THREE VALLEY CONSERVATION

TRUST ANNUAL REPORT

2007

THREE VALLEY CONSERVATION TRUST MISSION: The Three Valley Conservation Trust (TVCT) works with people and communities to conserve the natural environment and cultural heritage in Southwest Ohio. VISION ● The Three Valley Conservation Trust will set the standard for land conservation and water

quality in our region. ● The protection and enhancement of waterways, woodlands, vistas and farmland in our

region will be seen as exemplary land conservation. ● The TVCT will be recognized by landowners, developers, and public officials in

Southwestern Ohio as an important resource for conservation planning, land protection and land use planning or sustainable development.

● The TVCT will be the holder of choice for land protection agreements and partnerships

with willing landowners. ● The TVCT region will be cherished and known for

• Protecting land, water, and scenic beauty • Providing open spaces for livable communities • Safeguarding the heritage of productive farms, and cultural landscapes.

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The Three Valley Conservation Trust would like to extend a special “Thank You” to Michael and

Noreen Beck for allowing their 148 acre farm easement to be our home.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Agenda 3 Speakers 4 Wallace I. Edwards Conservationist of the Year 5 Annual Summary & Comments 7 Committee Reports 10 2007 Protected Properties 12 Business

2007 Treasurer’s Report 14-16 Slate of Board Nominees 17

2006 Annual Meeting Minutes 18 Honors & Acknowledgements 19-21

Thank you to our many benefactors, members, supporters, and volunteers for another outstanding

year for the Three Valley Conservation Trust. 2

THREE VALLEY CONSERVATION TRUST

ANNUAL MEETING PROGRAM AGENDA

FEBRUARY 9, 2008

MARCUM CONFERENCE CENTER MIAMI UNIVERSITY, OXFORD, OH 45056

6:00 pm Registration- Music by Standard Fare 6:35 pm Dinner Served by Marcum Center 6:45 pm Welcome—Sam Fitton, Board Vice-Chair

7:05 pm Keynote—Russ Shay, Director of Public Policy, Land Trust Alliance, Washington, D.C.— 7:40 pm Presentation of Wallace Edwards Award—Ann Geddes Recipient 7:55 pm Save an Acre Challenge—Ray Arlinghaus 8:05 pm Easement Donor Remarks—Tom Ulrich 8:15 pm Mark Forni, Executive Director Ohio Department of Agriculture, Office of Farmland

Preservation- Changes to the Ohio Agricultural Easement Purchase Program 8:20 pm Easement Donor Remarks—Mark Tincher 8:30 pm Save an Acre Tally—Ray Arlinghaus 8:40 pm 2007 Accomplishments & Update for 2008—Election of new board members 9:00 pm Adjourn

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SPEAKER BIO SKETCH Russell Shay is the Director of Public Policy for the Land Trust Alliance. Russ has been with LTA since 1998. At LTA, he has led policy initiatives that led to a 60-fold increase in federal funding for the purchase of forest conservation easements, a 10-fold increase in federal funding for farmland conservation easements, and two tax code amendments increasing landowner incentives for conservation. In his 25+ years in land conservation, he has also worked for The Nature Conservancy, the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, and the Sierra Club. He worked on natural resources issues for five years for the U.S. Senate and two years for the U.S. House of Representatives. EASEMENT DONORS

Mark Tincher, is the owner of a unique property located in Reily Township, Butler County that is protected as a result of matching grants received from the USDA Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program and the Clean Ohio Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (AEPP). This property is an historic, beautiful hillside cattle and grain farm. It is currently being managed in conjunction with an NRCS Whole Farm Management Plan designed specifically for this property. This easement protects the land from development, safeguards a half-mile section of Indian Creek, and preserves the c. 1838 Dr. Andrew King farm with original farmhouse and barns.

Tom Ulrich, is the owner of a conservation easement that permanently protects natural and agricultural values on a 93-acre farm in western Montgomery County, and is co-held by the Trust and Five Rivers MetroParks. The farm features native grass plantings that buffer a portion of Tom's Run, an important tributary to Twin Creek. Several historic barns are found on the property. This property has been protected as a result of matching grants received from the Ohio Public Works Commission, under the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program and Five Rivers MetroParks.

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WALLACE I. EDWARDS CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR, 2007 SELECTION COMMITTEE—MIKE BALL, ERIC HOLLINS, ORIE LOUCKS

Our committee was asked to review three very highly qualified and deserving nominees for the Wallace I. Edwards Conservationist award (2007). All of them have a long history of contributions to the conservation and protection goals of Three Valley Conservation Trust. Indeed, these are individuals without whom the Trust would not be what it is today. Any of the nominees would be an appropriate representative of the values, commitment, and actions that this award is intended to recognize. Ultimately, one candidate most completely personifies the criteria given by the donor for this selection. As stated in one of the nominating letters: “It is difficult to imagine an individual who has exhibited more closely the traits of ‘perseverance; patience; ability to cooperate with others; commitment to the preservation of natural resources; and willingness tolisten to all sides, to explain and to teach, to find common ground to promote the greater good, and tolook at the big picture, long-term outcomes.” That individua

