2016-08-04T15:10:21-05:00 2015-12-31 PATTISON KOSKEY HOWE BUCCI PC 2880 ROUTE 9 SUITE 2 VALATIE NY 12184 990 2015-01-01 141667526 DUTCHESS LAND CONSERVANCY INC % REBECCA THORNTON DUTC 8456773002 PO BOX 138 MILLBROOK NY 12545 REBECCA THORNTON PRESIDENT 8456773002 2016-07-22 true MATTHEW H VANDERBECK P00874499 5187586776 2016-06-28 2015 2016-12-15 16:53:06Z RALPH WEINDLING 1040 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK NY 10028 2660074 false X DUTCHESSLAND.ORG X 1985 NY THE ORGANIZATION IS DEDICATED TO PRESERVING THE SCENIC, AGRICULTURAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES OF DUTCHESS COUNTY, NEW YORK, AND THE SURROUNDING AREA. 25 25 12 283 0 1381565 1197553 0 0 254428 120527 131003 147074 1766996 1465154 0 0 0 0 790863 857889 0 0 71876 513149 792613 1304012 1650502 462984 -185348 6479662 6117731 38562 57020 6441100 6060711 X DUTCHESS LAND CONSERVANCY (DLC) IS DEDICATED TO PRESERVING THE SCENIC, AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES OF DUTCHESS COUNTY, NEW YORK, AND THE SURROUNDING AREA. DLC, AS A PRIVATE NON-PROFIT LAND CONSERVATION ORGANIZATION, CARRIES OUT ITS MISSION PRIMARILY BY OBTAINING CONSERVATION EASEMENTS ON PRIVATELY HELD LAND AND MONITORING THESE EASEMENTS IN PERPETUITY. CONSERVATION EASEMENTS, ACQUIRED THROUGH EITHER DONATION OR PURCHASE, ARE LEGAL AGREEMENTS LIMITING FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN ORDER TO PROTECT LAND FOR CONSERVATION PURPOSES. IN ADDITION, DLC PROVIDES PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE TO LANDOWNERS AND MUNICIPALITIES TO ENCOURAGE ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND PLANNING, AND EDUCATES THE PUBLIC ON MATTERS OF LAND CONSERVATION AND STEWARDSHIP. IN 2009 THE ORGANIZATION WAS AWARDED ACCREDITATION STATUS BY THE LAND TRUST ACCREDITATION COMMISSION, AN INDEPENDENT PROGRAM OF THE LAND TRUST ALLIANCE. IN 2014, THE ORGANIZATION WAS AWARDED ITS 5-YEAR ACCREDITATION RENEWAL. false false 885460 LAND CONSERVATION: CONSERVATION EASEMENTS - IN 2015, THE ORGANIZATION WORKED WITH 40 LAND OWNERS ON CONSERVATION EASEMENTS COVERING MORE THAN 4,700 ACRES, AND SEVERAL CONSERVATION PLANNING PROJECTS, DEVELOPING RESOURCE MAPS, RESPONDING TO INQUIRIES ABOUT CONSERVATION EASEMENTS, AND VISITING PROPERTIES. IN 2015,SEVEN DONATED CONSERVATION EASEMENTS WERE FILED PROTECTING 512 ACRES WHICH BROUGHT THE ORGANIZATION'S TOTAL LAND PROTECTED TO APPROXIMATELY 39,512 ACRES. PURCHASE OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS - The organization continued its work with 13 farmers ON PDR PROJECTS in the Towns of AMENIA, CLINTON, EAST FISHKILL, LaGrange, MILAN, NORTH EAST, PINE PLAINS, Pleasant Valley, POUGHKEEPSIE and STANFORD. MUNICIPAL CONSERVATION AREAS - THROUGH THE ORGANIZATION'S MUNICIPAL CONSERVATION AREA ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, A PROGRAM TO HELP TOWNS ACQUIRE IMPORTANT RESOURCE LAND FOR PASSIVE PUBLIC USE, THE ORGANIZATION WORKED WITH THE TOWN OF LAGRANGE ON THE 63 ACRE SUTER PROPERTY DONATION TO BE USED AS A PUBLIC CONSERVATION AREA, HAS HELPED PLAN AND BUILD TRAILS AT THE STONE CHURCH PRESERVE, PROVIDED ADVICE ON PROTECTING LAND SURROUNDING A HISTORIC CIDER MILL IN POUGHKEEPSIE, AND IS WORKING ON OPTIONS FOR DLC'S WHALEY LAKE PROPERTY AS A PUBLIC CONSERVATION AREA. THE ORGANIZATION ALSO CONTINUED TO REVIEW AND TRACK SEVERAL MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WITH AN IMPACT TO SIGNIFICANT OPEN SPACE RESOURCES COVERING MORE THAN 3,300 ACRES IN FIVE TOWNS. 