The Hetch Hetchy debate proved to be a turning point in environmental policy and land use. It lead to the use of sustainablity studies in the use of natural resources. No longer are dams built in National Forests while cities are increasingly sensitive towards water usage. Americans today are well educated about the benefits of conservation. Together we have been able to protect our forests for future generations.
Audio Clip: Mr. William Hasencamp, manager of the Metropolitan Water District, on damming valleys today
Audio Clip: Mr. William Hasencamp on their changes to the water distribution system as a consequence
Key Conservation Efforts
Echo Park Dam, Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado, 1956
Green River Canyon in Dinosaur
National Monument source: National Park Service
The proposal was defeated, culminating in the Colorado River Storage Project Act which was enacted in 1956. It stated, “that no dam or reservoir constructed under the authorization of the Act shall be within any National Park or Monument.”
Glen Canyon Dam, Lake Powell, Utah, 1966
Glen Canyon, before the damming
source: Utah History.gov
Lake Powell was a large manmade lake that resulted from the dam. However, the National Park service did build numerous recreational facilites on the lake.
"Each new portion of road, tunnel, or bridge that was built employed locals and brought federal dollars into the economy as it improved the infrastructure of the area. Congress approved the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Bill in October 1972, providing funds for other area improvements. The Glen Canyon National Recreation area included Lake Powell and about 1.2 million acres surrounding it in northern Arizona and Kane, Garfield, Wayne, and San Juan Counties in Utah." - Utah.gov
Sunrise Powerlink, San Diego, California, 2010
Plan for Sunrise Powerlink source: Sempra Energy Site
San Diego's growing population needed a stable source of transmission of power.
"After a rigorous environmental review, the U.S. Forest Service issued a Record of Decision in July 2010 approving the construction, operation and maintenance of a 19-mile segment of the transmission line through the Cleveland National Forest. This milestone decision signals the start of the Sunrise Powerlink’s construction in fall 2010." - San Diego Gas and Electric News Bulletin.