l is Ann Geddes. Ann Dunbar Geddes, Wallace I Edwards

Conservationist of the Year, 2007

Ann’s commitment to demonstrating land use practices that are environmentally, economically and culturally sustainable includes her donation of conservation easements on her own two farms; efforts to control honeysuckle and other invasive plants on those lands; habitat enhancement through establishment of wetlands, native prairie plantings, and blue bird trails and exploring her lands to identify and protect unique native plant communities wherever they are encountered. Her commitment to nurturing a strong conservation ethic and good stewardship habits in others is expressed through her willingness to share her farms for educational events, which she helps plan, for stream study days, bird watching and project demonstrations. She also makes her home and farm available for more informal gatherings, where the benefits of her stewardship practices provide a quiet backdrop to committee meetings, children and youth groups, weddings and other celebrations. Ann’s organizational skills are legendary; her willingness to volunteer time for others is daunting. Her efforts include assisting farmers and landowners with the annual applications for Ohio farmland preservation, organization of the land protection and stewardship committee, participating in easement monitoring activities, and participation in every aspect of the Trust’s fund raising auctions. Ann’s focused efforts extend beyond activities of the Trust. She has been a long term supporter and advocate of Oxford’s Farmer’s Market and, more recently, of the Miami Oxford Organic Network. Ann’s support and leadership helped the Hopedale Unitarian Universalist Community achieve certification as a Green Sanctuary Community. She is active with Audubon Miami Valley, including newsletter articles, hosting Indian Creek Blue Bird club field trips, and helping establish Earth Clubs in Talawanda Middle School. She is recognized as a Master Gardener, practicing organic growing, the use of native plants in landscaping, teaching these topics through Miami University’s Institute for Learning in Retirement and articles in the Master Gardener’s periodical “Mulch and Much More.”

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Perhaps most revealing are the personal comments from some of the individuals who contributed to Ann’s nomination:

“Her unassuming manner, tact and good nature have graced the Trust organization. She has true leadership qualities and is respected by all who work with her.” “Ann approaches all conversations with a gentle, tactful, mediational approach and applies those skills for the benefit of environmental preservation and conservation.” “Ann has committed herself and her energy to conserving land for future generations. Her intelligence, knowledge of the area ecology and importance of preservation have made her an excellent spokesperson for conveying to others the environmental ethic by which she lives.” “Although quiet and gentle, Ann demonstrates a persistent ironclad determination to bring increasing numbers of people into the swelling movement toward a sustainable society. Her passionate commitment inspires many others to carefully examine – and strengthen – their own conservation ethic.”

In summary, Ann can be seen as the embodiment of strategic conservation goals. She influences others to embrace and act on their own conservation values by demonstrating:

what she does by herself; what a small, committed group of individuals can accomplish by working together; what several small groups can achieve within an organization like Three Valley Conservation

Trust; and what can be accomplished on the landscape when the Trust is one of several organizations

working cooperatively towards shared values of environmental sustainability. Michael Ball Eric Hollins Orie Loucks THE THREE VALLEY CONSERVATION TRUST BOARD EXTENDS ITS SINCERE GRATITUDE TO JOHN RUTHVEN FOR ALLOWING THE TRUST TO REPRODUCE HIS HERON PRINT AS A MEMENTO OF THE WALLACE I EDWARDS CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR AWARD.

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SUMMARY & COMMENTS FRANK HOUSE, CHAIR It has been an exciting year for the Three Valley Conservation Trust (TVCT). At the end of every year, I am always amazed at what has been accomplished, however, 2007 proved to be one of our most productive years to date. In 2007, the TVCT: Reached new milestones of 71 easements, covering nearly 9000 acres protected in total. Together

with lands the Trust helped parks to acquire, these totals swelled to 9750 acres of land on 79 properties. Additional commitments could soon bring the total to 11,000 acres and 40 miles of stream corridors on more than 90 properties.

Helped landowners protect 27 properties covering 3583 acres of habitat, streams and farmland via conservation easements in 2007—including 1000 acres of mature forest, 250 acres of native prairie, and 10 miles of major stream frontage

Helped protect or acquire open space for local parks, including assisting: Five Rivers Metroparks in protecting 1700 acres, highlighted by 3.5 miles of streams and 400 acres of pristine woods; Butler County Metroparks in acquiring the gorgeous 500 + acre Hueston Farms and Forest Preserve on Four Mile Creek, which buffers Indian Creek Metropark with 1000 acres of conservation easements.

Completed and received Ohio EPA and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Conditional Endorsement for the Twin Creek Watershed Action Plan, a roadmap to protect this sensitive watershed through a combination of preservation and conservation actions.

Submitted 51 state and six federal land preservation applications for area farmers.

This growth and these accomplishments would not have been possible without the financial and volunteer contributions each and every one of you makes to Three Valley Conservation Trust. You ensure that the magnificent farmlands, woods, prairies, rivers, and natural wetlands will be preserved for generations to come. Looking ahead, the Three Valley Conservation Trust is again undertaking a comprehensive review of our strategic direction and conservation priorities. Our goal is to focus our efforts on protecting the most critical properties in our region and to build the capacity, structure and vision to protect these lands in perpetuity. Within this report you will find a summary of the year’s activities and our financial condition in 2007. Our efforts are singularly focused on land conservation. We work hard to make our members’ dollars available for land conservation while taking care to build an organization that will outlive us all. Together, we can make a lasting impact that supports people and conserves the natural environment and cultural heritage in Southwest Ohio. On behalf of the board of directors, thank you for all you do to make it possible. LARRY FRIMERMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Three Valley Conservation Trust is grateful for the support of the people, landowners, and communities in SW Ohio for a very successful year. At the 2006 Annual Meeting, we discussed the notion of really slowing down to focus on doing a few things well, and build our organizational infrastructure. We also spoke about the Congressional Conservation Easement Tax Deduction, and the impact it may have in generating momentum for easement donations. The Board added policies, procedures, plans, and more direction. Interest in land protection, especially in donated easements, exceeded all of our expectations. The 150-200 landowner contacts and 100+ serious easement requests (highlighted, of course, by nearly 60 requests for government funding such as the farmland preservation programs) constitutes a groundswell. So, instead of protecting 15 properties as we had hoped, the Trust helped landowners

