winter 2014 newsletter/fy 2013 annual report

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The McMeans Property Family Preserves Tongue River Acreage Looking southwest toward the Bighorns across the McMeans’ property. ©Tim Doolin Mike and Vicky McMeans purchased 160 acres west of Dayton in 2012 from Dan Scott, who had already placed the northern 80 acres under conservation easement. Immediately aſter their purchase, they began conversations with Sheridan County and SCLT to explore their options for protecting the remaining property along the Tongue River. “We wanted to make sure that the agricultural lands and riparian habitat that make this property special would be there forever,” said Vicky. “The McMeans’ property is the initial gateway into Tongue River Canyon and represents a boundary between the town of Dayton and the rural acreages located upstream. We’re thrilled that they decided to preserve the agricultural values in perpetuity.” - Board President Margie Taylor News from the Sheridan Community Land Trust Winter Edition 2014 e McMeans chose to protect the remaining 80 acres with SCLT in coordination with Sheridan County’s conservation subdivision process, becoming the first landowners in Sheridan County to do so under new regulations conceptualized by Sheridan County in their 2008 Comprehensive Plan and adopted in 2012. By setting aside over 80% of the property for agricultural, open space, and habitat protection, the McMeans were able to retain three residential development envelopes 55 Acres Irrigated Agricultural Land of the Tongue River Wetlands & Riparian Habitat 0.6 Miles 15 Acres within the conservation easement held by SCLT. “We appreciate the McMeans for working with us to create the first conservation design subdivision in Sheridan County. Assisted by SCLT, the McMeans have led the way for future conservation design subdivisions. is is another step in the implementation of the County Comprehensive Plan that protects and preserves the land use values held by our citizens,” said County Commission Chair Steve Maier.

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Page 1: Winter 2014 Newsletter/FY 2013 Annual Report

The McMeans Property

Family Preserves Tongue River Acreage

Looking southwest toward the Bighorns across the McMeans’ property. ©Tim Doolin

Mike and Vicky McMeans purchased 160 acres west of Dayton in 2012from Dan Scott, who had already placed the northern 80 acres under conservation easement. Immediately after their purchase, they beganconversations with Sheridan County and SCLT to explore their options for protecting the remaining property along the Tongue River. “We wanted to make sure that the agricultural lands and riparian habitat that make this property special would be there forever,” said Vicky.

“The McMeans’ property is the initial gateway into Tongue River Canyon and represents a boundary between the town of Dayton and the rural acreages located upstream. We’re thrilled that they decided to preserve the agricultural values in perpetuity.”

- Board President Margie Taylor

News from the Sheridan Community Land TrustWinter Edition 2014

The McMeans chose to protect the remaining 80 acres with SCLT in coordination with Sheridan County’s conservation subdivision process,becoming the first landowners in Sheridan County to do so under new regulations conceptualized by Sheridan County in their 2008 Comprehensive Plan and adopted in 2012.

By setting aside over 80% of the property for agricultural, openspace, and habitat protection, the McMeans were able to retain three residential development envelopes

55 AcresIrrigated

Agricultural Landof the Tongue River Wetlands &

Riparian Habitat

0.6 Miles 15 Acres

within the conservation easement held by SCLT.

“We appreciate the McMeans for working with us to create the first conservation design subdivision in Sheridan County. Assisted by SCLT, the McMeans have led the way for future conservation design subdivisions. This is another step in the implementation of the County Comprehensive Plan that protects and preserves the landuse values held by our citizens,” said County Commission Chair Steve Maier.

Page 2: Winter 2014 Newsletter/FY 2013 Annual Report

SCLT Leadership

After 3 years at the helm of SCLT, Margie Taylor is stepping down as Board President. Susanna Meyer, her sister, will assume the role of President in February. Taylor will remain on the Board and serve as SCLT’s Fundraising Chair, a position vacated by Meyer’s transition to Board President. During Taylor’s time as Board President, her leadership was instrumental in sustaining SCLT’s successful track record. She initiated essential internal processes and controls to ensure SCLT’s longterm health and to allow future boards and staff to focus on project development, while also taking SCLT to the next level in terms of project development and completion. SCLT’s accomplishments under her leadership include:

Keeping it in the Family

Policies • Personnel Policy • Ethics and Whistleblower Policy • Financial Management Policy • Conservation Easement Process • Gift Acceptance and Recognition Policy

• Stewardship and Monitoring Policy • Records Management Policy

Projects• McCormick Creek Headwaters Conservation Easement • Soldier Ridge Conservation Easement • Soldier Hills Conservation Easement

• Black Diamond Byway • Soldier Ridge Trail • Tongue River Initiative • Doc Huson’s Clear Creek Conservation Easement (pending)

Thank you to everyone who made an end-of-year contribution to SCLT. We are excited to put those dollars to work in 2014, initiating new recreation, conservation, and historic interpretation projects in Sheridan County. We couldn’t do any of this without your generosity!

Sneak Peak - 2014 Projects

Sunrise on the Soldier Ridge Trail.©Tim Doolin

Outdoor RecreationWe are working with the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, and other community partners to develop a non-motorized trail in the Red Grade area. Stay tuned!

ConservationLast year we launched the Tongue River Initiative, a partnership between SCLT, the Sheridan County Conservation District, and The Nature Conservancy. This year we will focus our efforts in the Tongue River Valley with willing landowners on projects like riparian fencing and both purchased and donated conservation easements.

Historic Preservation

We are awaiting Federal approval of our Clear Creek Historic Easement, which will protect an 1880’s rock homestead on Clear Creek near the town of Clearmont.

Susanna Meyer has served on SCLT’s Board since November of 2009. Most recently, she has been serving as Secretary in addition to Fundraising Committee Chair. During her time as Fundraising Chair SCLT made incredible strides, raising significant funding for projects and operations. Her work as an SCLT ambassador was instrumental in finding the funds to hire Claire Hobbs this past year. We are so thankful for their leadership!

Sheridan Community Land Trust52 S. Main St. Suite 1

P.O. Box 7185 Sheridan, WY 82801

(307) 673 - 4702

Page 3: Winter 2014 Newsletter/FY 2013 Annual Report

We had another great year of conservation, recreation, and historic preservation gains which would not have been possible without the dedication and enthusiasm of our annual supporters and volunteers. The past fiscal year’s highlights include the completion of the Black Diamond Trail Byway, completion of Soldier Ridge Trail, project work related to two conservation easements, and developing and launching the Tongue River Initiative (TRI). We also had a wonderful season of events and field trips designed to connect

people in our community with the places they love through outdoor recreation and education. We continued to partner with local nonprofits to reach the next generation of leaders through UNPLUG, a week of activities designed to get kids and families outside and connected to their environment, while expanding our conservation leaders partnership with Sheridan-based Science Kids. SCLT’s Board of Directors remain committed as ever to supporting our mission, putting in 820+ volunteer hours and giving over $25,000 to support our work this past fiscal year. I want to thank our annual supporters again for your dedication, trust, and support of our mission. I am extremely thankful to be working on your behalf to protect open space and working ranches, expand non-motorized recreation opportunities, and to preserve and interpret historic sites in Sheridan County. I hope that you will continue to support our work and help make the coming year our most successful yet!

The Sheridan Community Land Trust works to preserve our heritage of open spaces, healthy rivers and creeks, working ranches, wildlife habitat, and vibrant history, while expanding non-motorized recreation opportunities to connect people with the places they love.

Colin BetzlerExecutive Director

Annual Report 2013Message from the Executive Director Board of Directors

Margie TaylorPresident

Sally MortonVice President

Susanna MeyerSecretary

Susie PonceTreasurer

Julie Carroll

Julie Davidson

Mike Evers

Matt Johnston

Mark Kinner

Hardy Tate

Jeff Way

Staff

Colin BetzlerExecutive Director

Claire HobbsCommunications & Development

Associate

Fall on the Tongue River. ©Tim Doolin 2013

Page 4: Winter 2014 Newsletter/FY 2013 Annual Report

Last year we celebrated the protection of 1,154 acres of viewshed, habitat, and agricultural lands west of Sheridan. This year, we are pleased to celebrate the completion of the associated 4.2 mile non-motorized trail. When this project started, we had hoped to complete a trail within 5-10 years. Fortunately, landowners Don Roberts Jr., Dixie See, Jane Clark, and Tom Belus were supportive of the concept, which allowed our timeline to shorten considerably. Meanwhile, SCLT found partners like Wyoming’s Recreation Trails Program, Sheridan County, the City of Sheridan, Dowl HKM Engineering, Sheridan County Implement, and multiple private donors to help raise the funds necessary to complete the Soldier Ridge Trail years ahead of schedule.

