Yosemite National Park Receives Grant

A $600,000 challenge grant has been awarded to Yosemite National Park to help restore the area around Lower Yosemite Falls that was damaged in a 1997 flood, park officials announced Monday.

Launched in June 2002 and set for completion next year, the project includes adding new picnic tables and shuttle bus areas, enhancing stream protection and building foot bridges and trails.

The non-profit Yosemite Fund has raised about $11 million for the 56-acre repair job at the base of the 2,425-foot falls. To secure the challenge grant from The Kresge Foundation, the Yosemite Fund must raise another $1.8 million within 12 months.

The Kresge Foundation is a private Michigan-based group that awards grants in areas of education, health, human services, science and the environment.