Yosemite, CA…Yosemite Conservancy announced that it has established a special fund to help restore trails, facilities and natural habitat in Yosemite National Park damaged by the Rim Fire that has burned more than 190,000 acres so far in portions of the park and the surrounding forests and communities.

“We anticipate that significant work will be needed to restore areas affected in the park once the heroic efforts of firefighters are completed,” said Mike Tollefson, president, Yosemite Conservancy.

Donations to the Yosemite Fire Restoration Fund will go directly to restoring areas damaged by the Rim Fire. Donate online at yosemiteconservancy.org/fire or by mailing a contribution to Yosemite Conservancy, Yosemite Fire Restoration Fund, 101 Montgomery, Suite 1700, San Francisco, CA 94104. To view areas of the park, visit Yosemite Conservancy’s webcams at http://www.yosemiteconservancy.org/webcams.

According to the National Park Service website, most of the park remains open and smoke free. Highway 41, from the southern portion of the park, and Highway 140, from the western portion of the park are open and both roads provide access to Yosemite Valley. Highway 120 remains closed. Up-to-date information about the Rim Fire is on the park’s website at: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/rimfire.htm.

Through the support of donors, Yosemite Conservancy provides grants and support to Yosemite National Park to help preserve and protect Yosemite today and for future generations. The work funded by Yosemite Conservancy is visible throughout the park, from trail rehabilitation to wildlife protection and habitat restoration. The Conservancy is dedicated to enhancing the visitor experience and providing a deeper connection to the park through outdoor programs, volunteering and wilderness services. Thanks to dedicated supporters, the Conservancy has provided more than $75 million in grants to Yosemite National Park. Learn more at www.yosemiteconservancy.org or call 1-800-469-7275.