337929 STEWARDSHIP: THE ORGANIZATION HAS NOW PROTECTED 39,345 ACRES STEWARDING 390 EASEMENTS. THE ORGANIZATION AERIAL MONITORS ALL PROPERTIES ANNUALLY AND GROUND MONITORS ITS EASEMENTS ON A THREE YEAR ROTATIONAL BASIS. IN 2015, THE ORGANIZATION AERIALLY MONITORED ALL CONSERVATION EASEMENTS AND COMPLETED 151 ON A ROTATIONAL GROUND MONITORING SCHEDULE THROUGH STAFF, AND LAND STEWARDS. THE ORGANIZATION WORKED ON NUMEROUS STEWARDSHIP MATTERS FROM PRIOR APPROVAL REQUESTS AND LAND MANAGEMENT QUESTIONS TO RESOLVING EASEMENT ISSUES. IN 2015 THE ORGANIZATION AGAIN REGISTERED FOR TERRAFIRMA, THE CONSERVATION EASEMENT DEFENSE INSURANCE PROGRAM TO ENHANCE ITS ABILITY TO SUCCESSFULLY ENFORCE ITS EASEMENTS. EACH YEAR THE ORGANIZATION ALSO WORKS TO UPDATE OLD BASELINE DOCUMENTATION FILES. STAFF STRIVES TO KEEP UP TO DATE ON INTERNET SERVICES SUCH AS MICROSOFT'S MAPSLIVE.COM, GOOGLE EARTH, AND BING WHICH PROVIDE VERY USEFUL ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY. THE ORGANIZATION'S STEWARDSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUE TO INCREASE EACH YEAR AS MORE AND MORE EASEMENTS ARE ACCEPTED. THE ORGANIZATION CONTINUES TO IMPROVE THE TRACKING OF EASEMENT PROTECTED PROPERTY SALES, COMMUNICATION WITH LAND OWNERS AND MAINTAINING A "WATCH LIST" OF EASEMENT PROTECTED LAND ON THE MARKET TO CHECK FOR NEW OWNERSHIP. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR STAFF FILES CRITICAL EASEMENT RELATED DOCUMENTS IN THE ORGANIZATION'S ARCHIVAL STORAGE UNIT IN AN OFF-SITE FACILITY TO ENSURE THE LONG-TERM SAFETY OF THE ORGANIZATION'S MOST VALUABLE DOCUMENTS. VOLUNTEERS: IN ORDER TO HELP WITH STEWARDSHIP AND MONITORING EASEMENTS, THE ORGANIZATION'S LAND STEWARDS VOLUNTEER TEAM WORKED TOGETHER WITH STAFF TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE GROUND MONITORING. THE ORGANIZATOIN ALSO CONTINUED ITS COLLABORATION WITH COLUMBIA LAND CONSERVANCY (CLC) ON ITS FARMER LANDOWNER MATCH PROGRAM, THAT FACILITATES LEASE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN LANDOWNERS SEEKING TO HAVE THEIR LAND FARMED, AND FARMERS SEEKING LAND, AS A WAY TO KEEP LAND OPEN. AS PART OF THE PROGRAM, THE ORGANIZATION CO-HOSTED WITH CLC A WORKSHOP SERIES PROVIDING EDUCATION ON LAND OPTIONS AND FARM LAND ACCESS CONSERVATION TOOLS, AS WELL AS NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES TO FARMER AND LANDOWNER PARTICIPANTS. 210765 EDUCATION: EDUCATING PEOPLE ABOUT CONSERVATION TOOLS IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE ORGANIZATION'S MISSION. THE ORGANIZATION'S STAFF REGULARLY TALK WITH MUNICIPALITIES, SCHOOL GROUPS, SERVICE AND BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS, AND PRIVATE LANDOWNERS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF LAND PRESERVATION, SOUND PLANNING, QUALITY GROWTH THAT PROTECTS IMPORTANT RESOURCES, LAND STEWARDSHIP AND WAYS TO KEEP FARMERS ON THE LAND. IN 2015, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE CARY INSTITUTE OF ECOSYSTEM STUDIES (CEIS) AND CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION OF DUTCHESS COUNTY (CCEDC), THE ORGANIZATION PRESENTED THREE TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS AND LANDOWNERS: WEB MAPPING RESOURCES FOR MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS, A LAND STEWARDSHIP FORUM ON INVASIVE SPECIES, AND CREATING A NATURAL RESOURCES INVENTORY PROGRAM. WITH THE TOWN OF DOVER, FRIENDS OF STONE CHURCH AND THE HARLEM VALLEY TRAILS COMMUNITY, THE ORGANIZATION CO-SPONSORED A TRAIL BLAZING WORKSHOP, INSTALLED NEW TRAILS AT THE DOVER STONE CHURCH PRESERVE, AND PARTICIPATED IN THE STONE CHURCH PRESERVE TRAILS OPENING CELEBRATION. THE ORGANIZATION HELD A SCREENING OF THE FILM GREEN FIRE FOR A MARIST COLLEGE CLASS, HOSTED AN ALL-DAY OUTING FOR THE KILDONAN SCHOOL AT THE STONE CHURCH PRESERVE, PARTICIPATED IN THE EARTH DAY FAIR AT DOVER HIGH SCHOOL, MONITORED THE PURPOSE LOOSESTRIFE PLOTS AT THE MILLBROOK SCHOOL AND GAVE A PRESENTATION TO A MILLBROOK SCHOOL SCIENCE CLASS. THE ORGANIZATION ALSO COLLABORATED ON THE CAORA FARM SHEEPDOG TRIALS, HAD A BOOTH AT THE ORVIS GAME FAIR, PARTICIPATED IN THE THIRD ANNUAL DUCKS UNLIMITED CONSERVATION EVENT, PARTICIPATED IN A HUDSON RIVER RAMBLE AT THE STONE CHURCH PRESERVE, HELPED ORGANIZE A HISTORIC RED HOOK PRESENTATION ON CHANGING LAND USE PATTERNS, AND CO-HOSTED "ORGANIC", A BOOK SIGNING EVENT WITH LOCAL FARMERS AND CHEFS. STAFF AND BOARD MEMBERS ATTENDED THE NATIONAL LAND TRUST RALLY (CONFERENCE) IN SACRAMENTO, CA, NUMEROUS SEMINARS, CLASSESS AND WEBINARS TO INCREASE KNOWLEDGE, PARTICIPATED ON NUMEROUS COMMITTEES (STATE, REGIONAL AND LOCAL) AND ATTENDED VARIOUS GATHERINGS TO PROMOTE AWARENESS OF THE ENVIRONMENT, LAND CONSERVATION AND DLC'S WORK. DLC'S PRESIDENT CONTINUES TO SERVE ON THE LAND TRUST ALLIANCE NY ADVISORY BOARD AND ON THE TERRAFIRMA (NATIONAL CONSERVATION DEFENSE INSURANCE PROGRAM) MEMBER'S COMMITEE. 