Honoring Harrison "Hap" C. Dunning: A Legacy of Environmental Leadership
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Harrison "Hap" C. Dunning, a beloved member of the Tuolumne River Trust family for over 15 years. Hap passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025, at the age of 86, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of environmental stewardship and water law expertise that has shaped California's approach to water protection for generations.
A Lifetime Dedicated to Water Protection
Hap joined the Tuolumne River Trust as an advisor and later served on our Board of Directors from 2008 until December 2024. His contributions to environmental protection extended far beyond our organization. As a distinguished professor of law at UC Davis School of Law, Hap pioneered water law education and scholarship in California. His groundbreaking work on public trust doctrine laid the foundation for landmark decisions that have protected vital waterways, including Mono Lake.
In addition to his academic career, Hap served on the California Water Commission and the Bay Delta Advisory Council, and held board positions with several environmental organizations in addition to TRT, including The Bay Institute of San Francisco and the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation. His expertise and guidance were instrumental in navigating complex regulatory decisions and legal proceedings affecting the Tuolumne River and other California waterways.
In 2014, the Mono Lake Committee honored Hap with the Defender of the Trust award "for his extraordinary work defending the public trust and protecting the public's natural heritage at Mono Lake and its tributary streams."
Hap, far left, and a mix of Tuolumne River Trust staff and board. June 2023.
The Cascade Fund: Hap's Enduring Vision
Perhaps one of Hap's most significant contributions to the Tuolumne River Trust was his inspiration, along with his children Thad and Ashley, in establishing our Board-Designated Endowment, The Cascade Fund. In recognition of his visionary leadership, we named the initial contributions to this fund the "Harrison 'Hap' C. Dunning Founders' Circle."
The Cascade Fund embodies Hap's commitment to ensuring the long-term protection of the Tuolumne River. It sustains critical work to preserve the river's ecosystem from the Greater Yosemite Region through the Central Valley to the San Francisco Bay—creating a healthy and vibrant waterway for generations to come.
Honor Hap's Legacy Through Your Support
As we reflect on Hap's remarkable life and contributions, we invite you to join us in honoring his memory by contributing to the "Harrison 'Hap' C. Dunning Founders' Circle" of the Cascade Fund. Your gift will help continue the 40-year legacy of restoring and protecting the Tuolumne watershed, a cause that was so dear to Hap's heart.
There are several ways to contribute:
Make a direct gift to the Founders' Circle
Establish a pledge agreement for ongoing support
Include the Fund in your planned giving
For more information on how to contribute, please contact us at development@tuolumne.org.
Remembering Hap
In a memoir prepared for his grandchildren, Hap shared words of wisdom that encapsulated his values: "work hard at your studies and what you love," "be an activist!," "carpe diem!," "nurture friendships & accept them for what they are," "enjoy your family!," and "eat chocolate!"
Hap is survived by his daughter Ashley Kathleen Dunning, son Thad Stephen Dunning, and their families, including four grandchildren who will carry forward his legacy of environmental stewardship and public service.
His epitaph, in the family tradition, memorializes two drivers in his life: "devoted to family, committed to public good." These words perfectly capture the essence of a man who dedicated his life to protecting our natural resources for future generations.
Let us honor Hap's memory by continuing his important work to preserve and protect the Tuolumne River—a testament to his belief in the power of committed individuals to make a lasting difference in our world.
To make a donation to the "Harrison 'Hap' C. Dunning Founders' Circle" Cascade Fund, please visit our donation page or contact development@tuolumne.org for more information.
