Restore Hetch Hetchy

How would you like to see the valley restored? Let us know what you think by completing the restoration survey: https://hetchhetchy.org/restoration-survey/

Restoration of Hetch Hetchy Valley will not only restore the integrity of Yosemite National Park, it will also resurrect one of the most ecologically diverse and scenic areas in our national park system a twin of the famed Yosemite Valley, 15 miles to its south. It’s time to return Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy Valley to the American people.

Restore Hetch Hetchy is pleased to present a new and improved website! https://hetchhetchy.org/

Bear on a trail at Hetch Hetchy...imagine when they will be able to roam in a restored valley...Video credit: Chris L.

Today we celebrate National Public Lands Day. While we create special memories visiting these places, let’s remember that Hetch Hetchy was once a beautiful valley. We can’t change history. But we can make it. Sometimes we have a second chance to undo something and make it right. We amend laws as a way of marking our progress as a society. When city and state and federal leaders restore the Hetch Hetchy Valley on behalf of the American people, we can change two dates of infamy into good. The Raker Act wound will be healed, as the valley itself begins to re-establish its flowers and falls and flowing streams and fauna. - Barbara Mossberg.

Fall Equinox = day and night are of equal length. Our thoughts are with all those being impacted by the fires. The park remains closed until the air quality improves. Image by Steven.

Important history. Hetch Hetchy needs a new chapter.

Yosemite will close to all visitors and vehicle access at 5 pm tonight (Thursday, September 17) due to significant smoke impacts and hazardous air quality throu...ghout the park. Based on the air quality forecast, we anticipate this closure to be in effect at least through the weekend. We will continue to evaluate smoke, air quality, and fire activity throughout the region. Read full news release: https://www.nps.gov//yosemite-national-park-to-close-due-t See current air quality: https://fire.airnow.gov/ For updated road and weather conditions in Yosemite National Park, call 209/372-0200 and select option 1. Photos: Cook's Meadow (top) and Tunnel View (bottom) at around 9 am this morning.

Question: California’s Yosemite National Park once included two glacier carved valleys Yosemite Valley along the Merced River and Hetch Hetchy Valley along the Tuolumne River. In 1913, Congress allowed San Francisco to dam Hetch Hetchy Valley and turn it into a reservoir for the City. Should Yosemite National Park’s Hetch Hetchy Valley be restored, if it can be accomplished without impacting San Francisco’s water supply? Photo credit: Matt Demers.

Did you know William Randolph Hearst was successfully sued for promoting a dam at Hetch Hetchy?

Timeline for Facelift: Act Local August 15th and On: Take The Pledge! (Adult: https://forms.gle/tZ3APXPqYtenrkDQA and Child: https://forms.gle/z4zhoXpvqP7guhVM7...) - Scout out your cleanup location - Share the pledge form with all members in your group and have them take the pledge as well. Early September: Evening Program Schedule is released (programs will be hosted on YouTube) September 22nd - 27th: Facelift: Act Local The Day of Your Cleanup - Post at least one (1) photo of your cleanup efforts to Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter (more photos if you want!) - Tag us at @YosemiteFacelift on Facebook and Instagram, @YCAFacelift on Twitter. - Include the hashtag #FaceliftActLocal During the cleanup, please take at least one (1) photo of your clean up activities and post it to social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you don’t have one of these social media sites, don’t worry about it! Just post to the one you are most engaged in. See you then Photo by Restore Hetch Hetchy

Sketches by Steve Johnson for the Sierra Magazine in the 70’s. What Yosemite Valley would look like, if permission had been granted to dam the Merced River. However, Hetch Hetchy Valley was dammed.