As sequester cuts start to take effect, people everywhere are starting to translate what it all actually means, including here at Mono Lake. It is well known that cycles of life, tourism, and thus, the economy, in the Eastern Sierra are intertwined with the opening and closing of the Tioga road which connects us to the rest of California through Yosemite. We will be watching closely as events unfold and will keep you posted here and on our Facebook and Twitter feeds.
This morning Southern California Public Radio (KPCC) had a spot on the issue.
The Reno Gazette Journal published this article noting that Tioga Pass could open later.
KCET did this piece: “Getting Specific: What Sequestration Will Mean for Each of California’s National Parks”
As for the snow situation, the March snow surveys found 76% of average snowpack in the Mono Basin and 68% in the Tuolumne. This is a huge decline from the 110% of average snowpack we had a month ago. Here’s what the view from the low Tioga Pass gate looks like today:
Give me a break! The sky is not falling and the road will eventually be opened. The determining factor will be snow and road damage. The government, thank God, does not yet control the climate. So all you scare mongers, just chill out!