Schwarzenegger administration will study restoring Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite

Study will look at costs for replacing water storage and economic benefits of restoring public access to unique valley

Mike Chrisman, California's Secretary of Resources, indicated his agency will initiate further study of restoring Hetch Hetchy in a letter responding to two California legislators, Assemblymembers Lois Wolk (D-Davis) and Joe Canciamilla (D-Pittsburg), who in September requested Governor Schwarzenegger pursue a state sponsored study.

"California, its governor and its citizens, are committed to economically feasible restoration of ecosystems and preservation of open space," wrote Chrisman. "This commitment translates into an interest in reasonable proposals for expanding our trust resources."

"Specifically," wrote Chrisman, "I have asked the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to review the growing body of studies and analyses that have been prepared over the last 20 years including Environmental Defense and U.C. Davis efforts, and summarize the range of conclusions and considerations in this work. Additionally, DWR will consider the larger water supply impacts. Clearly, one of the foremost challenges posed by the proposal stems from the fact that California, faced with significant water demands, need a net increase in water storage capacity, not a decrease. Any plan to remove or modify existing water storage system would need to be balanced by a viable alternative plan to at a minimum, replace the water supply now provided by the Hetch Hetchy reservoir."

Chrisman also instructed his Department of Parks and Recreation to "work with the National Park Service to identify accepted economic approaches to estimate a parkland value for a restored Hetch Hetchy Valley. Consideration of factors such as what relief, if any, might a Hetch Hetchy restoration offer to the heavy visitation pressure on Yosemite Valley may add value for this review."

Legislators responded favorably to the letter and offered their support.

"I am very encouraged by the administration's response to our request for a state sponsored study of restoring Hetch Hetchy Valley," said Assemblywoman Lois Wolk. "Secretary Chrisman correctly identified the need for further evaluation of the costs and benefits, both economic and environmental, of restoring this spectacular part of Yosemite National Park. I know there are some skeptics, but no one should be afraid of a full, complete, and balanced study. I encourage everyone to come to the table in good faith to assist the state in preparing a thorough analysis of all the options."

Assemblyman Joe Canciamilla, who chairs the Assembly Water Parks and Wildlife Committee, said he was "very pleased this administration is ready to give this proposal the serious consideration it is due and will commit its existing resources toward the effort. As Secretary Chrisman suggested in his letter, it is important that the federal government and affected local agencies also collaborate with the state to maximize the value of this study. The possible benefits of a restored Hetch Hetchy Valley make this well worth the effort."

Assemblyman Tim Leslie (R-Tahoe City), who also serves on the Water Parks and Wildlife Committee and represents much of the Sierra Nevada, also welcomed further study of Hetch Hetchy restoration options saying "California's staggering water and electricity needs must remain our first priority, but a prospect as compelling as a restored Hetch Hetchy Valley merits a deep and thorough investigation of all the facts."

Proponents of restoring Hetch Hetchy expressed enthusiasm.

"We applaud the Schwarzenegger administration for its endorsement of a comprehensive study of Hetch Hetchy Valley restoration that also addresses the water and power needs of California and of those who now use the Tuolumne River's bounty," said Tom Graff, Environmental Defense California Regional Director. "Secretary Chrisman's letter is a significant step forward, but now comes the difficult task of getting everyone to work together on a study that will win broad public acceptance."

"This is a historic step," said Ron Good, Executive Director of Restore Hetch Hetchy. "We are pleased that the Schwarzenegger administration continues to recognize the vision of John Muir. Earlier this year the Governor designated John Muir, Half Dome, and the California condor as the key symbols on the official California quarter. Just as the condor is a symbol of nature being successfully restored, restoring Hetch Hetchy Valley can become an even grander and more breathtaking example of the value Californians place on their environment."