Coastal Prairie Conservancy

“The definition of a quorum was changed from 1/3 to 1/2 of the current directors and board members are allowed to vote via phone, video conference, and email (in case of emergency). Only the full Board is authorized to approve land transactions.”

“The Form 990 is reviewed by KPC's Financial Officer and Executive Director. A copy of the Form is provided to the Board prior to filing.”

“Board and staff members are required to sign a conflict of interest statement every year.”

“The Chairman of the Governance Committee begins the process to review the current compensation and performance of the Executive Director. He and his committee may conduct a survey to determine prevailing raise increases for similarly situated executives. He and his committee will discuss performance and compensation issues with the Executive Director. The full board of directors approves any increase in compensation.”

“KPC will copy documents and mail or e-mail to persons or organizations requesting them.”

“OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 4: Public Policy and Stewardship - KPC works with various governmental entities to track and monitor public policy that may affect KPC's lands, including major thoroughfare and road plans, flood control initiatives, and conservation easement tax incentives. KPC also monitors its conservation easement lands on an annual basis to ensure that the goals and objectives of the legal agreement between KPC and the impacted landowner are followed and the land in question remains viable for its conservation values. KPC is working to establish more vigorous baseline data on all its preserves and to tract changes over time through regular monitoring protocols.Land Management and Restoration - During 2004-2005, KPC's Board of Directors approved securing a majority ownership of the historic Warren Ranch, a working cattle ranch. The Board determined that the continued operations of the Warren Ranch were part of KPC's mission to protect the unique scenic, historic and natural sites on the Katy Prairie. They noted that well-managed farmland shelters wildlife, supplies scenic open space, and helps filter impurities from our air and water and that these agricultural lands offer many other benefits as well: preservation of open space and natural resources; outdoor recreation, including bird watching, hiking, hunting, and nature tours; improved flood protection; economic development through eco-tourism; enhanced wildlife habitat; recharge zones for the area's aquifers; educational field trips for area youth, and research opportunities for colleges and universities in ecology and land management. The prairie also provides children who might not otherwise have an opportunity to visit a working ranch to ride a horse or tour a farm to see how food is produced - a distinctive outdoor experience.”