Update

Before the end of the summer the Forest Service may continue with plans to construct a picnic/shade structure east of the fee hut, along the north edge of the parking lot. The structure will be either 24 feet or 30 feet in length depending on the number of picnic tables a larger structure will accommodate. The structure will probably not be constructed this year, and its exact location and size have yet to be decided. Additional shade structures may be considered in the future.

Much to the surprise of all parties involved, in early August Forest Service engineers began expanding the South Tufa parking area. A previous understanding between all parties halted parking lot expansion until after the summer when evaluation of public input and discussion could help decide the parking lot expansion issue. The enlarged area represents an approximately 1/4-1/3 increase in parking lot size (based on aerial photo). The Forest Service has cut back on its formal expansion plans by 6 spaces, but increased expansion beyond the lot's present size is still unresolved. 

The Forest Service wants to expand the parking area immediately to the east of the entrance, grading over a small stand of sand tufa. The Forest Service has indicated that it does not intend to damage the tufa unless there is a compelling reason for the expansion of the parking area. The fate of this patch of tufa is ultimately up to the State who has jurisdiction over State-protected tufa (you can barely make out this patch of tufa from the aerial photograph—look just below the concentration of Forest Service rigs). Parking lot expansion into this area is unresolved.    

Decisions about further parking lot expansion, new road construction, paving and striping must be made this September, by the end of the Forest Service fiscal year.

Navy Beach changes are also taking place. The Forest Service recently removed the old navy pier. This pier was a large iron structure that once served the Navy for offshore munitions testing beneath Mono Lake. The Navy abandoned testing at Mono nearly 30 years ago, and the retreating lake left the pier far above the shoreline. With Mono’s recent rise the pier was becoming both a hazard and an eyesore. Heavy equipment uprooted the twisted iron structure from the shoreline. The impact on the surrounding vegetation and shoreline was minimal to non-existent.

We will continue to keep you updated on the progress at South Tufa. For those who have commented thus far, thank you. For those who wish to voice any opinion regarding the South Tufa development your comments are welcome and can still make a difference. Write, email, or phone the Mono Lake Committee at the address found on this page. We’d also like to see copies of letters you send to the USFS, which can be directed to:

Roger Porter, Scenic Area Manager
P.O. Box 429
Lee Vining, CA 93541
email: rporter/r5_inyo@fs.fed.us

• The Mono Lake Committee is working closely with Roger Porter, the Scenic Area Manager and Project Leader for the South Tufa project. We are documenting the physical development of the site and offering comments and alternatives that will minimize visual impacts, maintain a high-quality visitor experience, and allow for handicapped access.

• The Mono Lake Committee opposes any plans to destroy tufa for the benefit of larger parking lots or other visitor structures.

• The recent parking lot expansion may or may not address the Forest Service needs for additional parking space, but the Mono Lake Committee believes the partially enlarged parking lot is more than adequate to meet the needs of RVs and tour buses. RVs and buses have been observed using the newly expanded area providing ample space for all other visitors' vehicles. 

• Does an enlarged, paved and striped parking area with the addition of a new, larger, paved entrance road "enhance" visitors’ experience? These measures may enhance efficient management of traffic at the site, but the remote and untrammeled atmosphere of South Tufa will be greatly diminished as a consequence.

• There are already two Mono Lake sites (County Park and Old Marina) where road access is fully paved. Is a third really necessary?

• The paved trail down to the lake has improved the access for handicapped visitors.

• A single, well-developed trail down to the lake encourages visitors to stay on the main trail, minimizing off-trail damage.

• Shade/picnic structures add to a "developed sprawl" atmosphere, but they do allow people to sit comfortably and eat in the middle of a summer day. There may be an acceptable structure or combination of structures that will minimize the "sprawl" feeling while still allowing for comfort and scenic views.

• In 1993 the project plan projected a steady increase in visitors over time, and the project was designed to meet a projected 20-year need. Recent years have shown actual visitation to be increasing at only 50% the projected rate.