Wildlands Trust Inc.

“Conservation easements are included in the organization's collections and are not recorded in the financial statements as permitted by accounting standards. As a result, conservation easements contributed to the organization are not included in revenues. Costs incurred to inspect and maintain the organization's conservation easements are recorded in the financial statements as expenses.”

“Conservation land is not recorded in the statement of financial position in accordance with accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations, since it qualifies as a collection that is held for public exhibition, education and research in furtherance of public service rather than financial gain. Conservation land is protected, kept unencumbered, cared for and preserved, and it is subject to an organizational policy that requires the proceeds from sales of conservation land to be used to acquire other such land. However, conservation land is sometimes acquired on condition that it be transferred to town, state or federal agencies to be held by them for conservation purposes. Purchases and sales of conservation land are recorded as conservation land acquisition expense and proceeds from the sale or takeover of conservation land, respectively, in the statement of activities.”

“The collection at wildlands trust, inc. Is comprised of large tracts of conservation land that are monitored, protected and managed for the benefit of wildlife and the general public. Approximately 4,140 acres of land in our collection is owned in fee by wildlands trust, inc. While an additional 2,900 acres is privately held lands upon which the trust holds conservation restrictions, deed restrictions and agricultural preservation restrictions. Lands are restricted by conservation restrictions held by wildlands trust, inc. The land in our collection is located throughout the southeastern region of massachusetts, an area facing rapid growth and development and thus requiring the services of a strong regional land trust. Each parcel brought into the wildlands trust, inc. Collection has been strategically selected because it possesses important characteristics linked to public benefit. For example, a parcel may provide for the protection of drinking water, air quality, or wildlife habitat. Certain parcels in the collection are held because they offer important public recreation opportunities such as hiking, biking, bird watching, canoeing or nature study. Other parcels may be selected to protect a view shed or historic or archeological resources. In all cases, a property is brought into the collection only if it serves to further the mission of wildlands trust, inc.”

“The organization's endowment includes both donor restricted and board-designated funds. These amounts are held in various investment vehicles so that the related income can be used to provide support for stewardship and general operations.”