1434154 true true false true false false true false false true true false false false false false true false false false false false false false true false false false false true false false false false false true true true true false false false false false false false false true 18 0 true 12 true false false false false false true true false false false false X 25 25 true false false false false false false true true false false true true true true true true true true false NY X X X REBECCA THORNTON 8456773002 4289 ROUTE 82 MILLBROOK NY 12545 OAKLEIGH THORNE VICE CHAIRMAN 2.0 X X 0 0 0 REBECCA M SEAMAN CHAIRMAN 3.0 X X 0 0 0 BARRY CHASE DIRECTOR 0.25 X 0 0 0 STEVEN BENARDETE DIRECTOR 1.5 X 0 0 0 WOLCOTT B DUNHAM JR DIRECTOR 0.25 X 0 0 0 THOMAS FLEXNER DIRECTOR 0.25 X 0 0 0 NANCY N HATHAWAY DIRECTOR 0.25 X 0 0 0 THOMAS KEESEE DIRECTOR 0.25 X 0 0 0 ERIC D ROSENFELD DIRECTOR 1.5 X 0 0 0 OLIVIA VAN MELLE KAMP SECRETARY 1.5 X X 0 0 0 RALPH WEINDLING TREASURER 2.0 X X 0 0 0 BRAD KENDALL DIRECTOR 1.5 X 0 0 0 LESLIE FARHANGI DIRECTOR 1.5 X 0 0 0 CHUCK MEAD DIRECTOR 0.25 X 0 0 0 JACK BANNING DIRECTOR 1.5 X 0 0 0 TIM MAYHEW DIRECTOR 0.25 X 0 0 0 CONSTANCE I DUHAMEL DIRECTOR 0.25 X 0 0 0 CHRISTOPHER L MANN DIRECTOR 0.25 X 0 0 0 ELIZA DYSON DIRECTOR 1.5 X 0 0 0 FERNANDA M KELLOGG DIRECTOR 1.5 X 0 0 0 THOMAS L NEWBERRY DIRECTOR 0.25 X 0 0 0 DAVID R STACK DIRECTOR 0.25 X 0 0 0 FRED WHITRIDGE JR DIRECTOR 1.5 X 0 0 0 DAVID R TETOR DIRECTOR 0.25 X 0 0 0 ROSS WILLIAMS DIRECTOR 1.5 X 0 0 0 REBECCA THORNTON PRESIDENT 40.0 X 160658 0 10685 160658 0 10685 1 false true false 0 25455 1172098 9961 1197553 0 96839 96839 0 0 0 0 0 1124421 1100733 23688 23688 23688 222115 25455 94187 127928 0 0 MISCELLANEOUS 9629 9629 CONSULTING INCOME 9517 9517 19146 1465154 19146 120527 0 0 0 0 160658 138166 11246 11246 0 578498 536104 13252 29142 18928 17224 757 947 46283 42080 3255 948 53522 48680 1846 2996 0 53808 31458 22350 12690 12690 0 0 34763 34763 102388 97108 2640 2640 8431 1045 7386 38963 22729 11839 4395 12261 6933 3017 2311 0 8212 6282 965 965 10633 9304 869 460 0 4343 3941 402 0 0 38463 27305 11158 40773 32600 4087 4086 PROJECT EXPENSES 361037 361037 EDUCATION PROGRAMS 22065 22065 DUES AND PUBLICATIONS 15695 12129 3040 526 STEWARDSHIP EXPENSES 6014 6014 22074 11950 6698 3426 1650502 1434154 144472 71876 0 0 844081 521339 71200 78951 0 300 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21895 13743 482789 336312 161482 146477 5236829 5164514 31425 0 0 0 0 0 112750 192407 6479662 6117731 38562 57020 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 38562 57020 X 3506333 3468940 2303680 1918809 631087 672962 6441100 6060711 6479662 6117731 -185348 -195041 X false true X true false X 1100158 1005340 1282006 1381565 1197554 5966623 135985 141976 141661 207260 222115 848997 0 0 0 1236143 1147316 1423667 1588825 1419669 6815620 128949 150620 143500 163740 162455 749264 0 128949 150620 143500 163740 162455 749264 6066356 23575 43684 72400 81548 96839 318046 0 23575 43684 72400 81548 96839 318046 0 0 1259718 1191000 1496067 1670373 1516508 7133666 0.85038 0.85175 0.04458 0.03319 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED false true false false false false false false true 753 753 false SCHEDULE C, PART 1-A, LINE 1 THE ORGANIZATION PARTICIPATES IN MINIMAL LOBBYING ACTIVITIES CONSISTING OF MAILINGS TO LEGISLATORS, ATTENDANCE AT LAND TRUST ALLIANCE AND AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST ORGANIZED LOBBY DAYS, MEETINGS WITH REPRESENTATIVES TO EDUCATE THEM ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION'S WORK, AND PARTICIPATION IN PRESS CONFERENCES CONCERNING STATE GRANTS. OTHER EXPENSES CONSISTS OF MILEAGE AND