Hetch Hetchy

Petition Seeks Improved Public Access to Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Camping, Congress, Raker, Documentation, City, Restore Hetch Hetchy, Hetch Hetchy, Raker Act, Petition, National Park Service, Water supply, Yosemite National Park

BERKELEY, Calif., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Restore Hetch Hetchy (RHH) today petitioned Department of Interior and National Park Service officials regarding public access and recreational opportunities to Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park.[1]

Key Points: 
  • Restore Hetch Hetchy's petition provides legal and historical rationale for changing current policies at Hetch Hetchy, including eliminating daily closure of the area, allowing camping and permitting non-polluting boats on Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.
  • "When Congress passed the Raker Act allowing San Francisco to build a dam in Yosemite National Park, it fully expected that Hetch Hetchy would be used for 'water supply purposes and for park purposes,'" said Spreck Rosekrans, Executive Director for Restore Hetch Hetchy.
  • Public access is so limited that barely 1% of all park visitors visit Hetch Hetchy."
  • These restrictions prevent park visitors from exercising their rights at Hetch Hetchy and must be eliminated," added Michael Lozeau, an attorney with Lozeau Drury LLP and author of supporting documentation for the petition.

Kim Stanley Robinson Keynotes Restore Hetch Hetchy Annual Dinner

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
Hugo Award, Heart, Love Story, Love, Music, High Sierra, Nebula Award, Hetch Hetchy, Berkeley City Club, Hugo Award for Best Novel, Cupertino Union School District, Water supply, Movement, Future, Ministry, Hearst Castle, High Sierra Camps, Mars trilogy, Nebula Award for Best Novel, Yosemite Valley, Wilderness, Restore Hetch Hetchy, Yosemite National Park

BERKELEY, Calif., Aug. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Restore Hetch Hetchy today announced that author Kim Stanley Robinson will keynote its annual fundraising dinner held on Saturday, October 7th. The dinner, which celebrates Restore Hetch Hetchy's plans for returning Hetch Hetchy Valley to Yosemite National Park, will be held at the historic Berkeley City Club, a stunning venue designed by famed architect Julia Morgan, who also designed Hearst Castle. Tickets for the dinner are available at https://hetchhetchy.org/2023-dinner/.

Key Points: 
  • Restore Hetch Hetchy celebrates its plans for returning Hetch Hetchy Valley to Yosemite National Park, at the historic Berkeley City Club October 7, with elegant reception, dinner, and silent auction.
  • BERKELEY, Calif., Aug. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Restore Hetch Hetchy today announced that author Kim Stanley Robinson will keynote its annual fundraising dinner held on Saturday, October 7th.
  • An avid supporter of restoring Hetch Hetchy, Robinson says "the flooding of Hetch Hetchy was a knife thrust into the heart of the wilderness movement."
  • The 13th annual Restore Hetch Hetchy Dinner, which also includes a silent auction, will take place on October 7th at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Avenue, Berkeley, CA.

Finding Hetch Hetchy: The Hidden Yosemite - to Premiere at Telluride Mountainfilm Festival

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Creative, Restore Hetch Hetchy, Nature, Southwestern United States, Hetch Hetchy Dome, Awareness, Human, Congress, F. Q. Story Neighborhood Historic District, Travel, Native Americans, Athlete, Water, Tuolumne River, Granite, Film, Dam, Road, Entertainment, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, Mountainfilm, Hetch Hetchy, Yosemite National Park, Hetch Hetchy

BERKELEY, Calif., May 25, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- "Finding Hetch Hetchy: The Hidden Yosemite," a new short climbing documentary jointly produced by Burkard Studios and Q Stories, will premiere at Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride on May 27. The film features veteran climbers Timmy O'Neill and Lucho Rivera, one of the few familiar with the canyon, for a dramatic and spirited ascent of Hetch Hetchy Dome.

Key Points: 
  • Timmy O'Neill and Lucho Rivera climb the rarely-visited walls of Hetch Hetchy Valley, famously compared by naturalist John Muir to Yosemite Valley itself
    BERKELEY, Calif., May 25, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- "Finding Hetch Hetchy: The Hidden Yosemite," a new short climbing documentary jointly produced by Burkard Studios and Q Stories, will premiere at Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride on May 27.
  • Timmy O'Neill had spent three decades scaling the monoliths in Yosemite Valley but, like so many climbers in the park, had never visited nearby Hetch Hetchy.
  • Finding Hetch Hetchy, which has a run time of ten minutes and will be released broadly after it screens in Telluride, was sponsored by Restore Hetch Hetchy.
  • For preview clips of Finding Hetch Hetchy: The Hidden Yosemite, click here or here
    For information on tickets to view the Mountainfilm screening of Finding Hetch Hetchy: The Hidden Yosemite, click here
    For more information on Restore Hetch Hetchy, go to restorehetchhetchy.org
    For more information about how the American public's access to Hetch Hetchy has been limited, click here for a copy of 'Keeping Promises: Providing Public Access to Hetch Hetchy Valley, Yosemite National Park"
    Chris Burkard is an accomplished explorer, photographer, creative director, speaker, and author.

