2014-08-05T11:24:09-05:00 2013-12-31 PATTISON KOSKEY HOWE BUCCI PC 2880 ROUTE 9 SUITE 2 VALATIE NY 12184 990 2013-01-01 141667526 DUTCHESS LAND CONSERVANCY INC % REBECCA THORNTON DUTC 8456773002 PO BOX 138 Suite MILLBROOK NY 12545 REBECCA THORNTON PRESIDENT 8456773002 2014-08-01 true MATTHEW H VANDERBECK 5187586776 2013 2015-11-30 17:44:51Z OAKLEIGH THORNE THORNEDALE FARM LLC PO BOX 258 MILLBROOK NY 12545 2758028 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. 24 24 11 254 0 1005340 1282006 0 0 -872 207431 128356 106715 1132824 1596152 0 0 0 0 734880 756816 0 0 85717 344255 521069 1079135 1277885 53689 318267 5390164 6009970 123992 49903 5266172 5960067 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. false false 481383 LAND CONSERVATION: CONSERVATION EASEMENTS - IN 2013, THE ORGANIZATION WORKED WITH 44 LAND OWNERS ON CONSERVATION EASEMENTS COVERING MORE THAN 9,000 ACRES, AND SEVERAL CONSERVATION PLANNING PROJECTS DEVELOPING RESOURCE MAPS, RESPONDING TO INQUIRIES ABOUT CONSERVATION EASEMENTS, AND VISITING PROPERTIES. IN 2013, 10 CONSERVATION EASEMENTS WERE FILED PROTECTING 960 ACRES WHICH BROUGHT THE ORGANIZATION'S TOTAL LAND PROTECTED TO MORE THAN 37,080 ACRES. PURCHASE OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS - In total, the organization preserved 3 farms working with various partners. Working with Scenic Hudson, the Town of Red Hook, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the organization completed the protection of THE KALINA FARM IN RED HOOK. The organization also closed the SLEIGHT FARM AND FISHKILL FARM PDR PROJECTS. The organization also continued its work with TEN other farmers in the Towns of LaGrange, MILAN, NORTH EAST, PINE PLAINS, Pleasant Valley, Red Hook 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 HAS BEEN ACTIVELY WORKING WITH DOVER TO ACQUIRE AND PROTECT AN ADDITIONAL 50 ACRES TO BE ADDED TO THE PRESERVE, HAS PROVIDED ADVICE ON PROTECTING LAND SURROUNDING A HISTORIC CIDER MILL IN POUGHKEEPSIE, AND IS WORKING WITH PAWLING ON THE POTENTIAL ACQUISITION OF DLC'S WHALEY LAKE PROPERTY AS A MUNICIPAL 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. 307604 STEWARDSHIP: THE ORGANIZATION HAS NOW PROTECTED 37,080 ACRES STEWARDING 372 EASEMENTS. THE ORGANIZATION AERIAL MONITORS ALL PROPERTIES ANNUALLY AND GROUND MONITORS ITS EASEMENTS ON A THREE YEAR ROTATIONAL BASIS. IN 2013, THE ORGANIZATION AERIAL MONITORED ALL CONSERVATION EASEMENTS AND COMPLETED 126 ON A ROTATIONAL GROUND MONITORING SCHEDULE THROUGH STAFF, AN INTERN, AND LAND STEWARDS. THE ORGANIZATION WORKED ON NUMEROUS STEWARDSHIP MATTERS FROM PRIOR APPROVAL REQUESTS AND LAND MANAGEMENT QUESTIONS TO RESOLVING EASEMENT ISSUES. IN 2013 THE ORGANIZATION REGISTERED FOR TERRAFIRMA, THE CONSERVATION EASEMENT DEFENSE INSURANCE PROGRAM TO ENHANCE ITS FINANCIAL ABILITY TO SUCCESSFULLY ENFORCE ITS EASEMENTS. EACH YEAR THE ORGANIZATION ALSO WORKS TO UPDATE OLD BASELINE DOCUMENTATION FILES AND COMPLETED 61 UPDATES. 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. 