California Rangeland Trust

“Prior to filing, the prepared irs form 990 is reviewed in its entirety by both the chief executive officer and the finance director to ensure the responses provided are accurate and thorough. This review is normally conducted approximately one week prior to filing, to allow for sufficient time to incorporate any needed revisions. The prepared irs form 990 is also reviewed subsequent to filing by the organization's standing audit committee, comprised of members of the board of directors. This review is generally conducted at the regular meeting of the committee immediately subsequent to the filing date. A final prepared form 990 is distributed to all directors prior to filing with the irs.”

“The organization's conflict of interest policy is reviewed by the full board of directors on not less than an annual basis, ensuring familiarity, not less than on an annual basis, or upon any revisions being made, members of the board of directors and staff receive a copy of the conflict of interest policy and are required to sign a statement confirming receipt. Monitoring of compliance and enforcement is a responsibility, then, shared by the board of directors and staff. The organization's conflict of interest policy applies to board and staff members, substantial contributors, parties related to the above, those who have an ability to influence decisions of the organization and those with access to information not available to the general public.”

“Compensation provided to all staff, including the chief executive officer, is reviewed on not less than an annual basis by the chairman of the board of directors and the executive committee of the board. Comparable compensation data for land trust employees is received on a semi-annual basis from the land trust alliance and on an occasional basis from the california council of land trusts. No member of the board of directors is compensated for service to the organization.”

“The chairman of the board of directors and the executive compensation committee review the compensation to ensure it is comparable.”

“Governing documents. The conflict of interest policy and audited financial statements are available to the public upon request. Certain financial and other information is also contained within the organization's irs form 990, a public document, and contained within the organization's annual report, which is posted to the organization's website and printed within the california cattleman magazine.”

“Our new programs department, which was launched in fall 2023, engaged in learning activities and began presenting workshops and webinars for the ranching community. The purpose is to improve our services to the ranching community in california by connecting them to resources that can help them keep ranching, learn new tools, and access funding toward advancing their agricultural operations. In 2024, activities included a workshop in san luis obispo with panelists presenting on financial planning, estate planning, and other family legacy topics to inform ranchers of their options in maintaining continuity for the next generation. We also presented a webinar that provided information about virtual grazing technology, with speakers representing the technology, ranchers who have been using it and how, and options for seeking funding to aid in making the transition.”