Seventy years ago, Mono Lake was home to a spectacular and unique ecosystem. In 1941, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power began diverting Mono Lake's tributary streams 350 miles south to meet the growing water demands of Los Angeles. Unable to adapt to the changing conditions, the ecosystem began to collapse. In 1978, a small group of scientists, activists and students organized what became known as The Mono Lake Committee. This grassroots effort to protect their beloved lake turned into an epic battle against the most powerful utility company in the state. This is the story of Mono Lake, its inhabitants and the struggle that ensued when the unstoppable inertia of progress met the undying love of place.—Anonymous