The State : $1 Million Raised to Improve Yosemite

Counting everything from small change to big checks, the Yosemite Natural History Assn. has raised more than $1 million in an ambitious campaign to fund park improvements. The largest pledge was $500,000 from Yosemite Park & Curry Co., which operates private concessions at the park, and its parent company, MCA Inc. Another $150,000 came from a charitable foundation funded by American Savings & Loan based in Stockton. But park visitors also drop dollar bills and change into park kiosks, association President Steve Medley said. More than 2,000 private contributors have donated money since the $52-million fund-raising campaign was launched in January. The association has earmarked $12 million for park rehabilitation and improvements. The remainder would become an endowment to fund park projects.