What are the benefits of restoring the valley?
Many people would benefit from bringing back Hetch Hetchy Valley. People could be involved with restoration of Hetch Hetchy Valley from the time that it is drained. Volunteers could assist with planting native vegetation and removing exotic species. Beginning shortly after the time the reservoir is drained, the millions who visit Yosemite National Park each year would have the chance to stand on the valley’s floor and gaze up at its cliffs and waterfalls. Over time visitors would be able to witness the recovery of the valley’s plant and animal life and generations of students and researchers would get to study the valley’s unprecedented process of renewal. Gateway communities in Tuolumne County would benefit from the tourists’ expenditures. Also sharing in the benefits of restoration would be supporters of national parks, wildlife and conservation who would find satisfaction in preserving a national treasure for future generations. Indeed, in government sponsored cost-benefit analyses
