Reports. 



267 



powerful organizations of irrigationists to be found anywhere in 

 the areas occupied by any of the available systems is prepared 

 to maintain its rights on the Tuolumne by "fighting to the last 

 ditch." 



Water is much more necessary for irrigation within the range 

 of the Tuolumne than it is on the streams further north. The 

 lands in the vicinity of Turlock and Modesto cannot be irrigated 

 unless the water comes from the Tuolumne, while a municipal 

 supply can be secured elsewhere. 



The combined flow of Cherry River and Eleanor Creek, with 

 the ample storage facilities on both these streams, is a possible 

 system. The Stanislaus River watershed presents another, and 

 a power company now constructing its system there will shortly 

 be ready to deliver water ample in quantity and equal in purity 

 to that of the Tuolumne. The Mokelumne watershed is also a 

 possible source, as is the Bay Cities system on the Cosumnes 

 and American rivers. The Snow Mountain Power Company, 

 operating on the Eel River, claims that it can deliver water to 

 San Francisco much cheaper than from any other source, includ- 

 ing the Hetch-Hetchy. There are other available sources, but 

 I have mentioned enough to indicate that there are many, and 

 careful investigation will doubtless disclose that some one of 

 them may be found as cheap, if not actually less expensive, than 

 would be the cost of the Hetch-Hetchy system. 



So much for the question of the necessity of using Hetch- 

 Hetchy. Let us consider for a moment the effect of using the 

 valley for the purpose proposed. 



Some people contend that the destruction of the beautiful 

 meadows and groves of Hetch-Hetchy Valley, and the alteration 

 of this natural setting by the creation of a reservoir with its 

 unsightly margin and exposed flats, as will occur in late summer 

 at time of low water, will enhance the beauty of the valley. We 

 do not agree with these zealous enthusiasts, but, be that as it 

 may, it does not answer the fact that Hetch-Hetchy Valley will 

 be rendered less accessible — that camping and living on the floor 

 of the valley will be rendered impossible — and how else can one 

 enjoy to the full its wonderful beauties, which our artist Keith 

 says are, in some respects, even superior to Yosemite? We 

 might as well dam Yosemite to enhance its scenic attractions! 

 Such arguments as these are mere sophistry. 



Everyone is not aware of the fact, but it is true that even the 

 Tuolumne Meadows has been included in the proposed reservoir 

 system. It would probably not be necessary to utilize this site 

 for some time, but it will follow as surely as "the night follows 

 the day" that if the precedent of using Hetch-Hetchy Valley for 

 a reservoir is established, sooner or later the Tuolumne Meadows 



