Chikaming Open Lands

“David eblen & victoria j. Herget - family relationship”

“The board of directors appoints the finance committee to oversee the preparation of the form 990. The committee reviews and revises drafts of the form. The completed form 990 is provided to all members of the board for examination prior to filing.”

“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.”

“On november 16, 2023, the organization accepted the donation of a conservation easement on approximately 45 acres of forest, wetland, and open space in buchanan township. The permanent easement protects the property in a predominantly nature and agricultural condition. The property possesses the following conservation values: provides open space for the scenic enjoyment of the general public; contains a significant, diverse ecological community; and fulfills goals of federal, state, and local conservation policies. The organization completed the purchase of approximately 40 acres of forested land in niles charter township on december 8, 2023. The property, known as trillium woodlands preserve, is preserved for the benefit of the general public for ecological, recreational, and educational purposes. The organization continued progress on the purchase of agricultural conservation easements on three properties with grant funding from usda-nrce acep-ale. Closing on the easements is expected in 2024.”

“The organization continued work on several habitat restoration projects in 2023. These projects include prairie restoration, forest restoration, and invasive species control projects. Work began on the two year sustain our great lakes (sogl) grant project with the addition of a full-time staff member and seasonal field crew. The field crew completed invasive species control over 113 acres within the galien river watershed. Grant partners completed work on an additional 81 acres. The second year of the grant project will continue in 2024. The organization completed and opened new hiking trails in its myron perlman nature preserve in buchanan township. The organization continued to collaborate with several partners in a cooperative invasive species management area (cisma) with continued grant funding from mdnr. The focus of the cisma is 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 monitor, identify, and implement control of invasive species in the area.”

“With a new staff member joining the team in 2023, chikaming open lands increased its outreach and education activities via increased print and digital communications. A quarterly print newsletter and weekly e-newsletter were re-established along with producing new preserve brochures and signage. The organization hosted its popular #10trail challenge hiking program in july, with more than 400 participants taking part. The mighty acorns environmental education program continued with local elementary schools. The variety of outreach programs, including nature hikes, recreational activities, presentations, and seminars, were well-received and popular, generally reaching the maximum number of participants.”

“Change in beneficial interest held by community foundation 26,007.”

“No change in process from prior years.”