Mono Basin Watershed

Mono Lake Level Restoration

Diversion of tributary flows to Mono Lake resulted in lowered lake water surfaces.  In 1993, the Department began final flow releases to restore Mono Lake to a water surface level of 6392 feet above mean sea level.

Wetlands Enhancement

Historic wetlands adjacent to Mono Lake declined with lowered lake levels.  In addition to raising Mono Lake to historic levels, the Department is participating in a plan to restore and rehabilitate 1100-1200 acres of wetlands around the lake.

Rush Creek Restoration

Rush Creek is a tributary to Mono Lake.  Prior to water diversion, Rush Creek supported a brown trout fishery and riparian system that was an important component of the Mono Basin ecosystem.  Following lengthy court proceedings, the Department’s approach to natural restoration of Rush Creek’s fishery and riparian habitat using land and flow management was validated by the state Water Board.  Restoration of the creek is underway with monitoring and adaptive management as the key tools to track improvements.

Lee Vining Creek Restoration

Lee Vining Creek is also a Mono Lake tributary and parallels Rush Creek.  Lee Vining also supported a trout fishery and riparian system important to the Mono Basin ecosystem.  The state Water Board validated the Department’s approach to natural restoration of Lee Vining Creek.  After several million dollars spent on court ordered artificial structures and channels that failed, the Department is proceeding with flow management that mimics natural conditions to restore the streams fishery and riparian system.  Like Rush Creek, monitoring and adaptive management will be a long-term effort on Lee Vining Creek.  Proper flow and land management gives nature the tools to produce healthy and sustainable habitats.