall. [42] They claimed the valley was not unique and would be even more beautiful with a lake. The other route begins at the entrance station and is 16 miles round-trip with 3,300 feet of elevation gain. [54] The entire system produces about 1.7 billion kilowatt hours per year, enough to meet 20% of San Francisco's electricity needs. [77][78], The economic wisdom of removing the dam has been frequently questioned. Winter weather conditions may cause road closures. . The new. Muir predicted that this lake would create an unsightly "bathtub ring" around its perimeter, caused by the water's destruction of lichen growth on the canyon walls,[44] which would inevitably be visible at low lake levels. An advantage which Phelan, Pinchot and other supporters of the dam project enjoyed was a divided opposition. Plus, the granite walls converge into a narrow outlet at the bottom of the valley the perfect location for a dam. [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. This valley was isolated and remote, twenty miles northwest of the original. [67], Those in opposition of dam removal state that demolishing O'Shaughnessy Dam would take away a valuable source of clean, renewable hydroelectric power in the Kirkwood and Moccasin powerhouses; even if measures such as seasonal water diversion into the powerhouses were employed, it would only make up for a fraction of the original power production. Learn what to expect from Mirror Lake in various seasons. DWR also found that the planning studies necessary to refine the costs and benefits of restoration would cost $65 million alone. This is why environmental impact statements, which were not required prior to 1969, are so important today. Over the last 35 years, the idea has been studied by the Environmental Defense Fund, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the National Park Service, UC Davis, and several state agencies. Not far from there, youll find more budget-minded lodging at Buck Meadows Lodge. Use good judgment and stay safe. Photo: Kim Lawson. Gravel, logs, and other important food and habitat features can become trapped. Indeed, Hetch Hetchy today[when?] [85] 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. [42] This provoked a seven-year environmental struggle with the environmental group Sierra Club, led by John Muir. Hetch Hetchy is the incredible story of Americas most controversial dam and the birth of the environmental movement. After 2.5 miles (4.0 km), youll reach the Wapama Falls Bridge with an up-close view of the lowest section of Wapama Falls. 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.. In 1967 the Robert C. Kirkwood Powerhouse started commercial operation followed by a New Moccasin Powerhouse in 1969 when the Old Moccasin Powerhouse was taken out of service. [2], Wapama Falls, at 1,080ft (330m), and Tueeulala Falls, at 840ft (260m) both among the tallest waterfalls in North America are both located in Hetch Hetchy Valley. I will agree to take down Hetch Hetchy, when we first replace it with a bigger new reservoir such as a bigger taller Yosemite Valley dam at El Capitan. Guests at these suites receive breakfast on their patios. Fourth, dams alter water quality. John Muir once described Hetch Hetchy Valley as, a grand landscape garden, one of Natures rarest and most precious mountain temples.. A large part of today's incentive for restoration is that when the dam and the Hetch Hetchy reservoir were authorized by President Woodrow Wilson in 1913, as the Raker Act, the Hetch Hetchy Valley . The Hetch Hetchy dam is upstream on the Tuolumne River from a reservoir nearly six times as large. The dam is a small portion of the overall Tuolumne River/San Francisco storage system that benefits the Bay Area. In: Educational Resources, History, National Parks, Your email address will not be published. ", "Hetch Hetchy reclaimed: The dam downstream", "Alternatives for restoration of Hetch Hetchy Valley following removal of the dam and reservoir page 15", "Chapter 9: Impact of restoration on hydropower production and revenues", "Putting Bay Area's Water Sources to a Vote", "Hodel Would Tear Down Dam in Hetch Hetchy", "On Hetch Hetchy, John Muir was wrong: California's revered naturalist wrote a poetic diatribe against the drowning of the great valley. The fundamental issue involved two concepts. There have been lawsuits over whether San Francisco violated the agreements of the Raker Act. Upcountry and the Bay Area. Wapama and Rancheria Falls Looking up at Wapama Falls from the footbridge on the hiking trail. Second, the sanctity of the national parks which they believed should not be violated. The pressure that Muir and his compatriots generated in 1908 and 1909 did not dissuade the administration from its support of the Hetch Hetchy dam, but this pressure was quite effective in the realm of electoral politics.
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