News from the Sheridan Community Land Trust Winter Edition 2014
Family Preserves Tongue River Acreage
The McMeans Property “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
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 after 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 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.
55 Acres
0.6 Miles
15 Acres
Irrigated Agricultural Land
of the Tongue River
Wetlands & Riparian Habitat
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
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 land use values held by our citizens,” said County Commission Chair Steve Maier.
SCLT Leadership Keeping it in the Family 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:
Policies
Projects
• Personnel Policy
• McCormick Creek Headwaters Conservation Easement
• Ethics and Whistleblower Policy • Financial Management Policy • Conservation Easement Process
• Soldier Ridge Conservation Easement • Soldier Hills Conservation Easement
• Gift Acceptance and Recognition Policy • Black Diamond Byway • Soldier Ridge Trail • Stewardship and Monitoring Policy • Records Management Policy
• Tongue River Initiative • Doc Huson’s Clear Creek Conservation Easement (pending)
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!
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! Sunrise on the Soldier Ridge Trail. ©Tim Doolin
Sneak Peak -
2014 Projects Outdoor Recreation We 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!
Conservation Last 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. Sheridan Community Land Trust 52 S. Main St. Suite 1 P.O. Box 7185 Sheridan, WY 82801 (307) 673 - 4702
Fall on the Tongue River. ©Tim Doolin 2013
Annual Report Message from the Executive Director 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!
Colin Betzler Executive Director
2013 Board of Directors Margie Taylor President Sally Morton Vice President Susanna Meyer Secretary Susie Ponce Treasurer Julie Carroll Julie Davidson Mike Evers Matt Johnston Mark Kinner Hardy Tate Jeff Way Staff Colin Betzler Executive Director Claire Hobbs Communications & Development Associate
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.
Project Highlights
Soldier Ridge Trail Completed
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 nonmotorized 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. Runners on the Soldier Ridge Trail.
Black Diamond Historic Byway Completed
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.
The Tongue River Initiative 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 The McMeans’ Conservation Easement (December habitat, and natural aesthetic values of the Tongue River Valley. Our first 2013) protects over 1/2 mile of the Tongue River. outreach launched this fall, a Landowner Resource Guide consolidating the various tools and assistance available on a voluntary basis to agricultural producers.
Financial Report
Message from the the Treasurer
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. Susie Ponce, Treasurer
Total Revenue - $213,150
Operating Expense
Operating Revenue 2%
27%
18%
15%
16%
18% 69%
55%
4%
27%
Grants - $37,900
Program
Private
Contributions - $117,451
Administration
Foundations
Restricted Contributions - $57,799
Fundraising
One Cent
*SCLT’s most recent tax return (990-PF) is available at our office during regular business hours.
49%
Business Sponsors Events/Merchandise Sales
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. Anonymous (2) Robert and Kathleen Ahrens Amy and Mike Albrecht Jan and Angelita Allen Tim and Carol Althauser Diana Ayers William and Terri Baas Tom Balding Charlotte and Tim Belton Joan Bennet Lollie Benz Plank Robert and Rosie Berger Charles or Mary Lee Berta Steve and Cindy Betzler William Betzler Francesco Beuf Fly Shop of the Bighorns Foot of the Bighorns Backcountry Bikes Frank and Georgia Boley Mimi Gracida and Tommy Boyle Peter and Charlotte Boyle Thomas Bradley FIB - Main St. Branch Susan Brayton Black Tooth Brewing Co. Mary Burgess Terry and Bev Burgess Tracey and Renny Burke David Campbell Kim and Susie Cannon Julie Carroll Photo Imaging Center Dave Clarendon Connie and Carl Clark Edith Clarke Harper Mary Clarke Learn Outdoors Program of Sheridan College Wendy and Robert Condrat Haultain Corbett and Katie Curtiss Shirley Coy
Jenny Craft and David Carter Terry Cram Don Crecelius Tessa Dalton Dick and Tammy Davis Paul DelRossi Elizabeth B. Denison 432 Consulting and Design Richard A. Destefano Cissy Dillon Domino’s Eatons Brothers Inc. Tom and Donna Elisius ECS Engineering MIke and Mary Beth Evers Mrs. Robert Ferril Karen Fosher FIB Foundation H & M Scott Foundation Seidler Foundation Doyl and Jaci Fritz Susan and Mike Fry Bruce Garber Joanne Garnett David Garwood Daniel and Ruth Goodenough Ken and Helen Harmon Charles and Lee Helvey John Heyneman and Arin Waddell Edith Heyward HF Bar Ranch Debra Hill Gerald Hill Kathy Hosford Elizabeth Howell Jane Clark and Philip Huckins F.R. Huson Jock and Judith Hutton Judy and Daryl Jennings Good Times/Taco John’s Matt and Lorraine Johnston Patty Kemper and Neil Anderson
Dick and Cathi Kindt Dippy King Mark and Tibbee Kinner Chris and Sara Kirol Karl and Toni Kukuchka Paula Venuto Leuschen Christine Love Mary Kay and Kim Love Stephen and Edre Maier Forrest Mars, Jr. Jason Martineau and Emily Emond John and Mary Ellen McWilliams Sarah and Tom Mentock Jeffrey Merritt David S. Meyer Susanna and David Meyer Brian and Linnea Mirsch Peter and Cynthia Mohseni Java Moon Sally and Mike Morton Dave and Trudy Munsick Jim Nelson Scott Newbold and Julie Rieder Mike and Julie Nickel David and Karen Nicolarsen Ruth Norwood David A. Paullin David and Cathy Paullin John Addlesperger and Betsy Pearson Anne Pendergast George and Nancy Pfeiffer Bob and Gerry Phillips Robb and Lisa Pike PO News & Flagstaff Cafe Shiva Polefka Susie Ponce Charles Popovich Luther Propst and Elizabeth Storer Kay Wallick and D.J. Purcell Pat and Hal Quist Theresa Rice
Ken and Patty Richardson Daniel and Rosemary Rieder Tom and Georgina Ringley Leandro Rizzuto Rusty and Deborah Rokita Bob and Colleen Rolston Stacy Page and Roger Sanders John and Constance Sargent Terry and Susan Savage Rick and Joyce Schmidt Margaret Schroth Emerson Scott III Homer and Janet Scott Sam Scott Jerry and Patty Sheldon Sheridan Stationary Sheridan Surgical Center Cody and Sarah Jo Sinclair The Sport Stop Richard and Linda Sutphin Dr. Wendell and Martha Swatt-Robison SWCA Barry Held and Melinda Sweet Hardy and Patsy Tate Margie Taylor WYO Theatre Seymour Thickman Gina Thoney Larry and Nancy Thoney Karen Turner Anne and Darracott Vaughan Brandon Vince Sarah Wallick and Aaron Denberg Isabel Wallop Barbara and Charles Walter Chris and Tammara Walton Leon Washut Kentz and Lindsey Willis Jane Wilson Roger and Fanchon Wilson Tod and Marjorie Windsor
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.
P.O. Box 7185 52 S. Main St. Suite 1 Sheridan, WY 82801 (307) 673 - 4702
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.
The Sheridan Inn, protected by SCLT in 2008 with a historic preservation easement that ensures its historic features are preserved.
Connect with us online! www.sheridanclt.org
“We donate because we believe in the mission of the land trust and see its funds being used effectively. We volunteer because we believe in the mission of the land trust, respect and admire the people involved in the organization, and wish to be a part of accomplishing their goals.” - Dan & Rosemary Rieder
All photos in Report
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©Tim Doolin except photo at left.
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