The audio tour and brochures were completed this past fiscal year, marking the completion of this project that shares the rich history of Sheridan County’s early development. Stop by the Sheridan County Museum to pick up your copy and hear first-hand what life was like in the local mining towns during the early 20th century.

This past fiscal year SCLT spent considerable time envisioning and developing what has become the Tongue River Initiative (TRI), a partnership with The Nature Conservancy and the Sheridan County Conservation District. The TRI is focused on maintaining and enhancing the current agricultural character, wildlife habitat, and natural aesthetic values of the Tongue River Valley. Our first outreach launched this fall, a Landowner Resource Guide consolidating the various tools and assistance available on a voluntary basis to agricultural producers.

Total Revenue - $213,150 Operating Expense Operating Revenue

Project HighlightsSoldier Ridge Trail Completed

The Tongue River Initiative

Black Diamond Historic Byway CompletedRunners on the Soldier Ridge Trail.

I am pleased to report that SCLT finished FY 2012-13 in a healthy financial position. In order to continue to follow Land Trust Alliance’s Standards and Practices, we formally adopted a Financial Management Policy as well as a Records Policy this past fiscal year. By adhering to these policies, we can ensure that SCLT is following proper procedures and managing investments and financial assets responsibly. As an annual supporter, you can feel confident that your annual investment in SCLT is being wisely stewarded and used to support projects that protect and enhance what we all love most about Sheridan County.

Message from the the Treasurer

Grants - $37,900

Restricted Contributions - $57,799Contributions - $117,451

Program AdministrationFundraising

Private

One Cent Business Sponsors

Foundations

Events/Merchandise Sales

The McMeans’ Conservation Easement (December 2013) protects over 1/2 mile of the Tongue River.

*SCLT’s most recent tax return (990-PF) is available at our office during regular business hours.

Financial Report

55%

27% 18%

69%

16%15%

27% 49%

18%

2%4%

Susie Ponce, Treasurer

Page 5: Winter 2014 Newsletter/FY 2013 Annual Report

Anonymous (2)Robert and Kathleen AhrensAmy and Mike AlbrechtJan and Angelita AllenTim and Carol AlthauserDiana AyersWilliam and Terri BaasTom BaldingCharlotte and Tim BeltonJoan BennetLollie Benz PlankRobert and Rosie BergerCharles or Mary Lee BertaSteve and Cindy BetzlerWilliam BetzlerFrancesco BeufFly Shop of the BighornsFoot of the BighornsBackcountry BikesFrank and Georgia BoleyMimi Gracida and Tommy BoylePeter and Charlotte BoyleThomas BradleyFIB - Main St. BranchSusan BraytonBlack Tooth Brewing Co.Mary BurgessTerry and Bev BurgessTracey and Renny BurkeDavid CampbellKim and Susie CannonJulie CarrollPhoto Imaging CenterDave ClarendonConnie and Carl ClarkEdith Clarke HarperMary ClarkeLearn Outdoors Program of Sheridan CollegeWendy and Robert CondratHaultain Corbett and Katie CurtissShirley Coy

Jenny Craft and David CarterTerry CramDon CreceliusTessa DaltonDick and Tammy DavisPaul DelRossiElizabeth B. Denison432 Consulting and DesignRichard A. DestefanoCissy DillonDomino’sEatons Brothers Inc.Tom and Donna ElisiusECS EngineeringMIke and Mary Beth EversMrs. Robert FerrilKaren FosherFIB FoundationH & M Scott FoundationSeidler FoundationDoyl and Jaci FritzSusan and Mike FryBruce GarberJoanne GarnettDavid GarwoodDaniel and Ruth GoodenoughKen and Helen HarmonCharles and Lee HelveyJohn Heyneman and Arin WaddellEdith HeywardHF Bar RanchDebra HillGerald HillKathy HosfordElizabeth HowellJane Clark and Philip HuckinsF.R. HusonJock and Judith HuttonJudy and Daryl JenningsGood Times/Taco John’sMatt and Lorraine JohnstonPatty Kemper and Neil Anderson

