Mono Lake Newsletter

The Mono Lake Committee turns 30: Inspired year after year by Mono Lake

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:59:14 GMT

The Mono Lake Committee began with a passion for Mono Lake, a vision for the lake’s protection, and the names of a few concerned individuals stored on index cards in a recipe box. Our efforts, now 30 successful years long and 16,000 grassroots members strong, are inspired by our love for this wild and natural place—a place where a remarkable salt lake lies at the center of a landscape and ecosystem unmatched anywhere else on earth.

People protecting Mono Lake for future generations: A new exhibit at the Mono Lake Committee Information Center

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:59:07 GMT

If you walk into the Mono Lake Committee Information Center & Bookstore you might notice some exciting changes. A large colorful map, exhibit panels, a brine shrimp tank, an expansive image of Mill Creek, and a painted mural will greet visitors beginning in summer 2008.

Outdoor Experiences program for urban youth looks to the future

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:58:57 GMT

Mono Lake has many lessons to teach and the Mono Lake Committee, with decades of Mono Lake knowledge in hand, has always had a goal of sharing those lessons wherever possible.

The Mono Basin Resource Stewardship Project: Grant from Sierra Nevada Conservancy jumpstarts innovative program

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:58:42 GMT

The Mono Lake Committee, in partnership with the US Forest Service (USFS) and Friends of the Inyo, has been awarded a two-year, $96,100 grant for the Mono Basin Resource Stewardship Project from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. The goals of the project are twofold: to assist in restoration efforts that will help the riparian and lakeshore ecosystems recover from previous damage, and to maintain healthy land and water resources in light of increased use and visitation in the Mono Basin.

Statewide water droplets

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:58:22 GMT

A call for 20% conservation
Public Trust in the Bay Delta
Water and power
Clothes washer water efficiency
Mono Lake on public radio

Back page

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:57:40 GMT

Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua: June 20-22, 2008
H20=Life exhibit July to November 2008 at San Diego Museum of Natural History
August 9-10: LA Aqueduct Tour and Mono Basin Restoration seminars
Gallery exhibit: Rick Kattelmann and Doug Jung

From the mailbag: News from members and friends

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:55:25 GMT

As I write this, it’s early spring in the Mono Basin. The ice is gone from the lakes, and the snow has retreated to shady hillsides and mountain ridges. The willows are starting to leaf out and the aspens are budding. The landscape is gradually changing from brown to green, with splashes of pink where the desert peach is beginning to bloom. The cheerful sound of bird song and the warmth of the afternoon sun are welcome changes after a cold and quiet winter.

Staff Migrations; Brett Pyle moves on; Sale of Mono City home could benefit Mono Lake Committee

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:53:53 GMT

Here’s the roundup of summer migrations to the office, which we’re pleased includes four returning seasonal staff!

2008 Field Seminars

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:51:55 GMT

Visit www.monolake.org/seminars to register for these popular seminars led by highly-rated instructors!

New trail to Mono Lake

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:51:14 GMT

One of the best ways to experience Mono Lake is to walk along the shoreline, where you can smell the briny water, hear the chattering of gulls, and feel the breeze on your face. There will soon be a new way to do this, with trail construction beginning this summer between the Scenic Area Visitor Center and the Old Marina area on the western shore of Mono Lake.

Boating on Mono Lake

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:49:51 GMT

A boat trip on Mono Lake can reward you with spectacular views, exciting wildlife, and a sense of the grandeur of this unique ecosystem. However, always use extra caution and be safe while you boat on Mono Lake. Dangerous high winds pick up quickly each afternoon at Mono Lake—never begin a trip when the wind is blowing, and plan to be off the lake by noon. People have drowned on Mono Lake. Always wear a life jacket, and carry overnight gear, food, and water in case you have to spend the night away from your launch site.

Bookstore Selections

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:48:37 GMT

A summer selection from the Mono Lake Committee Bookstore in Lee Vining! See all styles and colors (and place orders too!) at www.monolake.org/bookstore.

Mono Lake and Vicinity Map; Things to do in the Mono Basin

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:46:29 GMT

Our summer newsletter features a map of the Mono Basin and a page of things to do.

Benchmarks

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:45:05 GMT

Benchmark Tufa, 1982 and 2008

Mono Basin Journal - A roundup of quiet happenings at Mono Lake

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:43:29 GMT

Some events in the Basin are seen by many people, yet remain cryptic. In a modern day twist of technology, one of those events has taken place this spring on the Lee Vining WebCam. To those of us in town the story has been obvious. But to those distant viewers of the WebCam, there’s been a mystery because these events unfolded almost entirely offscreen— but with just enough activity to give clues.

Lakewatch - 97% of average snowpack will cause Mono Lake level to decline

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:42:02 GMT

Peak snowpack in the Mono Basin occurs on average around April 1 each year. Each year within a few days of April 1, six snow surveys are conducted in the Mono Basin. In 2008 these surveys calculated 97% of average snow water content, ranging from 85% at Agnew Pass to 110% at Gem Pass.

Streamwatch - Normal Runoff Year streamflows to test aqueduct facilities to limit

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:40:47 GMT

The State Water Resources Control Board defines a “Normal” Runoff Year as a year when the runoff forecast falls between 82.5% and 107% of average. This year’s runoff is forecasted to be 86% of average.

Keeping an eye on climate change

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:38:18 GMT

In the effort to protect and restore Mono Lake, the Mono Lake Committee continues to investigate the potential effects of a warming climate on the Mono Lake ecosystem. To do this, the Committee is looking to the long history of climate fluctuations recorded at Mono Lake, examining modeled forecasts for future Sierra Nevada snowpack, and is involved with climate research currently underway in the Eastern Sierra.

Upgraded www.monolake.org to launch this summer ...complete with new and improved WebCams!

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:36:14 GMT

It has been over a decade since the Mono Lake Committee first installed the Mono Lake WebCam and the Lee Vining WebCam, and upgraded the Mono Lake Website (www.monolake.org) to its current configuration.

Policy Notes

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:33:10 GMT

Regional water planning begins for Eastern Sierra
Black Point finding reversed; issues outstanding
Another hydropower project in the Mono Basin?

Rush Creek winter low flow variance is over

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:25:52 GMT

On April 1, 2008 the winter flow variance that reduced Rush Creek flows by 28% and had been approved by the State Water Board and in place since November 11, 2007 ended.

Restoration flows, facilities, and future needs

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:24:48 GMT

With winter snows melting and streams beginning to flow with renewed vigor, the Mono Lake Committee is gearing up for this year’s restoration activities. Working collaboratively with the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (DWP), appointed stream scientists, and other interested parties, the Committee continues to ensure that restoration directives mandated by the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) under Decision 1631 (D1631) are planned properly, scheduled, and implemented.

Editor's Note

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:13:59 GMT

One of my favorite job responsibilities is photodocumenting the happenings out and about at Mono Lake. At any given moment I’ll drop everything to run out with the camera—for a fire, a dust storm, a high spring flow, a beautiful sunset. I love it.

Cover Photo

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:11:45 GMT

Cover photo courtesy of Scott Arnaz.