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.

#9: Letters for Caltrans’ latest project

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.

Number 9 on our Top Ten highlight list is the outpouring of feedback about Caltrans’ Lee Vining Rockfall Safety Project, the most recent Caltrans project proposed for the Mono Basin.

One of the Rockfall Project slopes, in a view from Old Marina. Photo by Geoff McQuilkin.

This project will address six roadcuts on the west side of Highway 395 near Old Marina, increasing safety by preventing rocks from falling onto the road. When we put out a call for comment letters to Mono Lake Committee members about Caltrans’ draft initial study document, you responded in force, letting Caltrans know that a successful project should incorporate aggressive and guaranteed revegetation and pose no threat to Mono Lake’s health.

Over 650 Mono Lake Committee members and supporters wrote letters to Caltrans back in September. Thank you!

The Mono Lake Committee staff visited the Rockfall Project area in May to get a better idea of the project's scope. Photo by Arya Degenhardt.

Stay tuned here on the Mono-logue and in the Mono Lake Newsletter as we keep you updated on progress next year.