Dick and Cathi KindtDippy KingMark and Tibbee KinnerChris and Sara KirolKarl and Toni KukuchkaPaula Venuto LeuschenChristine LoveMary Kay and Kim LoveStephen and Edre MaierForrest Mars, Jr.Jason Martineau and Emily EmondJohn and Mary Ellen McWilliamsSarah and Tom MentockJeffrey MerrittDavid S. MeyerSusanna and David MeyerBrian and Linnea MirschPeter and Cynthia MohseniJava MoonSally and Mike MortonDave and Trudy MunsickJim NelsonScott Newbold and Julie RiederMike and Julie NickelDavid and Karen NicolarsenRuth NorwoodDavid A. PaullinDavid and Cathy PaullinJohn Addlesperger and Betsy PearsonAnne PendergastGeorge and Nancy PfeifferBob and Gerry PhillipsRobb and Lisa PikePO News & Flagstaff CafeShiva PolefkaSusie PonceCharles PopovichLuther Propst and Elizabeth StorerKay Wallick and D.J. PurcellPat and Hal QuistTheresa Rice

Ken and Patty RichardsonDaniel and Rosemary RiederTom and Georgina RingleyLeandro RizzutoRusty and Deborah RokitaBob and Colleen RolstonStacy Page and Roger SandersJohn and Constance SargentTerry and Susan SavageRick and Joyce SchmidtMargaret SchrothEmerson Scott IIIHomer and Janet ScottSam ScottJerry and Patty SheldonSheridan StationarySheridan Surgical CenterCody and Sarah Jo SinclairThe Sport StopRichard and Linda SutphinDr. Wendell and Martha Swatt-RobisonSWCABarry Held and Melinda SweetHardy and Patsy TateMargie TaylorWYO TheatreSeymour ThickmanGina ThoneyLarry and Nancy ThoneyKaren TurnerAnne and Darracott VaughanBrandon VinceSarah Wallick and Aaron DenbergIsabel WallopBarbara and Charles WalterChris and Tammara WaltonLeon WashutKentz and Lindsey WillisJane WilsonRoger and Fanchon WilsonTod and Marjorie Windsor

Thank you so much to everyone who donated between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013! Our work wouldn’t be possible without your support and dedication. If you’re thinking about becoming an annual supporter of SCLT, we’d love to hear from you. Please let us know if you’d like more detailed information on what these dollars accomplish. We want every supporter to know that our work can continue to expand only because of your generosity.

Sunset on SCLT’s Soldier Ridge Conservation Easement. ERA Carroll Reality gave up placing 14 homesites along the ridge to protect 1,154 acres of rangeland and also allowed SCLT to create the Soldier Ridge Trail, 4 miles of publicly accessible non-motorized trail, completed this past fiscal year.

Page 6: Winter 2014 Newsletter/FY 2013 Annual Report

“We donate because we believe in the mission of the land trust and see its funds being used ef fect ively. We volunteer because we believe in the mission of the land trust , respect and admire the people involved in the organizat ion, and wish to be a part of accomplishing their goals .”

- Dan & Rosemary Rieder

P.O. Box 718552 S. Main St. Suite 1Sheridan, WY 82801

Save the Date! Our Annual Open House will be held at the Sheridan Inn Thursday, February 27th from 5-8 pm. The evening will feature Polish appetizers and music in honor of the completion of the Black Diamond Historic Byway. Drop by for a chance to listen to the Byway audio tour, hear about new projects in 2014 and to enjoy good company! We’ll also recognize our dedicated volunteers and draw the winner of dinner for four at Eaton’s Ranch from our $200 + level supporters, as well as the winner of a Backcountry Bikes gift certificate.

www.facebook.com/sheridanclt www.twitter.com/sheridancltwww.sheridanclt.org

The Sheridan Inn, protected by SCLT in 2008 with a historic preservation easement that ensures its historic features are preserved.

Connect with us online!

(307) 673 - 4702

All photos in Report ©Tim Doolin except photo at left.