"A rich, absorbing, and illuminating account of one of the longest and most fiercely-contested conservation battles in U.S. history--and that rare one (especially in these times) with a happy ending."--Marc Reisner, author of Cadillac Desert "This book is a must-read, not just for the singular lake and its surroundings, but for other Mono Lakes to come."--Galen Rowell "The battle to save Mono Lake is more than a fight to save a lake. It's really about the struggle to establish a new morality that would put humans and their environment on a compatible path. A path that allows for human development and the maintenance of our natural heritage."--John Garamendi, Deputy Secretary of the Interior "In this comprehensive account, John Hart chronicles the perennial challenge to conserve our natural resources while maintaining quality of life in a rapidly growing and changing world. It is a delicate balance--and this engaging analysis sheds new light on this complex issue."--Richard J. Riordan, Mayor of Los Angeles "The Future of the American West will depend on resolving the false conflict between economic development and environmental protection. This book tells the history of Mono Lake, where environmental concerns played a decisive role in reallocating California water, and gives us hope that these goals are not incompatible."--Bill Bradley, United States Senator