Hetch Hetchy

John Muir

Mar 25, 1873

Muir writes an article in the Boston Weekly abut the preservation of Hetch Hetchy Valley

First Proposal

1890

San Francisco Mayor James Phelan proposes the idea of damning Hetch Hetchy Valley

Yosemite National Park

Oct 1, 1890

President Roosevelt wants land saved for industrialization and from that Yosemite is formed

Seirra Club

May 28, 1892

This environmental organization was formed by John Muir

Second Proposal

1905

James Phelan once again proposes the idea of damning Hetch Hetchy Valley but once again was denied. John Muir and W.E. Colby make an 8 year campaign to prevent any construction of the valley

San Francisco Earthquake and Fire

Apr 18, 1906

Destroyed a lot of land in San Francisco and reminds them of there inadequate water supply

Gifford Pinchot

1910

Thought the the forests should be utilized unlike the beliefs of John Muir

Raker Act

Dec 19, 1913

Congress passed the Raker act which allowed for the construction of a dam to start. Woodrow Wilson signs off on the act.

Building of the O'Shaughnessy Dam

May 24, 1923

The first phase of the dam is completed

Phase II of Dam Construction

1938

The second and final phase is completed raising the dam to 430 feet.

Potential Destruction of O'Shaughnessy Dam

2004

Environmental Defense publishes an article saying that San Francisco can receive the same quality water from the Tuolumne River

Current State of the Debate

Jul 24, 2018

Interior Secretary Zinke wants to look into the restoration. Court system wants to keep the dam. http://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2018/07/24/draining-hetch-hetchy-zinke (http://www.timetoast.com)