The first steps toward the ecological restoration of Owens Lake -- known to many for its role in California's stormy struggles over water rights -- will soon begin with the installation of new sand fences designed to abate dust storms blowing off the lake. Some of the worst small-particulate air pollution in the Western Hemisphere occurs just downwind of the artificially desiccated lake in the eastern Sierra. The Air Quality Group at the UC Davis Crocker Nuclear Laboratory, in cooperation with other public agencies, plans to test about one mile of sand fences. On Wednesday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to noon, the group is hosting a meeting to be held amidst the sand fence materials, at the Owens Lake bed at the Lake Minerals Co. yard. The location is north of Olancha and 18 miles south of Lone Pine on Highway 395. This meeting is the last general opportunity for interested parties to discuss the details and comment on the project.