California Waterfowl Association

“Stewardship PolicyThe California Waterfowl Association (CWA) has a program of responsible stewardship for its easements. Before CWA accepts an easement, due diligence is performed. During this process, CWA estimates the current as well as the long-term stewardship and enforcement expenses of each easement transaction. Once the estimated costs have been determined, CWA is responsible for securing either dedicated funds or funds that are provided by general operations (general funds). These funds need to cover all anticipated current and future expenses, including funds for liability insurance, maintenance, improvements, monitoring,enforcement, preventative measures, and other expenses associated with the easements. If funds are not secured at or before the completion of the transaction, CWA has a plan to secure these funds and has a policy committing the funds to this purpose.Easement MonitoringAnnually or as required under the easement document, each easement will be inspected onsite by a representative of CWA to ensure the property is in compliance with all aspects of the easement. The landowner will be invited and encouraged to participate. This assessment will also be conducted to assist the landowners obligation of adequately maintaining the vegetation and any required habitat management practices for the property.Monitoring may be conducted from the air or water, and on the ground. CWA shalldocument the conditions of the property and any changes to management that are needed or undertaken to comply with the easement or management plan and will submit a report to the certifying agencies as required by each easement.Preventive MeasuresIn addition to routine monitoring, CWA will frequently take measures to prevent violations of the provisions of its easements. Sample measures include clear and visible signage indicating the participation of the cooperating landowner, orientation meetings with new landowners, property surveys and boundary marking. In doing so, long-term landowners are reminded of on-going maintenance responsibilities and new owners are properly informed of the specifics of the restrictions on their property.Compliance EnforcementIf conditions or situations exist that are not in conformity with the conditions described in the easement, CWA will notify the landowner and seek voluntary actions to bring the property into compliance. If the landowner refuses or is unable to take the necessary voluntary corrective actions to remedy the situation, CWA will initiate the response necessary to compel compliance.”

“Endowment Net Assets: For the year ended March 31, 2025, gifts of $3,362,712, were added to the endowment funds. The principal contribution of $3,362,712 in aggregate are to remain intact as a permanent endowment and only the amounts earned as investment income can be expended for monitoring and managing the related easements.”