OTHER REIMBURSABLES TO THOSE WHO ATTEND THESE MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES. THE ORGANIZATION COMPLIES WITH ALL NEW YORK STATE AND FEDERAL LOBBYING LIMITS. X X X 390 39345.00 2 1 true 6719.00 357076 true 3978278 133283 -110065 53315 3948181 3557671 219123 236484 35000 3978278 3045484 53875 552933 94621 3557671 2598008 110685 336791 3045484 2614967 163612 -180571 2598008 0.76520 0.17040 0.06440 false false 388012 280770 107242 94777 55542 39235 146477 1324659 -195041 39309 50000 -105732 1430391 34763 34763 1465154 1705048 39309 50000 89309 1615739 34763 34763 1650502 SCHEDULE D, PART II, LINE 9 EXPENSES RELATED TO PURCHASED CONSERVATION EASEMENTS ARE RECORDED AS PURCHASE OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS. ANY OFFSETTING REVENUES ARE RECORDED AS PURCHASE OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS CONTRIBUTIONS OR LAND PROTECTION CONTRIBUTIONS. THE ORGANIZATION DOES NOT HOLD ANY CONSERVATION EASEMENTS ON ITS STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION. CONSERVATION EASEMENTS DONATED TO THE ORGANIZATION HAVE NO MARKET VALUE IN THE HANDS OF THE ORGANIZATION AND THEREFORE ARE NOT CONSIDERED AS SUPPORT. DONATED EASEMENTS ARE CARRIED AT ZERO BOOK VALUE PRIMARILY BECAUSE A TYPICAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROVIDES THE ORGANIZATION WITH NO AFFIRMATIVE RIGHTS EXCEPT TO MONITOR AND ENFORCE THE EASEMENT AND THIS CONSTITUTES A BURDEN. COSTS INCURRED BY THE ORGANIZATION TO PURCHASE DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS ARE EXPENSED IN THE PERIOD INCURRED. SCHEDULE D PART V LINE 4 - ENDOWMENTS Permanently restricted net assets as of December 31, 2015 consist of funds contributed for the long-term administration of conservation easements. The earnings on these funds are solely for the purpose of covering the costs of stewarding each easement. Permanently restricted net assets totaled $672,962 at December 31, 2015. Unrestricted net assets as of December 31, 2015, consist of five Board Designated categories. The Board designated unrestricted amounts are for the following purposes: Stewardship Fund $ 1,263,377, Land protection Fund $ 1,266,410, Land easement acquisition fund $ 257,050, Molly Schaefer memorial education fund $ 30,356 and Reserve fund $ 203,926, for Total Board Designated net assets of $3,021,119. SCHEDULE D PART II LINE 3 - AMENDED EASEMENTS EASEMENT: WILLIAMS 150.337 ACRES LANDOWNER: ROBERT J. HENDERSON CORRECTIVE AMENDMENT: RECORDED AT THE OFFICE OF THE DUTCHESS COUNTY CLERK AT DOCUMENT NO. 02-2015-5057 ON 8/17/2015. REASONS FOR CORRECTIVE AMENDMENT: TO ADVANCE THE SCENIC PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION PURPOSES OF THE ORIGINAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT, WHICH WAS RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF THE DUTCHESS COUNTY CLERK ON DECEMBER 11, 2000 AT DOCUMENT NO. 02-2000-11206, BY PROVIDING AN ACCURATE AND MORE UP TO DATE LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY BOUNDARIES UNDER EXHIBIT A, WHICH HAD BEEN DISCOVERED TO NEED CLARIFICATION AS FILED UNDER THE ORIGINAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT; AND BY CLARIFYING AMBIGUOUS LANGUAGE PERTAINING TO THE EXTENT AND LOCATION OF PERMITTED TREE CLEARING IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE EXERCISE OF RESERVED RIGHTS ALLOWED BY THE ORIGINAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT, ALL OF WHICH WILL FACILITATE THE INTERPRETATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE ORIGINAL EASEMENT, IS CONSISTENT WITH MAINTAINING THE CONSERVATION VALUES OF THE PROPERTY, AND RESULTING IN NO INCREASE IN VALUE TO THE LANDOWNER. EASEMENT: MARSHALL 103 ACRES LANDOWNERS: DAVID J. MARSHALL AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT: RECORDED AT THE OFFICE OF THE DUTCHESS COUNTY CLERK AT DOCUMENT NO. 02-2015-8465 ON 12/18/2015. REASONS FOR AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT: TO ADVANCE THE SCENIC PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION