Upstate Forever

“The organization's executive committee consists of the chair, secretary, treasurer, executive director, and the chairs of the audit committee, the nominating/governance committee, the community relations committee, and the land trust committee. The executive committee has the authority to address and decide any issues related to the organization except where the bylaws or other board policies prohibit otherwise.”

“Any individual, family, business, corporation or other entity interested in supporting the mission of the organization and willing to uphold its policies shall be eligible for membership upon payment of dues.”

“Directors are elected by majority vote of the membership in attendance at the annual meeting.”

“Amendments to the bylaws require a two-thirds vote of the membership represented at the annual meeting or a special meeting called for such purposes.”

“A draft copy of the return is provided to all board members prior to filing. The board is given one week to review and comment on the form 990. A public disclosure copy of the return was provided to protect donor privacy.”

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

“Compensation studies are done at least every other year to verify market rate compensation. The executive director's compensation is reviewed and approved by the board during the annual review process.”

“Compensation of other staff positions is based on periodic review of market compensation. Staff raises are recommended as part of the budget process and reviewed and approved by the board.”

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

“In 2022, the clean water program collaborated with drinking water utilities in pickens and anderson counties in south carolina to develop a source water protection plan in the twelvemile creek watershed. This watershed plan is being developed in partnership with clemson university's center for watershed excellence and helps to protect this critical drinking water resource by devising pollution reduction strategies for bacteria, nutrient, and sediment pollution in these areas. The organization worked with partners to install a variety of best management practices to reduce water pollution including repairing septic systems, installing agricultural projects (i.e., cross fencing, alternate watering sources, cover crops) and permanently protecting land in the tyger river watershed in greenville and spartanburg counties and in the three and twenty creek watershed in anderson county. The organization also participated as a stakeholder on the state water planning process advisory committee in the development of the state water plan and served on the broad river basin council to develop a sustainable and equitable water resource allocation plan for the broad river basin. The organization had representation on the board of the lake keowee source water protection team and the lake hartwell partners for clean water. The organization also collaborated with the reedy river water quality group to improve water quality in the reedy river watershed through local engagement. Additional activities included conducting an educational and outreach campaign to increase the public understanding and appreciation for having access to clean, reliable water; publishing water-related news in quarterly newsletters; and providing comments to state and federal agencies regarding any permits with any potential impacts to water quality and quantity across upstate sc.”

“Land planning and policy: in 2022 land planning and policy staff engaged with local elected and appointed officials and government staff on issues related to smarter land development. They also participated in education and advocacy efforts with transit and housing advocates, facilitated a citizens planning academy to educate citizens, hosted an advocacy training and a targeted advocacy event to influence local land use decision-making. Social media and dedicated email lists were used to engage and activate citizens. The organization supported adoption of the highway 11 overlay in pickens county and mobilized citizens to support adoption of updated land development regulations in laurens county. Citizen engagement was supported in the city of greenville and greenville county initiatives to overhaul land development regulations. The organization advocated for policies that implement the city and county comprehensive plans. The organization also participated in other local planning and policy efforts in the cities of spartanburg, travelers rest, and greer.”

“Other work of upstate forever includes the energy program, connecting people to nature, and the legislative focus of keeping upstate citizens aware of issues that affect daily life and the health of the upstate community.”

“Consultants 297,822 25,668 7,500 easement assistance 30,485 0 0 payroll service 0 4,532 0 total 328,307 30,200 7,500”

“Prior period adjustment -1”