SAN FRANCISCO July 16, 2012 – Non-profit organization Restore Hetch Hetchy today announces the expansion of the fourth annual "Muir's March" series of events to include Muir's Climb, a two-day rock-climbing adventure sponsored by CamelBak and Patagonia. Muir's March events include hiking, backpacking, cycling and, now, climbing trips in support of Restore Hetch Hetchy's ongoing mission to return the Hetch Hetchy Valley to its natural splendor.
This year's Muir's March, Muir's Climb and Muir's Ride take place as The Water Conservation and Yosemite Restoration Initiative gains momentum with the submission of 15,800 petition signatures by the Yosemite Restoration Campaign in an effort to qualify it for the November 2012 San Francisco ballot. The initiative calls for a plan to move San Francisco from last in water recycling to first in water conservation and take the first steps to restore Yosemite's Hetch Hetchy Valley. Recent polls indicate that 59% of voters support the initiative.
"We are thrilled to expand this year's Muir's March to include a climbing component. Climbing requires a unique sense of teamwork and camaraderie, fitting themes as we pull together our efforts and resources to restore this national treasure," said Mike Marshall, executive director of Restore Hetch Hetchy.
Muir's Climbers will enjoy a two night camping trip in Yosemite and on August 4th, participants will embark on a full day of climbing where they will take in Yosemite's stunning views, explore documented routes, and create new routes building on existing beta, topos, and photos. Participants will conclude the day atop the O'Shaughnessy Dam converging with all Muir's Marchers and Riders. Prospective Muir's climbers are required to raise a minimum of $100. The event is open to experienced and conditioned climbers only – there will be no staff onsite to train inexperienced registrants.
Muir's March hiking trips feature six stunning guided backpacking trips (including a trip just for families) in Yosemite National Park, from July 29 – Aug 4, 2012, all led by highly skilled California Alpine Guides. The 1, 4 and 7-day marches, which take backpackers and hikers into scenic areas rarely experienced by tourists, raise awareness and funds for the campaign to bring the Hetch Hetchy Valley back to life. Hikers and backpackers of all skill levels and ages are welcome. The treks literally and figuratively follow in Muir's footsteps, and are open to anyone who can raise a minimum of $90.*
Muir's March riders will embark on an eight-day cycling expedition covering over 500 miles of the California Aqueduct, and ending at the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Advanced cycling experience and conditioning is required. Riders are required to raise a minimum of $300 to participate.
Famed naturalist John Muir called Yosemite's Hetch Hetchy Valley "…one of nature's rarest and most precious mountain temples." Despite his urgent pleas, in 1913 the federal government approved San Francisco's request to clear-cut and flood the valley for use as a reservoir. The decision horrified wilderness-lovers and helped spur the creation of the National Park Service and the international environmental conservation movement.
For more information and to register for Muir's March and Muir's Climb (space is limited) go to http://www.muirsmarch.org/ or call 415-956-0401. For more information on Muir's Ride, email info@thesnowmelt.org
*Fundraising requirements vary according to hike length, from $90 to $2100. Hikes are 1, 4 and 7 days in length.
ABOUT RESTORE HETCH HETCHY: The mission of Restore Hetch Hetchy is to return the Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park to its natural splendor while continuing to meet the water and power needs of all communities that depend on the Tuolumne River.
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