PURPOSES OF THE ORIGINAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT, WHICH WAS RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF THE DUTCHESS COUNTY CLERK ON DECEMBER 27, 2011, AT DOCUMENT NO. 02-2011-6111, BY UPDATING THE ORIGINAL EASEMENT TO CURRENT ORGANIZATION CONSERVATION EASEMENT TERMS AND STANDARDS WHICH WILL FACILITATE THE INTERPRETATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE ORIGINAL EASEMENT; BY INCREASING THE AREA OF LAND SUBJECT TO CONSERVATION EASEMENT BY 88.74 ACRES RESULTING IN AN EASEMENT AREA OF 191.5 ACRES; BY EXTINGUISHING A BUILDING ENVELOPE AND THE RIGHT TO CONSTRUCT RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES; BY INCREASING THE PERMITTED AGGREGATE FOOTPRINT AREA OF ROOFED STRUCTURES FOR AGRICULTURAL AND OTHER NON-RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ENLARGED PROPERTY; AND BY PERMITTING WETLAND CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS FOR PURPOSES CONSISTENT WITH THE PURPOSES OF THE CONSERVATION EASEMENT, ALL OF WHICH WILL PROTECT WILDLIFE HABITAT AND THE SCENIC AND OPEN CHARACTER OF THE PROPERTY, RESULTING IN A GAIN IN CONSERVATION VALUE, ENHANCED PRESERVATION AND NO INCREASE IN VALUE TO THE LANDOWNER. SCHEDULE D PART II LINE 5 - EASEMENT POLICIES The organization has the following policies/procedures in place and approved by the organization's Board: The organization's Conservation Easement Enforcement Procedure (UPDATED AND APPROVED IN 2015): This procedure discusses the importance of Conservation Easement enforcement, process guidelines, prevention strategies, steps to take in the event of a violation from remediation to litigation. Conservation Easement Acquisition Procedures and Checklist: This document outlines the procedure for easement acquisition from A-Z including the organization's obligation to monitor easement protected properties annually. The Easement Stewardship Fund Policy: This Policy notes the legal obligation the organization takes on to uphold the terms of the conservation easements and to monitor, oversee and enforce them. It spells out the organization's Stewardship Endowment request to land owners. The organization's Stewardship Records Management Procedure: This Procedure spells out annual monitoring procedures as well as baseline documentation and record keeping. These policies are not directly reflected in the organization's current conservation easements. SCHEDULE D PART XI LINE 2D AND PART XII LINE 2D - OTHER REVENUE & EXPENSE THE ORGANIZATION SPENT $50,000 OF ITS INVESTMENTS EARNINGS IN THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015. THIS $50,000 IS SHOWN ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OPERATING REVENUE AND A NON-OPERATING EXPENSE TO SHOW THE PROPER CLASSIFICATION OF THE ACTIVTY. COUNTRY LUNCH 109345 10205 99140 14442 17069 599 7789 BARN DINNER 138225 15250 122975 13206 29323 4000 7759 0 247570 25455 222115 27648 46392 4599 15548 94187 127928 X X X X false false false false false false false false false REBECCA THORNTON PRESIDENT 156158 0 4500 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 160658 0 0 0 OAKLEIGH B THORNE FORMER DIRECTOR/RELATIVE LEASES OFFICE SPACE FOR $1/YR false X 7 false true false SCHEDULE M, PART I, LINE 14 - NO REVENUE REPORTED FOR COLUMN C THE ORGANIZATION RECEIVED 7 DONATED CONSERVATION EASEMENTS IN 2015. THE VALUE TO THE ORGANIZATION IS $0 SINCE IT FOLLOWS A ZERO VALUATION POLICY FOR EASEMENTS. NO VALUE IS ASSIGNED TO EASEMENTS BECAUSE A TYPICAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROVIDES THE ORGANIZATION WITH NO AFFIRMATIVE RIGHTS EXCEPT TO MONITOR AND ENFORCE THE EASEMENTS, AND THUS CONSTITUTES A BURDEN. FURTHERMORE, CONSERVATION EASEMENTS DONATED TO THE ORGANIZATION HAVE NO MARKET VALUE IN THE HANDS OF THE ORGANIZATION AND ARE NOT CONSIDERED AS SUPPORT. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, QUESTION 12C - CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY THE ORGANIZATION REGULARLY AND CONSISTENLY MONITORS AND ENFORCES COMPLIANCE WITH ITS CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY. THE ORGANIZATION UPDATED ITS CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY IN 2015 IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NEW YORK STATE NON-PROFIT REVITALIZATION ACT. PERSONS COVERED UNDER CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY: COVERED PERSONS INCLUDE ANY INSIDER OF THE ORGANIZATION WHO IS ANY DIRECTOR, OFFICER, ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER OR EMPLOYEE, OR ANY TRUSTEE OF THE LAND OR OTHER SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTOR, PARTY RELATED TO THE ABOVE, VOLUNTEER WITH AN INVOLVEMENT IN POLICY OR STEWARDSHIP OF EASEMENTS, ANYONE WITH AN ABILITY TO INFLUENCE DECISIONS OF THE ORGANIZATION OR A PERSON WITH ACCESS TO INFORMATION NOT AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. THE LEVEL AT WHICH DETERMINATIONS OF WHETHER A CONFLICT EXISTS ARE MADE: ANY CONFLICT OR POSSIBLE APPEARANCE THEREOF IS FULLY DISCLOSED A) ANNUALLY IN WRITING; B) ORALLY AT BOARD, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND OTHER ORGANIZATION MEETINGS AND RECORDED IN THE MINUTES; OR AT OTHER SUCH TIMES WHEN A CONFLICT MAY OCCUR. DISCLOSURE IS TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE (FOR ALL BUT EMPLOYEES OTHER THAN THE PRESIDENT) AND THE ORGANIZATION'S PRESIDENT (FOR EMPLOYEES OTHER THAN THE PRESIDENT), OR TO BOTH. THE LEVEL AT WHICH ACTUAL CONFLICTS ARE REVIEWED: THE ORGANIZATION'S CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY IS ADMINISTERED BY THE ORGANIZATION'S BOARD AUDIT COMMITTEE, WHICH IS AUTHORIZED TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATIONS UNDER THIS POLICY AND INTERPRET THE PROVISIONS OF THE POLICY. RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED ON PERSONS WITH A CONFLICT: IN THE CASE OF CONFLICTS INVOLVING A DIRECTOR OR OFFICER, THE DIRECTOR OR OFFICER HAVING SUCH CONFLICT LEAVES THE ROOM IN WHICH DISCUSSION IS CARRIED ON AND REFRAINS FROM VOTING OR OTHERWISE ATTEMPTING TO INFLUENCE THE DECISION THEREON, AND IN SOME CASES MAY RESIGN IF REQUESTED BY THE BOARD. VIOLATIONS OF THE ORGANIZATION'S CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY MAY BE GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL AS AN EMPLOYEE OR SEVERANCE FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ADVISORY COMMITTEE OR AS A VOLUNTEER. THE ORGANIZATION HAS AN AGENDA ITEM NUMBER ONE FOR ALL BOARD OF DIRECTOR AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS THE FOLLOWING: "1) CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - OPPORTUNITY FOR BOARD MEMBERS TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST REGARDING ITEMS ON THE AGENDA." THIS SERVES AS A REMINDER TO BOARD MEMBERS (OR STAFF) TO DISCLOSE ANY CONFLICT OF INTEREST AT THIS TIME. CONFLICTS OR POTENTIAL CONFLICTS ARE RECORDED IN THE ORGANIZATION'S MEETING MINUTES. THE ORGANIZATION CONTINUES ITS PROCEDURE REQUIRING AN ANNUAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE STATEMENT TO BE FILED ANNUALLY WITH THE ORGANIZATION BY ALL BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, QUESTION 15- GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT REVIEW BY A COMPENSATION COMMITTEE: THE ORGANIZATION'S BOARD COMPENSATION COMMITTEE CONSISTS OF FOUR MEMBERS OF THE BOARD THAT 1) REVIEWS THE ORGANIZATION'S STAFF COMPENSATION PACKAGES, 2) ENSURES THE ORGANIZATION'S COMPENSATION PACKAGES ARE IN LINE WITH CURRENT MARKET BY RESEARCHING COMPARABLE COMPENSATION PACKAGES THROUGH A COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS & COMPENSATION & BENEFITS STUDY, 3) REVIEWS INFORMATION GATHERED BY COMMITTEE MEMBERS, STAFF AND/OR OUTSIDE SPECIALISTS, AND 4) MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE ORGANIZATION'S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. THE COMMITTEE MEETS IN OCTOBER OR NOVEMBER OF EACH YEAR TO DETERMINE STAFF COMPENSATION FOR THE FOLLOWING FISCAL YEAR. USE OF COMPARABLE COMPENSATION DATA FOR SIMILARLY