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preserve 27 through conservation easements and two more through purchase by metro parks. The 3583 easement acres and 600 acres that TVCT helped park districts acquire turned into an avalanche. Who would have expected to close on 11 properties in December alone? Indeed, we still have commitments to nearly twenty landowners awaiting our assistance and/or government processing to bring us from 9000 acres to well over 10,000 acres preserved, and from 71 easements today to over 90 this time next year. These terrific properties also protected more than 10 miles of high quality major streams and tributaries, now totaling more than 30 miles of stream. The completion and Conditional Endorsement by state agencies of the Twin Creek Watershed Action Plan was a large undertaking. Watershed Action Plan is a community consensus roadmap for the protection and enhancement of the Twin Creek and its tributaries and headwaters. The EPA data and recommendations reinforced our sense that protection through conservation easements, park acquisition, and through enhanced farm best management practices should be the focus. The Action Plan builds upon that framework. We are grateful to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Ohio EPA, the Ohio Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, Five Rivers Metroparks, Miami University Institute of Environmental Sciences, the Preble, Montgomery and Darke County Soil and Water Conservation District and Natural Resources Conservation District offices, as well as the respective County Commissioners and County Engineers. Lorna Harrell provided the bulk of this past year’s efforts to put together the plan that our staff had worked on since 2005. Our Development Director Lawrence Leahy and the geared up Development Committee generated new ideas, energy, and tried a few new things. We worked on staff and board development. The Trust took the time to clear our plate of issues not directly pointed at our central effort of preserving land and water resources for landowners and communities choosing to do so. PUBLIC POLICY At the state level, the Trust has worked to extend the Clean Ohio program, and to urge continuation or expansion of funds for farmland preservation, greenspace conservation, trail acquisition, and brownfields revitalization. Over the past five years, the Trust has helped landowners through the Ohio Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (AEPP) (17 properties protected) and the Conservation Fund (12 properties protected), so these programs are vital for Southwestern Ohio. This past year, the Trust assisted 51 farmers in completing funding applications for the AEPP to the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Of these applications, five properties were approved. FEDERAL POLICY The Land Trust Alliance has been the leader in promoting permanent extension of the enhanced federal conservation easement income tax deduction that had been enacted in August 2006, and expired December 31, 2007. This law provided conservation easement donors with opportunities for income tax deductions up to 50% of adjusted gross income for up to a total of sixteen years or until the donation has been fully deducted. The Trust contacted members of the Ohio Congressional Delegation to support companion measures HR 1576 and S 469. The American Farmland Trust has led the effort to promote greater conservation focus in the omnibus 2007-8 Farm Bill. Specifically, TVCT supported efforts to boost funding for the Federal Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP), a pass-through farmland preservation purchase of development rights mechanism. To date, the Three Valley Conservation Trust has been successful in securing funds to directly protect 11 properties covering over 2100 acres through three Federal Cooperative Agreements for FRPP, and indirectly protect additional farms through matching funds provided to the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (AEPP). Obviously, FRPP is an important program for Ohio and locally. STATE POLICY At the state level, the Trust has worked to extend the Clean Ohio program, and to urge continuation or expansion of funds for farmland preservation, greenspace conservation, trail acquisition, and

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brownfields revitalization. Over the past five years, the Trust has helped landowners through the Ohio Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (AEPP) (17 properties protected) and the Conservation Fund (12 properties protected), so these programs are vital for Southwestern Ohio. This past year, the Trust assisted 51 farmers in completing funding applications for the AEPP to the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Of these applications, five properties were approved. We hope we have done a good job of providing service to our members, landowners and the community at large. Please accept our sincere appreciation for your support and involvement in 2007. We look forward to partnering with you in 2008! DEVELOPMENT—LAWRENCE LEAHY, DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR In the past year, the Trust began many new initiatives that involved outreach and fundraising. In 2008, we will continue to have events and activities that promote the organization’s mission and also help raise funds that support the Trust’s infrastructure. We plan to announce these events well in advance through our Quarterly Newsletter and on our website. Aside from conducting outreach and fundraising, in 2007 we also concentrated on developing ‘internal systems’ with the goal to help us plan better, become more organized, and be able implement all our various activities more efficiently. We believe we have laid a good foundation that will allow us to succeed in all that we have planned for 2008. Some of the highlights from 2007 include: DEVELOPMENT PLANNING RETREAT

In early March, 2007, Board members and volunteers met for one and one-half days to develop the framework for a fundraising strategy for 2007, 2008 and 2009. The overall goal of the retreat was to develop strategies that would allow the Trust to have a stable financial base to assure our conservation work is successfully implemented. Some of the major accomplishments of the retreat were:

o Compiling a draft Case Statement—our vision in print that organizations use for fundraising, marketing, membership, and volunteer recruitment, and much more.

o Developing a draft three year budget that could be used as a basis for long-term planning.

o Developing a fundraising approach for 2007, including strategies that could be built upon in future years.

