Sunrise light on a grove of tufa towers emerging from the water of Mono Lake with soft green and dusty-red wild grasses in the foreground, Canada geese in the shallow water with reflections of the rocky towers, and desert hills in the distance.

Bill naming Mt. Andrea Lawrence has passed

Andrea Mead Lawrence, 1932--2009. Photo courtesy of the Lawrence family.

Good news from Congress this Winter Solstice: Legislation naming Peak 12,240 in the Eastern Sierra in honor of Andrea Mead Lawrence, has passed! The bill now goes to President Obama’s desk for signature into law.

Congressman Howard “Buck” McKeon hailed the passage of the legislation, saying, “Mr. Speaker, it is very fitting to name Peak 12,240 ‘Mt. Andrea Lawrence;’ both in her honor, and as a visible point of inspiration for future generations.”

The first step toward a Mt. Andrea Lawrence took place in September 2010, with a measure that Congressman McKeon sponsored. Later that year Information & Restoration Specialist Greg Reis traveled to the peak on foot for a good look during a very full day trip. Executive Director Geoff McQuilkin and family visited the peak the following summer on a multi-day trip. We’re happy to see such permanent recognition of a truly inspirational woman!

An apropos flower, "Alpine Gold," blooming on the top of Mt. Andrea Lawrence, summer 2011. Photo by Geoff McQuilkin.