Utah Open Lands Conservation Association Inc

“Utah Open Lands (UOL) monitors its easement properties regularly, at least annually, in a manner appropriate to the size and restrictions of each property, and keeps documentation (such as reports, updated photographs and maps) of each monitoring activity. Monitoring helps develop a relationship with the landowner, helps discover any upcoming plans or changes in ownership, helps uncover violations, saves time and money on enforcement actions, and establishes a record in case of court action. Annual monitoring routinely reminds the landowner of the easement and provides a means for annual landowner contact. With annual monitoring, UOL can promptly document any changes in the property's condition relative to the easement. All monitoring activities are documented to build a record for future monitoring and in case UOL must address a violation. Some easements, such as those with particularly sensitive conditions may require monitoring more frequently than once a year. UOL uses a combination of on-the-ground review, aerial observation and other methods as appropriate for monitoring. UOL has established monitoring procedures that provide guidance for staff and volunteers. The procedures cover the purpose; frequency and method of monitoring; documentation and record-keeping; who should monitor; pitfalls to avoid, and how monitors should be trained. Procedures clearly describe each step of the monitoring process to ensure that all properties are inspected in a similar manner regardless of who conducts the monitoring visits.”

“"Contributed or purchased conservation easements are not considered by the Association to constitute general financial support. The Association considers an easement to be an ongoing cost since resources must be expended by the Association to permanently and annually monitor and enforce compliance of the terms of the easement. As a result, conservation easements are recorded at zero value in the Association's financial statements." - footnote excerpt from our most recent independently audited financials.”

“The Association's endowment is designated to support its stewardship activities. An established investment policy outlins performance criteria and investment guidelines, while spending policies are determined by the Board of Trustees/Directors. Earnings from the endowment are allocated specifically for stewardship, efforts and easement enforcement and are classified as net assets with donor restrictions until utilized for their intended purpose.”

“Audit reduced income by subtracting investment management fees from investment income total by $23,910; AND increased income by adding all the gross fundraising receipt totals without adjusting net amounts by ($35,224).”

“Audit reduced expenses by not including the investment management fees as an expense ($23,910); AND increased expenses by including fundraising expenses without adjusting net by $35,224.”