Ruby Habitat Foundation

“Four of the ten voting board members are members of the woodson family, which is the founder and largest single donor to ruby habitat foundation. These family members are martha woodson, leslie vanderpool, robin mitts, and lance woodson. They have an equal vote with other board members.”

“The executive director of the foundation is les gilman. He does not receive direct compensation from the foundation, but a management company, ranch resources llc, of which he is 50% owner, is engaged to manage the foundation and assets. Compensation paid to ranch resources llc in 2016 was $196,640. Of that amount, $51,618 was compensation passed through to the executive director.”

“Montana land reliance is the sole member of ruby habitat foundation.”

“Pursuant to the bylaws, montana land reliance has the right to elect members to the board of directors of ruby habitat foundation.”

“Montana land reliance is the sole member of ruby habitat foundation.it reserves the right to approve a number of actions set forth in the ruby habitat foundation bylaws and to elect or remove members of the board of directors.”

“A draft of the 990 is prepared by an outside cpa firm and the executive director submits information and reviews the draft before a final draft version is emailed to all board members for their review and input. All comments and questions are addressed before a final return is prepared and filed.”

“The ruby habitat foundation board of directors adopted a conflict of interest policy on may 7, 2007. This policy requires any director to immediately disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest on any matter that is before the board of directors and prohibits that director from either voting or even discussing the issue. All directors must acknowledge in writing their agreement with this policy, and all actions under this policy are documented in the minutes of the board.”

“At this time, there is no direct compensation of the executive director and there are no other paid positions. Management is conducted by an outside consulting firm, ranch resources llc, of which the exective director is the owner. The management contract is negotiated and approved by the foundation board, and all invoices are reviewed and approved for payment. The fees for services provided are compared to rates by similar companies.”

“There is no compensation for officers or key employees. All serve as volunteerswithout pay or benefits. The vice-chair is employed by montana land reliance,the supported organization. Another director is also an employee ofmontana land reliance. Their compensation is disclosed on part vii lines 2 and 5.”

“All governing documents are available upon request at the offices of ruby habitat foundation in sheridan, montana. The annual report is submitted to all donors of the foundation, past and present, and contains contact information regarding the foundation. The foundation has a website at rubyhabitat.org; the 990 is not available online at this time but plans are to include it in the future. The 990 is available for public inspection via irs and montana filings.”

“In january 2011, the craig woodson endowment was funded with the transfer of ranch property and personal property from the estate of craig woodson. With the transferof these assets, the management and operation of the woodson ranch now belongs to the ruby habitat foundation. Consistent with the mission and goals of the foundation,we have continued to operate the ranch for agricultural purposes, while at the same time providing for wildlife habitat and community recreational opportunities.”

“Other program expenses for ranch activities:fuel $ 4,051seed 1,906fertilizer 14,247repairs 16,922supplies 5,587prop taxes 7,043utilities 2,028water fees 11,752weed control 5,043chemicals 1,083fees office 197total $ 69,859”

“Mission statement specific goals:* suporting agriculture in the community and the diversification of agricultural operations to ensure the long-term viability of working ranches.* working with landowners, educational institutions, foundations and other entities to protect and enhance open space and wildlife habitat.* encouraging education and training to broaden the understanding of resource management issues and responsible management of private lands.* promoting the concept of resource accountability and developing examples of minimal impact resource management for agricultural and recreational uses while protecting the environment.”