SMALL GATHERINGS

As a method of showcasing some of the Trust’s protected properties and to explain some of our initiatives to our members, 2007 marked the initiation of a ‘Small Gatherings Program’. Guests were taken on a tour of two easement properties, Board members explained some of the Trust’s history and future plans, and some delicious snacks and drinks were served. We plan to have these Gatherings as an integral part of our annual activities.

BLUEGRASS AND BAR-B-QUE

In September, the Trust held what may be the first of many annual Bluegrass and Bar-B-Que events. Al and Mary Bruns graciously hosted over 100 guests at their beautiful farm in Southern Preble County. Their farm was an ideal location to serve roasted pig, listen to the bluegrass music of the Woolum Brothers from Hamilton, and enjoy the camaraderie of new and old friends. We are very grateful for the many sponsors who helped to underwrite the event, and the volunteers who organized and implemented all the details. Thanks to our sponsors, raffle items, and fun activities, the Trust raised over $4,000 for our operations.

ART AUCTION

The Trust’s annual auction event took a different format in 2007. Internationally renowned wildlife artist, Chris Walden and members of the Masterworks for Nature, collaborated with the Trust to

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conduct an Art Auction in November. Most of the art work sold at the auction was created last summer and inspired by artists’ visits to TVCT easement properties. Over 150 people attended this event, held at the BeauVerre Art Studios in Middletown. Highlights of the evening included: varieties of delicious hors d’oeuvres provided by Two Women in a Kitchen; artists putting finishing touches on their paintings; special works of art made specifically for the Trust by John Ruthven and by Chris Walden; and vacation trips to special places in the U.S.

BENEFACTOR PROGRAM This special fundraising event also included the initiation of an art-related Benefactor Program. In exchange for a $400 or $1000 donation to the Trust, a Benefactor received a framed, limited edition Chris Walden print plus many other benefits. Over 30 individuals and businesses participated in this program, which helped to defer the costs of the event. We are hoping to continue collaborating with Chris Walden in order to have the Benefactor Program as a part of other special events we hold this year.

GRANTS Although fundraising events are a wonderful way for us to earn recognition and for members to become acquainted, we also have been busy submitting grant proposals to a variety of area foundations. The funding the Trust receives from corporate, community and family foundations helps to defray expenses and increase the quality of our programs. This is an important source of revenue and we will continue to submit grant proposals to organizations that have a history of supporting the type of work done by the Trust. For a list of our Grantors, please refer to page 18.

VOLUNTEERS Last year, we received great support from a core of volunteers (pg. 20) who proved to be the foundation for our expanded activities. We are very grateful to everyone who has devoted their valuable time to assist the Trust. As we continue to grow and take on new challenges, the assistance provided by volunteers will be vital to our success. Some examples of the type of assistance that would be of great help are: answering the office phone for 1-2 hours once or twice a week; folding letters or materials that are mailed out to our members; becoming involved in the planning and implementation of our special events; or assisting with writing grant proposals. If you would like to assist us by volunteering some time, expertise, or advice, please contact Catherine Hollins or myself.

One of our major goals for 2008 is to continue to develop relationships and collaborate with businesses and corporations who support land protection and the type of work done by the Trust. In past years the Trust has depended on ‘special events’ as our main method to raise funds to support the organization; we are now structuring our activities so that businesses and corporations can have more of an impact on our financial revenues and we therefore depend less on ‘special events’.

PUBLIC INFORMATION/OUTREACH NEWSLETTER Michele Simmons has edited the Valley Trust News this past year with the office manager, Mary Glasmeier, working with Michele to publish the newsletter in a new format. We have received rave compliments for the new format. “Snapshots,” the column that highlights easement donors, seems to be the favorite among our readers. WEBSITE Jon Costanzo, the Trust webmaster has kept the website intact and up-to-date up with the information our members need to keep them informed of the Trust’s accomplishments and activities. He has also maintained high quality and commitment to ensure that the information that appears on the website is accurate and concise. ADOPT A HIGHWAY The Trust has adopted a two-mile stretch of highway 127, where Butler County meets Preble County.

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The signs are in place. Volunteers from the Trust have agreed to keep this stretch of highway free of litter during the next two years. Saturday, February 23 is the next cleanup-day along the road. We hope you'll join us to help keep one beautiful stretch of highway in our region litter free. Call Tom Klak at 513/756-9707 for details. LAND PROTECTION—ANN GEDDES AND ERIC HOLLINS, CO-CHAIRS A heartfelt thanks to the 2007 committee: Eric Hollins, co-chair; Stephen Dana; Jon Costanzo; Sam Fitton; Orie Loucks; Jenny Gelber; Mary Moore; Carl Jantzen; Don Streit; Tom Wissing; Charles Stevens; Mark Boardman, with Larry Frimerman as ex officio member. And a grateful welcome to the incoming 2008 committee! We will be inviting others of our membership to join to replace outgoing members on this key committee to fulfill the Trust’s mission.

