In Harrison C. DunningÆs (p. 26) ôDam Fights and Water Policy in California: 1969-1989,ö the author provides an account of the two decades of battles between the ôdam fightersö and ôdam backersö who have wrought changes in CaliforniaÆs public water policy. In previous eras, dam backers typically won these battles and unrestrained development flourished in light of public water policies geared toward providing irrigation, power, and city water supply. However, during this two decade period, Dunning (p. 26) contends that though they lost some key battles the dam fighters are ahead and have been responsible for changes in public water policy to the degree that ôwise management is replacing unrestrained developmentö as the dominant aim of water policy in California.
California water policy, like the water policy of any state, is designed to regulate limited resources so that they are used according to the preference of policymakers. Different interest groups often back different policies and it is no different of a factionalist dynamic that guides the ôdam fightsö which Dunning (p. 14) maintains ôhighlight the underlying clash in values regarding the best use of water.ö Dam backers often perceive dams with pride, as an example of manÆs control of and taming nature for his own benefit. Dam fighters often view dams as intrusive, economically-driven structures that promote the destruction of riparian vegetation, wildlife, and natural flowing streams.
Dam fighters also view such intrusions as robbing citizens of wild spaces where they can enjoy recreational activities, contemplate nature, and feel free of urban congestion. Dam backers continue to see the benefits of dam construction as more significant for economic and human development and survival than preservation of the natural environment. Despite these opposing preferences for the use of waterways in the state, Dunning (p. 26) argues that neither side expres...