Chikaming Open Lands

“The board has one family relationship with board members, steve & jean smith (husband & wife).”

“The organization amended the by-laws to allow the vice president or treasurer to hold the office of secretary concurrently, if necessary.”

“The board of directors appoints the finance committee to review and make necessary revisions before filing with the service center.”

“The board addresses the conflict of interest policy annually and will revise the policy on an interim basis if needed.”

“As documented in committee minutes, the executive committee determines compensation for all employees and provides a recommendation to the board of directors in the annual budget. Compensation for all employees is determined based on many factors, including but not limited to, performance, compensation data from the land trust alliance, heart of the lakes, and other non-profit organizations in michigan, the financial capability of the organization, and the budget recommendations of the executive director. The board of directors approves the recommended compensation for all employees in the annual budget as documented in meeting minutes.”

“The organization makes its governing documents, policies, and financial statements available to the public upon request. Audited financial statements are also posted on the organization's website.”

“Chikaming open lands acquired approximately 35 acres of forest and wetland in chikaming township in august 2017 to create a new nature preserve. The property, known as the merritt family preserve, was donated by meryle merritt and family and dedicated in memory of lawrence h. Merritt. The nature preserve protects valuable forest and wetland wildlife habitat as well as being open to the public for passive recreation such as hiking or cross-country skiing. Plans for a trail network are currently in development. The property is adjacent to the chikaming township park and preserve, increasing the amount of protected open space in the township, and preserving the undeveloped scenic view along the interstate 94 corridor. In december 2017, chikaming open lands purchased a conservation easement on approximately 74 acres of prime farmland in chikaming township. The project was funded in part by a grant from usda-nrcs (united states department of agriculture natural resources conservation service) through the agricultural conservation easement program (acep). The conservation easement limits the type and amount of development on the property and ensures the prime farmland will be used for agricultural production in perpetuity. This property combined with other contiguous conservation easements held by chikaming open lands creates a 230-acre block of protected agricultural and natural lands.”

“Chikaming open lands continued restoration efforts at its dayton wet prairie preserve, grand beach marsh preserve, and in the galien river marsh, including the sima marsh preserve. These restoration efforts focused on combatting invasive species such as phragmites, buckthorn, and purple loosestrife. The three sites are home to many state and federally-protected plant and animal species and management of the properties is focused on improving the ecological health of the preserves and improving habitat for the protected species and other wildlife. These efforts involved collaboration with several partners, both public and private, and received grant funding from the michigan department of natural resources (mdnr) and the u.s. Fish and wildlife service (usfws). The organization collaborated with several partners in a cooperative invasive species management area (cisma), funded by a 2-year grant from mdnr. The focus of the cisma is to address issues associated with invasive species through outreach and education of the general public in a three county area of southwest michigan, as well as to monitor, identify, and implement control of invasive species in the area. The cisma has received additional grant funding and commitment from partners to continue its efforts. In 2016, chikaming open lands began developing plans to add recreational and educational infrastructure at its flynn woods preserve with a contribution from an individual. These plans will include a parking area, a picnic area, and amenities such as toilet facilities and drinking water. A trail system is in development for passive recreational use. Development of the plans continued in 2017, with construction expected to be completed in 2018.”

“Chikaming open lands expanded the mighty acorns program, a cooperative environmental education program with the field museum and local elementary schools, to a second school district with support from private foundations and other community groups such as the local rotary club. The program is anticipated to expand to a third school district in 2018. As part of its outreach and education efforts, chikaming open lands added a dedicated staff member and significantly increased the number of events and activities it held. These events and activities included a sold out environmental film festival; guided hikes, kayaking and canoe trips through its preserves; and several wildlife-themed events such as a live bat encounter. Chikaming open lands participated in several local community events and programs and presented to local community groups on topics such as land conservation, invasive species identification and control, landscaping with native plants, and wetlands.”

“No change in process from prior years.”