See elsewhere in this document (or check the chart on pg. 12) for a listing of easements signed in 2007

2007 was a year of straining our resources for monitoring, but we met them! Thanks especially to Lois Nelson for firmly but patiently organizing and supplying our monitoring

teams to check the status of each easement we hold, and for getting the raw data into polished reports.

Please review the names under the monitoring Volunteers list (page 19) of all the folks who gave their time to tromp through wind-swept fields or black fly marsh to verify that our easements are being perpetuated as the donor easement stipulates. These are our heroes!

But without the GIS interns (pg. 18 again), those clever techno-savvy youngsters who understand the computer’s weird ways, and the software to unequivocally position every property’s boundaries - without them we’d be "lost in the woods." Give them a big thanks!

The Trust took a momentous step this past year and invited a self-assessment review by our umbrella organization, The Land Trust Alliance (LTA). This exercise crystallized and prioritized our land protection efforts in the light of changing standards issued recently by the LTA. We have volunteer teams and individuals working on those processes that would bring us in full compliance with these new standards. Such compliance would be an outstanding accomplishment for such a relatively new and small land trust like us. But to complete these processes by the end of 2008, committee members would welcome your help. These are finite efforts that can be done in weeks or a few months at most – join up as a volunteer if you can!

To our faithful supporters, words alone can’t fully convey our gratitude to you. We are bound together by the same ethic, love of the land and vision for what a special home this can be for future generations of our children. Financial support of this organization’s goals for some of you may have seemed a heavy burden, but it would be ever so much less if you could engage others in our shared vision of land protection and farm conservation. Please "dare to share" your passion with your neighbors and friends and ask them to consider joining us. Help us thru these awkward financial "teenage years" of our organization so we can be the mature, sustainable, responsible organization that we all envision.

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LAND PROTECTED IN 2007

Name Watershed

Region* Inception Acres Protected

Values Township County

Boyles Little Four Mile 2007 52 Agr./Nat. Washington Union

Brunk Twin 2007 212 Agr. Twin Preble

Cummins Indian 2007 15 Agr./Nat. Reily Butler

DuBois Four Mile 2007 42 Agr./Nat. Oxford Butler

Duvall Four Mile 2007 109 Agr./Nat. Oxford Butler

Felty Twin 2007 47 Agr./Nat. Washington Preble

Geddes Indian 2007 100 Agr./Nat. Reily Butler

Glander Twin 2007 170 Agr./Nat. Lanier Preble

Harmon Twin 2007 3 Nat. Harrison Preble

Hoffmann Indian 2007 328 Agr./Nat. Reily Butler

Jackson Twin 2007 73 Agr. Harrison Preble

Molen Seven Mile 2007 110 Agr./Nat. Somers Preble

Morris Little Four Mile 2007 48 Agr./Nat. Washington Union

Ristaneo Twin 2007 528 Agr./Nat.

Lanier/Gratis/Jacks Preb/Mont

Rodeffer Twin 2007 163 Agr./Nat. Twin Preble Name withheld @ donor’s request Twin 2007 117 Agr./Nat. Lanier Preble

Storck Indian 2007 55 Agr./Nat. Reily Butler

Study Indian 2007 55 Agr./Nat. Oxford Butler

Study Indian 2007 47 Agr./Nat. Oxford Butler

Tincher Indian 2007 263 Agricultural Reily Butler

Twin Valley Twin 2007 467 Agr./Nat. Germ/Grat/Jacks Preb/Mont

Ulrich, D Twin 2007 103 Agr. Washington Preble

Ulrich, D Twin 2007 75 Agr. Monroe Preble

Ulrich, D Seven Mile 2007 59 Agr. Washington Preble

Voge, B Twin 2007 251 Agr./Nat. Twin Preble

Voge, E Twin 2007 80 Agr. Twin Preble

Wissing Indian 2007 11 Nat. Reily Butler

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Three Valley Conservation Trust Unrestricted Income and Expense Statement

January 2007 to December 2007 Income Contributed support 4010 · Indiv/business contribution 99,359 4250 · Nonprofit organization grants 10,177 4430 · Fundraising agencies revenue 1,693 4510 · Agency (government) grants 1,900 Total Contributed support 113,129 Noncash Donations 392 Uncategorized Income 325 Earned revenues 5010 · Agency(government) contract/fee 1,000 5210 · Membership dues - individuals 37,977 5310 · Interest-savings/short-term inv 2,224 5315 · Realized Gain on Sale of Invest 23,934 5316 · Unrealized Gain (Loss) of Inves 1,005 5320 · Dividends & interest-securities 10,820 5490 · Miscellaneous revenue 102 Total Earned revenues 77,062 Special events 52,115 Total Income 243,023 Expense Bad Debt Expense 100 Payroll Expenses 1,118 Salaries & related expenses 7220 · Salaries & wages - other 162,194 7230 · Pension plan contributions 5,850 7240 · Employee benefits - not pension 14,917 7250 · Payroll taxes 15,004 Total Salaries & related expenses 197,964 Other personnel expenses 17,228 Non-personnel expenses 8110 · Supplies 4,669 8131 · Land Line 2,357 8132 · Cell Phone 3,471 8140 · Postage, shipping, delivery 2,653 8160 · Equip rental & maintenance 761 8170 · Printing & copying 6,171 Total Non-personnel expenses 20,083 Occupancy expenses 8221 · Electric 1,930 8222 · Oil 2,681 8223 · Refuse Removal 256 Total Occupancy expenses 4,867 Travel & meetings expenses 6,009 Depreciation & amortization exp 3,884 Misc expenses 12,923 Business expenses 583 Special Events Expense 24,265 Total Expense 289,024 Net Income (46,001)