QUALIFIED PERSONS IN FUNCTIONALLY COMPARABLE POSITIONS AT SIMILARLY SITUATED ORGANIZATIONS: THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REVIEWS SALARY INFORMATION BY THE LAND TRUST ALLIANCE, STAFF BENEFIT SURVEYS OF SIMILAR CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS IN NEW YORK; COMPARABLE SALARY DATA FROM AVAILABLE FORM 990'S AND OTHER INFORMATION FOR SIMILAR ORGANIZATIONS AND COMPARABLE POSITIONS AND TAKES INTO CONSIDERATION INFORMATION FROM THE U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS, New York COUNCIL OF NON PROFITS, GUIDESTAR, CHARITY NAVIGATOR, AND OTHER APPLICABLE INDEPENDENT SOURCES. THEY REVIEW ALL INFORMATION AND MAKE A RECOMMENDATION TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, WHICH MAKES THE FINAL DECISION ON STAFF COMPENSATION PACKAGES. THE FULL BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVES THE PRESIDENT AND ALL KEY EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION AT A MEETING OF THE BOARD, AND APPROVES ALL OTHER STAFF COMPENSATION AS PART OF THE BUDGET APPROVAL. THE ORGANIZATION HAS A POLICY FOR BOARD APPROVAL OF COMPENSATION, WHICH SPELLS OUT THE ANNUAL PROCESS FOR DETERMINING COMPENSATION AND THE PROCESS FOR BOARD APPROVAL OF COMPENSATION FOR THE PRESIDENT AND ALL KEY EMPLOYEES ENSURING ADHERENCE TO ITS POLICY ON CONFLICTS OF INTEREST DURING ALL DELIBERATIONS AND DECISIONS. CONTEMPORANEOUS DOCUMENTATION AND RECORDKEEPING WITH RESPECT TO DELIBERATIONS AND DECISIONS REGARDING THE COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENT: THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, AND BOARD DELIBERATIONS ARE HELD IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. THE PRESIDENT PARTICIPATES IN DISCUSSION OF ALL STAFF EXCEPT HERSELF AT WHICH TIME SHE LEAVES THE ROOM. THE PRESIDENT IS IN CHARGE OF KEEPING THE RECORDS OF STAFF COMPENSATION AND DECISIONS BY THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND BOARD. THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE IS IN CHARGE OF KEEPING THE RECORDS OF THE PRESIDENT'S AND KEY EMPLOYEE'S COMPENSATION AND DECISIONS BY THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND BOARD MEETINGS DURING EXECUTIVE SESSIONS WHEN THE PRESIDENT AND ANY KEY EMPLOYEE ARE RECUSED FROM DELIBERATIONS AND VOTING ON HIS/HER COMPENSATION. THE RESPECTIVE MINUTES OF THESE MEETINGS ARE REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE, THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND THE BOARD. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11B - 990 REVIEW PROCESS THE ORGANIZATION'S AUDITORS PREPARE THE FORM 990 BASED ON THEIR AUDIT AND IT IS PRESENTED TO THE ORGANIZATION'S PRESIDENT, TREASURER, AND FINANCIAL MANAGER IN DRAFT FORM FOR REVIEW, WHO THEN ENSURE THAT THE AUDIT COMMITTEE HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW IT. FOLLOWING THEIR COMMENTS AND ANY APPROPRIATE REVISIONS AGREED TO AND MADE BY THE AUDITORS IT IS MADE AVAILABLE TO ALL BOARD MEMBERS TO REVIEW PRIOR TO FILING WITH THE IRS. THE BOARD TREASURER SIGNS FORM 990 PRIOR TO FILING. ONCE FORM 990 IS FILED, IT IS INCLUDED ON THE ORGANIZATION'S WEBSITE VIA A DIRECT GUIDESTAR CONNECTION AS WELL AS IN THE ORGANIZATION'S BOARD MANUAL WHICH THE BOARD CAN REVIEW ON THE ORGANIZATION'S WEBSITE BY SPECIAL PASSWORD. ALTERNATIVELY ALL BOARD MEMBERS MAY RECEIVE A PAPER COPY UPON REQUEST. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 - PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF 990 The Organization makes its Financial Statements available on its website and its IRS Form 990 available on its website through a direct GuideStar link. It makes these as well as other governing documents and Conflict of Interest Policy available to the public by request. