Geoffrey McQuilkin

Mono Lake is healing after decades of excessive water diversions, providing real world proof of our ability to balance human water needs with ecological protection. Restoration of the lake and its tributary streams has been underway for over 15 years. An adaptive, science-based process was set forth in 1998 that recognized the need for action while realizing not all the answers for restoration were at hand.

In 2012 a major new phase of restoration is underway. A decade of science is informing new streamflow requirements that will accelerate restoration progress. A collaborative process is seeking ways to overcome the obstacles of aging infrastructure to implement the new measures. Yet progress requires constant vigilance; at the same time, the monitoring program that gathers data on the limnology and ecological health of Mono Lake—critical information for future wise management—is imperiled.

Geoffrey McQuilkin became a Mono Lake Committee member in fifth grade and his enthusiasm for Mono Lake has never waned. He has worked for the nonprofit Mono Lake Committee for twenty years, including the past decade as Executive Director, giving him the chance to be involved with all aspects of the citizen group’s protection, restoration, education, and science programs. Geoff was present for the historic State Water Board proceedings leading to the order mandating Mono Lake protection and stream restoration and he continues the Committee’s work to assure Los Angeles has a sustainable long term water supply. He can be found wherever Mono Lake advocacy is needed, from the lake’s salty shores to Los Angeles to Sacramento. A graduate of Harvard in the History of Science, Geoff lives at Mono Lake with his wife and two daughters.