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Three Valley Conservation Trust Restricted Income and Expense Statement

January 2007 to December 2007

Income

Contributed support

4010 · Indiv/business contribution 50,750

4250 · Nonprofit organization grants 2,500

4510 · Agency (government) grants 70,500

Total Contributed support 123,750

Noncash Donations 50,442

Income - Land Easement Purchase 1,752,995

Earned revenues 20

Total Income 1,927,208

Expense

Land Easement Purchase 1,763,034

Grant & contract expense 6

Other personnel expenses 20,223

Non-personnel expenses

8110 · Supplies 600

8131 · Land Line 122

8132 · Cell Phone 50

8140 · Postage, shipping, delivery 15

8170 · Printing & copying 1,252

Total Non-personnel expenses 2,039

Misc expenses 565

Total Expense 1,785,867

Net Income 141,341

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Three Valley Conservation Trust Consolidated Balance Sheet

As of 12/31/2007 ASSETS Current Assets Total Checking/Savings 132,571.73 Other Current Assets Cash on hand 30.00 Other Receivables 400.00 Marketable securities

Ham Comm Foun- Operating Endowment— Perm Restricted 11,809.36

LPL - Operating Endowment--Perm Restricted 2.44

Mass Mutual Stewardship Endowment— Perm Restricted 145,458.96

Mass Mutual Operating Endowment— Perm Restricted 226,692.07

Mass Mutual Unrestricted 67,624.17

Mass Mutual Stewardship Income— Temp Restricted 8,108.53

Mass Mutual Life Ins Prem--Temp Restricted 50,442.42

Total Other Current Assets 510,137.95

Total Current Assets 643,139.68 Fixed Assets 1610 · Land - operating 2,600.00 1640 · Furniture, fixtures, & equip 6,528.15 1745 · Accum deprec- furn,fix,equip (5,960.01)

Total Fixed Assets 3,168.14

TOTAL ASSETS 646,307.82

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THREE VALLEY CONSERVATION TRUST BOARD OF TRUSTEES, 2007 Frank House, Chair Margarette Beckwith Gregory Peck

Sam Fitton, Vice-chair Jon Costanzo Michele Simmons Catherine Hollins, Vice-chair Ron Stewart Jerry Stanley

Ben Jones, Treasurer Hank (Frank) Dupps Don Streit Tom Wissing, Secretary Mary L. Moore Liz Woedl

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Frank House, Sam Fitton, Catherine Hollins, Liz Woedl, Tom Wissing, Ben Jones

STAFF Larry Frimerman, Executive Director Lawrence Leahy, Development Director Mary Glasmeier, Office Manager

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

LAND PROTECTION Ann Geddes, Eric Hollins, Co-Chairs DEVELOPMENT Catherine Hollins PUBLIC INFORMATION Michele Simmons MEMBERSHIP Liz Woedl FINANCE BEN JONES

THREE VALLEY CONSERVATION TRUST BOARD ELECTION, 2008 RETIRING BOARD MEMBERS Jon Constanzo Tom Wissing

THE SLATE OF NOMINEES IS AS FOLLOWS FOR CONTINUING BOARD POSITIONS Margarette Beckwith Don Streit Sam Fitton Liz Woedl

FOR OPEN BOARD POSITIONS TO BE VOTED ON BY MEMBERSHIP Stephen Gordon, Curator, McGuffey Museum, Miami University Adolph Greenberg, Ph.D, Professor, Anthropology, with joint appointment at the Institute for

Environmental Sciences, Miami University

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Minutes of the Business Portion of the 3VCT 2006 Annual Meeting

Feb. 3, 2007 Marcum Conference Center, Miami University

T.E. Wissing, Board Secretary

1. Larry Frimerman recognized retiring Board Treasurer, Liz Woedl. She along with the other Board members was given small gifts by Larry in honor of their service to the Trust during the last year.

2. Liz, substituting for Board Chair Frank House, then recognized Alice

Kahn and Tom Klak, who also retired from the Board at the end of 2006.

3. Liz asked for a motion approving the minutes from the 2005 Annual Meeting. Motion made by Sarah Michael; seconded by Hardy Eshbaugh. Motion was approved unanimously.

4. Moving on, Liz asked for a motion accepting the 2006 Treasurer’s Report.

Motion made by Hardy Eshbaugh; approved by Gil Gordon. Motion was approved unanimously.

5. The nominees (Hank Dupps, Ben Jones, Ron Stewart) for the three vacant

Board positions were presented. Hardy Eshbaugh moved that the slate of nominees be approved. His motion was seconded by Sarah Michael. Motion was approved unanimously.

6. Liz then asked for a motion to close the member’s portion of the Annual Meeting.

Motion made by Jim Reid; seconded by Holly Wissing. Motion was approved unanimously.

7. Board meeting was then held to elect new officers for 2007. The slate of nomi-

nees consisted of Frank House (Chair), Sam Fitton (Vice-Chair), Catherine Hollins (Vice-Chair), Ben Jones (Treasurer), and Tom Wissing (Secretary). Motion made by Mary Moore to approve the slate as given; seconded by Jon Costanzo. Motion was approved unanimously.

