Upstate Forever

“The taxpayer's articles and by-laws state that they are a membership organization.”

“Yes - approximately one third of the board are elected for three-year terms by the members at the annual meeting.”

“Yes, members approve changes to the by-laws at the annual meeting.”

“A draft copy of the return was emailed to all board members prior to filing. The board was given one week to review and comment on the form 990.”

“The executive committee regularly reviews, and ensures compliance with, the conflict of interest policy.”

“All compensation is reviewed and approved by the executive committee prior to submitting the budget to the board.”

“All compensation is reviewed and approved by the executive committee prior to submitting the budget to the board.”

“The governing documents are available upon request at the organization's office.”

“Conservations easements donated to the organization are recorded at a zero value in the statement of financial position, the statement of activities and the statement of functional expenses. Conservation easements that are purchased are recorded at a zero value in the statement of financial positon, and are shown as an expense in the statement of activities, statement of functional expenses and statement of cash flows. The funding source that enables the purchase of these easements is shown as a revenue in the statement of activities and staement of cash flows, resulting in a net zero effect on net assets.”

“Volunteers provided approximately 436 hours of service in 2020.”

“Clean water: in 2020, the clean water program collaborated with drinking water utilities in greenwood and laurens counties in south carolina to develop a source water protection plan in the lake greenwood wathersheds. This watershed plan was developed in partnership with sc rural water association and helps to protect this critical drinking water resources by devising pollution reduction strategies for bacteria, nutrient, and sediment pollution in these areas. Worked with partners to install a variety of best management practices (bmps) to reduce water pollution including repairing septic systems and installing agricultural projects (i.e., cross fencing, alternate watering sources, cover crops) and repaired 1,000 feet of stream bank by installing native plants, in the tyger river watershed in greenville and spartanburg counties to improve water quality. Served as a stakeholder on the state water planning process advisory committee in the development of sc's state water plan and facilitated conversations with state agencies to improve flood protection across the state. Served as a board member on the lake keowee source water protection team. Continued monitoring a utility company's compliance with a voluntary settlement agreement to remove coal ash ponds which threaten the saluda river. Collaborated with the reedy river water quality group to improve water quality in the reedy river watershed through local engagement. Convened quarterly meetings with state agencies to advocate for stronger water quality standards and other protections for sc rivers. Hosted webinars and podcast interviews on state water planning and drinking water contaminants. Published water-related news in quarterly newsletters. Provided comments to state and federal agencies regarding any permits with any potential impacts to water quality and quantity across upstate sc.”

“Land policy and planning: in 2020 land policy and planning engaged with local elected and appointed officials and government staff on issues related to smarter land development. Coordinated advocacy efforts of transit and housing advocates. Facilitated two citizens planning academies to educate citizens on how to influence local land use decision-making. Used social media and dedicated email lists to engage citizens digitally. Supported the adoption of a progressive comprehensive plan in greenville county and advocated for policies for its implementation. Supported development of a bold comprehensive plan and adoption of a strengthened tree ordinance in the city of greenville. Participated in other local planning and policy efforts in the cities of travelers rest, spartanburg, clemson, greer and pickens county.”

“Energy and state policy program and other: in 2020, energy state policy worked in three key areas: mitigating the impacts of energy infrastructure in the upstate, promoting energy efficiency and ratepayer protections, and advocating in the sc statehouse for legislation that protects the upstate's environment and communities. Uf kept upstate citizens involved and informed during the legislative session by issuing weekly legislative updates and represented an upstate conservation voice in the statehouse and in meetings with state agencies and local governments. Energy staff intervend in several psc dockets related to energy burden, net metering, and solar choice tariffs. Proposed nationally important psc rules regarding eminent domain and property rights. Worked with duke energy on a landmark deal to restructure how rooftop solar power is valued when combined with smart meters and smart thermostats. Built support for energy efficiency and ratepayer choice through the duke energy effeciency collaborative, duke community solar stakeholder group, conncected in crisis energy burden working group, and the ors electric vehicle stakeholder group. Esp worked with citizens in northern greenvile county to successfully block a proposed expansion of piedmont natural gas pipeline infrastructure. Secured a 1.5 million dollar settlement with kinder morgan over the us supreme court clean water act lawsuit.”

“Consultants 145,900 4,317 17,966 consultants 166,101 0 0 total 312,001 4,317 17,966”

“Loss on sale of assets reported in functional expenses 105,814 loss on sale of assets reported in functional expenses -105,814”