Five Ways to Increase Public Access and Recreation in Hetch Hetchy Valley

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Geography of California, California, Hetch Hetchy Project, Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, Restore Hetch Hetchy, Hetch Hetchy, Hetch Hetchy Dome, Smith Peak

In light of these findings, the report offers five principal recommendations for improving access for park visitors at Hetch Hetchy.\n\'Keeping Promises: Providing Public Access to Hetch Hetchy Valley, Yosemite National Park,\' is released coincident with the National Park Service\'s "Transformation Tuesday" and as uncrowded outdoor recreation has become increasingly important as a result of the pandemic.

Key Points: 
  • In light of these findings, the report offers five principal recommendations for improving access for park visitors at Hetch Hetchy.\n\'Keeping Promises: Providing Public Access to Hetch Hetchy Valley, Yosemite National Park,\' is released coincident with the National Park Service\'s "Transformation Tuesday" and as uncrowded outdoor recreation has become increasingly important as a result of the pandemic.
  • There\'s a tremendous to opportunity to effect transformational change at Hetch Hetchy Valley by improving access while protecting the area\'s wilderness character and wildlife.
  • "\nA downloadable copy of \'Keeping Promises: Providing Public Access to Hetch Hetchy Valley, Yosemite National Park\' is available at https://hetchhetchy.org/keeping-promises .
  • For a hard copy, contact Restore Hetch Hetchy at 510-893-3400 or [email protected] .\nWe will gladly arrange interviews with Restore Hetch Hetchy Executive Director Spreck Rosekrans.\nABOUT RESTORE HETCH HETCHY: The mission of Restore Hetch Hetchy is to return the Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park to its natural splendor while continuing to meet the water and power needs of all communities that depend on the Tuolumne River.\n'

Value of Yosemite's Hetch Hetchy Valley Restoration Could Reach $100 Billion or More

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
Geography of California, California, Hetch Hetchy Project, Restore Hetch Hetchy, Sierra Nevada, Hetch Hetchy, Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, Hetch Hetchy Dome, Raker Act

Factoring in passive use, including option values, bequest values and existence values, the report, "Valuing Hetch Hetchy Valley: Economic Benefits of Restoration in Yosemite National Park" finds the value of restoration could reach $100 billion dollars for Americans alone.

Key Points: 
  • Factoring in passive use, including option values, bequest values and existence values, the report, "Valuing Hetch Hetchy Valley: Economic Benefits of Restoration in Yosemite National Park" finds the value of restoration could reach $100 billion dollars for Americans alone.
  • Hetch Hetchy was once a resplendent glacier carved valley, with towering cliffs and waterfalls cascading onto a serene valley floor.
  • A downloadable copy of 'Valuing Hetch Hetchy Valley: Economic Benefits of Restoration in Yosemite National Park," is available at http://www.hetchhetchy.org/reports .
  • ABOUT RESTORE HETCH HETCHY: The mission of Restore Hetch Hetchy is to return the Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park to its natural splendor while continuing to meet the water and power needs of all communities that depend on the Tuolumne River.

California Voters Strongly Favor Restoration of Yosemite's Hetch Hetchy Valley, according to Statewide Survey

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Geography of California, California, Hetch Hetchy Project, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne River, Restore Hetch Hetchy, Hetch Hetchy, Sierra Nevada, O'Shaughnessy Dam, Hetch Hetchy Dome

BERKELEY, Calif., May 14, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The vast majority of California voters want Yosemite's Hetch Hetchy Valley to be restored, according to a recent survey conducted among likely California voters by Probolsky Research.

Key Points: 
  • BERKELEY, Calif., May 14, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The vast majority of California voters want Yosemite's Hetch Hetchy Valley to be restored, according to a recent survey conducted among likely California voters by Probolsky Research.
  • Support in California is also solidly nonpartisan with the majority of Republicans, Democrats and independent voters favoring restoration.
  • Probolsky surveyed California likely voters, asking the question:
    Should Yosemite National Park's Hetch Hetchy Valley be restored, if it can be accomplished without impacting San Francisco's water supply?
  • "This survey confirms what we have known all along Californians overwhelmingly support restoration of Yosemite's Hetch Hetchy Valley, and that support is broad-based," said Restore Hetch Hetchy Executive Director Spreck Rosekrans.

Restore Hetch Hetchy Annual Dinner Honors National Park Service Leaders -- David Mihalic and Mia Monroe

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 21, 2019
Geography of California, California, Hetch Hetchy Project, Restore Hetch Hetchy, Hetch Hetchy, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne River, Raker Act, Smith Peak

21, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --Restore Hetch Hetchy today announced that National Park Service leaders David Mihalic, former Superintendent of both Glacier and Yosemite National Parks and Mia Monroe, Marin Community Liaison at Muir Woods, will keynote its 11th annual fundraising dinner on Saturday, April 13th.