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 2 - RELATIONSHIPS The Organization and a local non-profit organization, the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies (CIES), have overlapping Organization Board Members (OBM), Board member family members, and staff: Steven Benardete, (CEIS Board Vice Chairman), Jack Banning's (OBM) wife Irene Banning (CEIS Board Chairman), and Fred Whitridge's (OBM) wife Serena Whitridge, all serve on the Board of CIES. OBM's Olivia Van Melle Kamp, is an employee of the CIES. The organization and a local private school, Dutchess Day School (DDS), had an overlapping OBM, family member, and staff: Leslie Farhangi's (OBM) husband John Tuke is THE TREASURER OF THE DDS Board and Nancy Hathaway (OBM) is the Head of School for Dutchess Day School. Two OBM's have a family relationship: Jack Banning is Oakleigh Thorne's cousin-in-law. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 1A - DELEGATED AUTHORITY TO EXEC. COMM. Composition of the Executive Committee: The Executive Committee is composed of eleven members of the Organization's Board of Directors (can be anywhere from 4 to 12 members and members must be Board members per the Organization's By Laws). This committee meets monthly and oversees the day to day operations of the Organization and manages Board issues between Board meetings as appropriate. Not less than four members constitute a quorum. Scope of Executive Committee Authority: OUTLINED Under the Organization's updated By Laws adopted in APRIL 2014 AND EFFECTIVE AS OF JULY 1, 2014. The Organization's Board delegated authority to the Executive Committee, by resolution adopted by the Board in July 2008, as amended by resolution, and BY A Delegation of Transaction Approval Policy adopted by the Board in DECEMBER 2008 AND UPDATED AND RE-APPROVED IN JULY 2015. The Executive Committee has all of the authority of the Board, except authority as to: (a) the filling of vacancies in the Board or in any committee thereof; (b) the fixing of compensation of the Directors for serving on the Board or any committee thereof; (c) the amendment or repeal of the By-Laws or the adoption of new By-Laws; or (d) the amendment or repeal of any resolution of the Board which by its terms shall not be so amendable or repealable. This authority is limited so that, with respect to any land or easement transaction, the Executive Committee is only authorized to: a) review and approve conservation easements between regular meetings of the Board; b) act on land deals as delegated to it by the Board of Directors; c) act on minor items between regular meetings of the Board; and d) meet in situations where the Executive Committee concludes that it is necessary or desirable to take prompt action where it is impossible or impractical to call a special meeting of the Board, and take whatever action it deems necessary. All major items, items that are controversial in nature, and all conservation easement amendments are decided by the full Board. Information pertaining to conservation easements and all other items to be considered by the Executive Committee are sent to the full Board prior to each Executive Committee meeting. Specific notice is given to the full Board whenever possible when the Executive Committee is considering making a final decision on behalf of the full Board. Executive Committee minutes reflecting its discussion and decisions are circulated to all board members prior to the following full Board meeting. A report of any actions specifically taken by the Executive Committee on behalf of the Board are given at each full meeting of the Board. All decisions made by the Executive Committee on behalf of the Board are presented to the full Board for ratification at the next subsequent meeting. In cases where time is of the essence and items up for a decision by the Executive Committee are controversial, a special meeting of the Board is called to deliberate such issues. The Organization's Conflict of Interest Policy applies in all cases pertaining to the Organization's Delegation of Transaction Approval Policy. The Board reviews and assesses the Delegation of Transaction Approval Policy and its implementation EVERY TWO YEARS and makes modifications as voted upon by the full Board.