8. Liz Woedl then asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion made by

Catherine Hollins; approved by Jon Costanzo. Motion was approved unanimously. 9. 2006 Annual Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

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HONORS AND OUR SINCERE THANKS

GRANTORS US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources

Conservation Service Ohio Department of Agriculture, Office of Farmland Preservation Ohio Public Works Commission Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Ohio Department of Natural Resources The Nature Conservancy Ohio Chapter Elizabeth Wakeman Henderson Foundation The Dupps Family Foundation Butler County Dept. of Environmental Services Miller Brewing Company Middletown Community Foundation

Oxford Community Foundation Miami Conservancy District W. H. Smith Family Charitable Trust Duke Energy Foundation Five Rivers Metroparks Wild Berry Incense Inc. Hudson Pines Farm Hueston Farms, Inc. The Land Trust Alliance Columbia Land Trust The Glynwood Center

DONORS GREAT BLUE HERON GROUPMichael & Noreen Beck Ernst Bever Tom & Wendy Duvall

Hardy & Barb Eshbaugh Sam & Terri Fitton Frank & Marcia House

Elizabeth Rogers Christopher B & Mary Walden

FOUNDER’S SOCIETY Marvin & Patricia Brunk Rob & Louise Cottrell J Howard DuBois Hank & Robin Dupps Glen & Karen Filbrun Larry Frimerman & Patty Stone-Frimerman

Ann Geddes Fred Glander Harmon Family Lewis Hoffman Tom Klak & Jeanne Hey Larry & Pam Ristaneo Paula & Chick Rodeffer

Tom & Sandra Study Twin Valley Farms Voge Farms Bill & Helen Voge Tom & Holly Wissing

CONSERVATIONISTS Orie & Elinor Loucks James & Sarah Michael Marge & Gary Glaser

Robert & Pamela Molen Robert & Mary Moore

Richard and Mary Oertel Dr. Thomas Sargero Gilbert and Joyce Gordon

MASTERWORKS OF NATURE ART AUCTION BENEFACTORS INDIVIDUAL Don Streit, Principal, Fine Trim

Landscaping Services Mike Yoakum, President, Lighthouse

Agency, Inc. Tom & Bev Theobald, Barn 'N Bunk Al & Lisa Bradshaw Butler County Pheasants Forever Jon & Amy Costanzo H. T. & Linda Derivan Hardy & Barbara Eshbaugh

Rebecca Fitton Sam & Terri Fitton Jerry & Cleo Gerber Dolph & Sandy Greenberg Frank & Marcia House Indian Creek Family Health, LLC Lawrence & Natalya Leahy Gary & Eula Martin Don Mayer Jim & Sarah Michael

Roger Millar Mary & Robert Moore Betty Rogers Richard & Kathy Sollmann J. Ronald & Sue Stewart Mark Tincher & Danielle Mann Tom & Holly Wissing Stephen Wolterman Urological Services, Inc.

CORPORATE BENEFACTORS Rob Cottrell, Managing Partner, Financial Clarity

Group Hank Dupps, CEO, The Dupps Company,

Germantown, OH Miller Brewing Company Brewing quality beer in

some of the most water-efficient breweries in the world

Think Patented A continuum of graphic

communication Thomas Sargero, MD & Heron Creek Farm

Rocky Mountain horses and the largest heron rookery on Four Mile Creek

Wild Berry Incense The best incense in America

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VOLUNTEERS—Very Important People who help the Three Valley Conservation Trust achieve its mission Many, many people help make the Trust what it is today. You give of your time, energies, talents, and patience. We thank you. We try in every way to mention all of you. If however, we have failed to mention anyone, our sincere apologies. LAND PROTECTION/MONITORING: MONITORING COORDINATOR: Lois Nelson MONITORS: Margarette Beckwith, Jon Blocher,

Peter and Kathleen Carels, Chris Carter-Trammell, Jon Costanzo, Steve Dana, Sam Fitton, Ann Geddes, Jenny Gelber, Alicia Glover, Eric & Catherine Hollins, Lew Hoffmann, Frank House, Orie Loucks, Kim Medley, Richard Munson, Lois Nelson, Jim Reid, Jerry Stanley, Ken Stern, Don Streit, Tom Wissing

GIS INTERNS: Nicky Cooke, Adam Evans, Joe

Foster, Brian Glosik,

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE: John & Marilyn Barnhart, Margarette Beckwith, Steve Dana, Marilyn Edwards, Jane Flueckiger, Cleo Gerber, Ann Geddes

Alicia Glover, Donna Hoffman, Catherine Hollins, Cynthia Kelley, Melissa Lay, Betty Rogers, Josette & Jerry Stanley, Tom Wissing

WEBSITE: Jon Costanzo COMPUTER ASSISTANCE: Cleo Gerber, Melissa Lay FUNDRAISING:

ADVISORS: Ray Arlinghaus, Margarette Beckwith, Jon Costanzo, Rob Cottrell, Steve Dana, Hardy Eshbaugh, Ann Geddes, Catherine Hollins, Eric Hollins, Orie Loucks, Betty Rogers, Jerry Stanley, Don Streit, Chris Walden, Mike Yoakum

