The non-profit Yosemite Fund, which provides broadbased private funding and resources for projects that preserve, protect or enhance Yosemite National Park, announced that it has purchased 11 acres in Mariposa for potential Park visitor services.

The property is located at the junction of Highways 49 and 140. Potential ideas include a visitor center, museum, environmental learning center or other similar use. There are no immediate plans to develop the site. The fund would like the National Park Service to eventually own the land, and will work with it to transfer the property.

Acting Superintendent Dave Uberuaga said that the Park is supportive of efforts to provide additional services to visitors and the community. “Yosemite National Park looks forward to working with Mariposa County on planning efforts regarding this land,” said Uberuaga, recognizing the county’s critical role in this vision.

“For years, the National Park Service has discussed the need for providing visitor service facilities in gateway communities,” said Mike Tollefson, president of The Yosemite Fund. “Looking ahead, we’ll discuss ways to promote environmental stewardship, and support the Park’s mission to protect natural and cultural resources, enhance the visitor experience and inspire future generations.”

Mariposa County Supervisor Kevin Cann helped bring the parties together to preserve these well-positioned parcels for Yosemite visitor uses. “The concept of a worldclass discovery center and Yosemite information services in Mariposa is a major winwin for the Park and the county. We will continue to partner with the Park, the Yosemite Fund and others as this vision evolves to reality.”

Since 1988, The Yosemite Fund has granted over $55 million for more than 300 projects in Yosemite. Fund donors include individuals, foundations and corporations – people who have a real love for Yosemite.

Contributors provide a margin of excellence in Yosemite, extending a long-standing tradition of private philanthropy in national parks. Results of the fund’s work on major projects can be seen most notably at the approach to lower Yosemite Falls ($13.5 million), Glacier Point ($4 million), Happy Isles ($2 million) and Olmstead Point ($1.2 million).