The proposal to dam Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park created unprecedented controversy and provoked editorials in opposition from more than 200 newspapers across the country. The damming is often cited as having ignited the modern environmental movement.

The story of Hetch Hetchy has been told and retold by filmmakers and authors from a variety of viewpoints  – often with different interpretations. See the following books and films to learn more. (The films for which Restore Hetch Hetchy has rights are posted on our home page.)