Key Points: 
  • 21, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --Restore Hetch Hetchy today announced that National Park Service leaders David Mihalic, former Superintendent of both Glacier and Yosemite National Parks and Mia Monroe, Marin Community Liaison at Muir Woods, will keynote its 11th annual fundraising dinner on Saturday, April 13th.
  • The annual dinner honors individuals for their contributions to America's national parks, to Yosemite and to restoring Hetch Hetchy Valley.
  • INTERVIEWS: We will gladly arrange interviews with Restore Hetch Hetchy Executive Director Spreck Rosekrans or former Yosemite Superintendent David Mihalic.
  • ABOUT RESTORE HETCH HETCHY: The mission of Restore Hetch Hetchy is to return the Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park to its natural splendor while continuing to meet the water and power needs of all communities that depend on the Tuolumne River.

Restore Hetch Hetchy Requests California Supreme Court Review of Appellate Court Ruling

Retrieved on: 
Monday, August 20, 2018
Geography of California, California, Hetch Hetchy Project, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne River, Restore Hetch Hetchy, Hetch Hetchy, O'Shaughnessy Dam, Raker Act, Tiltill Creek, Smith Peak

BERKELEY, Calif., August 20, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --Restore Hetch Hetchy has formally requested that the California Supreme Court review the ruling, by California's 5th District Court of Appeal, that its petition alleging Hetch Hetchy Reservoir violates California law is preempted by the federal Raker Act.

Key Points: 
  • BERKELEY, Calif., August 20, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --Restore Hetch Hetchy has formally requested that the California Supreme Court review the ruling, by California's 5th District Court of Appeal, that its petition alleging Hetch Hetchy Reservoir violates California law is preempted by the federal Raker Act.
  • F074107 https://bit.ly/2wcWubP )
    "Restore Hetch Hetchy has asked the California Supreme Court to review the ruling, quite simply, because we believe our case raises extremely important issues and the appellate court got it wrong.
  • On July 9, the Court of Appeal ruled against Restore Hetch Hetchy, affirming the trial court's conclusion in 2016.
  • Restore Hetch Hetchy's case alleges that the reservoir that has drowned the Hetch Hetchy Valley under 300 feet of water violates the water diversion mandates in the California Constitution.

US Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke Meets with Restore Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite National Park

Retrieved on: 
Monday, July 23, 2018
Geography of California, California, Hetch Hetchy Project, Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, Restore Hetch Hetchy, Hetch Hetchy, Stanislaus National Forest, Smith Peak, O'Shaughnessy Dam

YOSEMITE, Calif., July 23, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --Restore Hetch Hetchy met with US Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke this weekend in Yosemite National Park to discuss restoration of Yosemite Valley's twin, the Hetch Hetchy Valley, which is buried under 300 feet of water.

Key Points: 
  • YOSEMITE, Calif., July 23, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --Restore Hetch Hetchy met with US Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke this weekend in Yosemite National Park to discuss restoration of Yosemite Valley's twin, the Hetch Hetchy Valley, which is buried under 300 feet of water.
  • "We had a very productive meeting with the Secretary and thank him for taking the time to hear our concerns, to visit Hetch Hetchy, and to consider returning the valley to Yosemite National Park and the American people," said Restore Hetch Hetchy Executive Director Spreck Rosekrans who, along with Restore Hetch Hetchy board members, accompanied the Secretary on a tour of the flooded valley.
  • "We believe returning Hetch Hetchy to Yosemite National Park and the American people is simply the right thing to do," continued Rosekrans.
  • Restore Hetch Hetchy's mission is to return the Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park to its natural splendor while continuing to meet the water and power needs of all communities that depend on the Tuolumne River.

Restore Hetch Hetchy to Continue Legal Challenge Following Adverse Ruling from Appellate Court

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Geography of California, California, Hetch Hetchy Project, Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, Restore Hetch Hetchy, O'Shaughnessy Dam, Hetch Hetchy, Raker Act, Tiltill Creek, Smith Peak

BERKELEY, Calif., July 10, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --Restore Hetch Hetchy announced today that it will continue its legal campaign against San Francisco's continued use of Yosemite's Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, in spite of an adverse ruling from California's 5th District Court of Appeal.

Key Points: 
  • BERKELEY, Calif., July 10, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --Restore Hetch Hetchy announced today that it will continue its legal campaign against San Francisco's continued use of Yosemite's Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, in spite of an adverse ruling from California's 5th District Court of Appeal.
  • On July 9, California's 5th District Court of Appeal ruled that Restore Hetch Hetchy has no right to a trial on its claim that San Francisco's Hetch Hetchy Reservoir violates the California Constitution as the federal Raker Act preempts State law.
  • Restore Hetch Hetchy's case alleges that the reservoir that is flooding the Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park, burying it under 300 feet of water, violates the California Constitution's mandate prohibiting any "unreasonable method of diversion."
  • "We are very disappointed in the court's ruling," said Michael Lozeau, lead counsel for Restore Hetch Hetchy.