clif wrote:well, Lateralus, i do. and, not that i have access to the numbers to make clear, but concerns about expenses would seem to have helped reduced the annual overhead from over $80,000 to close to $60,000....according to the article.
$60k is about Friends of Muir Valleys goal for fundraising. There are additional costs covered by the Webers. Additionally, once they are not operating Muir Valley we must hire someone to do much of the work they do on a weekly basis now. Also, things not well publicized is that the Webers understand there are costs for improvements that are not routine or necessary. For example, did you know that the shelter by the parking lot was covered by the Webers and that they would never ask for or expect reimbursement for.
Not to call anyone out but the "I don't know where the money goes" line is simply an excuse people use to justify not giving. This applies to much more than climbing - faith and other charitable groups hear this nonsense all the time. If someone doesn't want to give there is nothing you show them to change their mind.
If you call yourself a climber you should be supporting PMRP/FOMV/Access fund, period.
I've been a gumby longer than you've been climbing.
I knew this kind of thread was coming when I read the article. Sad really. Where does the money go? My gawd, have you seen that place lately?
FOMV just got recurring donor #14. Thanks for the info climb2core. I hope that this thread reminds people that there is an easy link on FOMV's site to make a monthly donation.
I would think just maintaining that section of road for access must be a small fortune. Heavy rain washouts, potholes to grade and fill, storm damage and trees falling across the road,,it all adds up several times each season. I use the Friends' webpage to do a paypal donation a few times a year,,seems simple enough and saves scrambling for cash at the donation box when visiting. Also consider giving your time for any/all work opportunities. You don't have to wait for Muir Trail day; there are often times you can catch Rick working alone on some project (such as the new shelter) where you can just pitch in and help in your free time. Or delay your climbing start someday and just help out in the parking lot chaos for an hour or so...it all helps Muir work for all of us.
Ray, I want to take this opportunity to tell you what a killer job you did writing the aggregator bots that you recently let loose on the site. Except to the discerning eye, they come across as real users, and not just processes that compile posts from sentences other users have already written. High five!
"I snatched defeat from the jaws of victory." --Paul
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(Emails > PMs)
i think what the gentleman wanted to know was, if he is paying to help ensure access and upkeep then what % goes to that. i go to the valley once in a while and drop donations when i visit. been to trail days as well and i have no qualms with that in the least. i am more than happy to help access and upkeep through work and donations. as nice or convienient as it may be, i have no use for a picnic shelter, route tags, and some of the other fluff. the land, some of the trails, and yes the road access for EMS (that also gets used by folks lucky enough to have a floor pass) is fine and dandy and i'm fine to help with that. expecting to pay for all the bells and whistles.....that's where some folks may have a gripe. especially when more of that goes in and then you still tell me you need more. what do you think the bill for PMRP and other spots would be if that was the way they went?? i'm there to climb and enjoy the outdoor spectacle not have ice cream and talk about my feelings.
access not picnics.
