Long Live Mono Lake

Mono Lake is an ancient saline lake in the Eastern Sierra. Home to trillions of brine shrimp, millions of birds, and tufa towers, its tributary streams are diverted by the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power to supply water to the city nearly 350 miles away. The Mono Lake Committee led legal battles that resulted in the State Water Board’s landmark decision to adjust DWP’s water rights with the goal of allowing Mono Lake to rise to a healthy level. 

However, Mono Lake is still in trouble. The lake is only halfway to the healthy mandated level, and a decade overdue. Migratory birds, air quality, and unique scenic and public trust values are threatened by ongoing DWP diversions.  

Since 1978 the Mono Lake Committee has worked to protect Mono Lake, restore its tributary streams and surrounding lands, and educate the next generation about wise water use. (Photo courtesy of John Dittli.)

Let’s get Mono Lake rising > | Learn about Mono Lake >