To examine the debate to build a dam in Hetch Hetchy Valley from conservationist and preservationist perspectives.
Background
1913: The growing city of San Francisco is attempting to get permission to dam the Tuolumne River to provide water for the city and replace their outdated and unreliable water system. The city’s requests go back to the 1880s, but were continually rebuffed due to conflicting water rights. However now, after many years of repeated attempts to secure water rights, San Francisco has a good chance of achieving its goal.
The site that has been chosen for the dam is a valley called Hetch Hetchy, located approximately 175 miles east of San Francisco. Hetch Hetchy is located within Yosemite National Park (established 1890, transferred to federal ownership in 1906), a fact which has resulted in significant opposition to the dam. The opposition, led by John Muir and the Sierra Club, argues that sites located within national parks ought to be protected to preserve their beauty, recreational value, and intrinsic natural values. San Francisco argues that their growing population, and increasingly important economy, require a dam in Hetch Hetchy in order to supply needed water resources to the city.
Instructions
Prepare two arguments related to building a dam in Hetch Hetchy: one argument in favor of the dam (pro), and one against (con).
You should use concepts discussed in class, as well as factual information about the affected places (i.e. Hetch Hetchy, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco, United States) and parties (i.e. nature lovers, residents of San Francisco, residents of California, citizens of the United States, others) to support your arguments. Remember that the year is 1913 and, for the purposes of this assignment, no dam has been approved.
Keep a list of references you used to research and craft your arguments and submit them here. References should be in proper MLA