GRANT WRITING: Margarette Beckwith, Steve

Dana, Emily Dickie, Catherine Hollins, Jerry Stanley

SMALL GATHERING HOSTS: Jon and Amy Costanzo;

Frank & Marcia House; Ann Geddes; Hardy & Barbara Eshbaugh

EVENTS: Ray Arlinghaus, Eric Bachmann, Margarette Beckwith, Mary & Al Bruns, Janet Burge, Patti Burress, Jon Costanzo, Hardy Eshbaugh, Nikki Finkelman, Hope Fitton, Patty Frimerman, Ann Geddes, Summer Glasmeier, Catherine & Eric Hollins, Frank, Marcia, & Laura House, Alice Kahn, Natalya Leahy, Madeleine Lefreileux-Weber, Orie Loucks, Mary Moore, Chris Parker, Gregory Peck, Elizabeth Rogers, Doug Ross, Jerry & Josette Stanley, Don, Monica, Stephanie Streit, Mary & Dick Tharp, Jerry & Josette Stanley, Kate Schulte

WILKS LEADERSHIP STUDENTS, Charlie Stevens, advisor

MIAMI UNIVERSITY’S INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (IES): Mark Boardman, Sandra Woy-Hazelton, Donna McCollum, Monica Rakovan, Gene Willeke, Dolph Greenberg

MIAMI UNIVERSITY’S GEOGRAPHY DEPT.: William Renwick, Jim Rubenstein, Robbyn Abbitt, Kim Medley, Tom Klak

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND THANKS IN OXFORD Roger Millar, Oxford Community Foundation City Council Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau Doug Elliott, City Manager Jane Howington, City Manager Charlie Stevens, American Studies Miami University Oxford Community Art Center Oxford Press WMUB LCNB Chase Bank (Bank One) James Michael, Attorney, Millikin & Fitton Law Firm IN HAMILTON First Financial Bank Trust Dept. Ann Antenen, Citizens for Historic and Preservation Services (CHAPS) Michele Gressel, Steve Wolterman, Attorneys, Millikin & Fitton Journal News IN BUTLER COUNTY Butler County Pheasants Forever Steve Bartels, OSU Extension Michael Juengling, Director Dept. of Development Kevin Fall, SWCD Ray Zehler, Izaak Walton League Butler County Commissioners Gregory Wilkens, Butler County Engineer Mike Muska, Director, Butler County MetroParks Danny Crank, Recorder Kay Rogers, Auditor Butler County Farm Bureau Morgan Township Trustees Butler County Township Association Oxford Township Trustees Wayne Township Trustees Dave & Katy Kerns Mark Schraffenberger IN GERMANTOWN The Dupps Company Charitable Foundation German Township Trustees IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY Charlie Shoemaker, Dave Nolin, Mary Klunk, Doug

Horvath, Five Rivers Metroparks Dan Jackson, SWCD Montgomery County Commissioners Joe Litvin, County Engineer Dayton Daily News Brookville Star Germantown Press IN HAMILTON COUNTY Clare & Roland Johnson Hamilton Co. Land Conservancy Cincinnati Enquirer

IN PREBLE COUNTY Kelda Bittinger & Jason Chappell, James Couch, BJ Price, Lance Cottingim Preble County Commissioners Steve Simmons, Engineer Preble County Park District Hal Yoder, Auditor Mindy Robbins, Auditor Bill Spahr, Recorder Marti Bresher, Dir. Building and Zoning Preble County Farm Bureau Eaton-Preble County Chamber of Commerce Bonnie Norris, OSU Extension Register Herald Palladium-Item Twin Valley Press IN OHIO Gene Krebs, Greater Ohio Audubon Miami Valley Linda Paul & Paul Bingle, Earthshare of Ohio Larry Whitaker, Miami RC&D Livable Landscapes Project, Miami RC&D Sean Logan, Director, Mike Shelton, David Hanselmann, Greg Nageotte, Jill Evans, Heidi Devine, Rob Hamilton,

ODNR Robert Boggs, Director, and Michael Bailey, Dept. of Agriculture Mark Forni, Kristen Jensen, Jodi Fife, ODA Office of Farmland Preservation Ohio EPA Central Office and Southwest District staff John Armentano, Julia Zehner USDA NRCS Farm & Ranch Lands Protection Program Miami Valley Pheasants Forever Land Trust Alliance, Midwest and National Offices Sarah Hippensteel, Angela Manusak, Janet Bly, & Dusty Hall, Miami Conservancy District John Williams, Dennis Bunger, & Steve Boeder District Conservationists, USDA/ NRCS Brian Williams, American Farmland Trust Watershed Area-wide Assistance Team Bob Jurick, BW Greenway Community Land Trust Eric Russo, Hillside Trust OKI Regional Council of Governments Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission Whitewater Valley Land Trust James Turner, Executive VP, & Tim Abbott Duke Energy Krista Magaw, Kate Bush, Tecumseh Land Trust Kevin Joyce, Black Swamp Conservancy Steve Goodwin, Louise Warner, Clyde Gosnell, Appalachia Ohio Alliance Mike Gates, Gridiron Development JFNew John Ruthven Katy Jo South Masterworks for Nature Artists NATIONALLY Rand Wentworth, Russ Shay, Erin Heskett, Land Trust Alliance Bob Wagner, American Farmland Trust Senators Sherrod Brown and George Voinovich Institute for Conservation Leadership

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