174506 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, AND WAYS TO KEEP FARMERS ON THE LAND. LOCAL OFFICIALS HAVE BEEN EAGERLY ATTENDING THE ORGANIZATION'S ANNUAL TOWN BOARD BREAKFASTS WHICH SERVES TO BRING TOWNS AND THE ORGANIZATION TOGETHER ON COOPERATIVE ISSUES AND IDEAS. IN 2013, THE ORGANIZATION HOSTED A WATER QUALITY WORKSHOP, A PLANNING BOARD WORKSHOP FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS ON CONSERVATION EASEMENTS AND SUBDIVISIONS, CO HOSTED A MASTER FOREST OWNERS WORKSHOP WITH CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION AND THE CARY INSTITUTE OF ECOSYSTEM STUDIES, PARTICIPATED IN A VERNAL POOL WORKSHOP FOR MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS, AND EDUCATED HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AT DOVER JUNIOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DURING EARTH DAY. The organization's public outreach also included attending and hosting educational displays at the Millbrook Horse Trials, IBM Awareness Day, the Fine Home Show in Millbrook, and the Orvis Game Show. The organization partnered with the Finality Farm Sheep Dog Trials for a WEEKEND of family fun held on a protected property and also hosted its 10th Annual Town Board Breakfast attended by over 19 local leaders representing SEVEN Dutchess County towns. The organization did its spring monitoring of purple loosestrife plots as part of its Millbrook Marsh Beetle Release Project. THE ORGANIZATION PARTICIPATED IN/ATTENDED NUMEROUS EVENTS INCLUDING A PINE PLAINS TRAIL AND BIKEWAY COMMITTEE MEETING, A FRIENDS OF PEACH HILL EVENT, HOUSING US FORUMS ABOUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING, THE FISHKILL FARMS CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION, THE HUDSON VALLEY CONSERVATION FINANCE FORUM, THE YALE CONSERVATION FINANCE CAMP, THE LAND TRUST ALLIANCE REGIONAL ROUND TABLE, AND A YOUNG FARMERS COALITION GATHERING. STAFF DID PRESENTATIONS AT THE COLEMAN STATION HISTORIC DISTRICT 20TH ANNIVERSARY HONORING LOCAL FARMER KEVIN SMITH FOR PRESERVING HIS FARM, A SEMINAR ON COLLABORATING WITH BOY AND GIRL SCOUTS TO PROTECT CAMP PROPERTIES, THE CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION FARM TOUR, THE HARLEM VALLEY APPALACHIAN TRAIL COMMUNITY DEDICATION CEREMONY, A LOCAL DUCKS UNLIMITED EVENT, THE KILDONAN SCHOOL, THE TOWN OF LAGRANGE TOWN BOARD MEETING ABOUT FOREST MANAGEMENT ON THE SLEIGHT FARM, AND MET WITH SEVERAL OTHER CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS TO DISCUSS TOPICS OF MUTUAL CONCERN AND INTEREST. ADDITIONALLY, THE ORGANIZATION PARTICIPATED WITH MANY LIKE-MINDED ORGANIZATIONS IN COLLABORATION ON THE 2014 NEW YORK LAND CONSERVATION SUMMIT AT WEST POINT, WITH WEANTIONOGE HERITAGE TRUST ON CONSERVATION PRIORITIES BORDERING THE NY/CONNECTICUT STATE LINE, AND WITH SCENIC HUDSON AND OTHERS ON COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS TO PROTECT FARMLAND. Staff AND BOARD MEMBERS also attended numerous seminars, INCLUDING THE NATIONAL LAND TRUST RALLY (CONFERENCE) IN NEW ORLEANS, LA, classes 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 the organization's work. The Organization's President continueD to serve as Chairman of the Land Trust Alliance's New York Advisory Board. 963493 true true false true false false true true false true true true false true false true 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 13 0 true 11 true false false false false false true true false false false false X 24 24 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 TIMOTHY M BONTECOU CHAIRMAN 2.0 X X OAKLEIGH THORNE SECRETARY/TREASURER 0.5 X X REBECCA M SEAMAN VICE CHAIRMAN 0.5 X X BARRY CHASE DIRECTOR 0.25 X KATHLEEN V AUGUSTINE DIRECTOR 0.25 X STEVEN BENARDETE DIRECTOR 0.25 X WOLCOTT B DUNHAM JR DIRECTOR 0.25 X THOMAS FLEXNER DIRECTOR 0.25 X NANCY N HATHAWAY DIRECTOR 0.25 X THOMAS KEESEE DIRECTOR 0.25 X FRED WHITRIDGE JR DIRECTOR 0.25 X ERIC D ROSENFELD DIRECTOR 0.25 X MOLLY SCHAEFER DIRECTOR 0.25 X DAVID R TETOR DIRECTOR 0.25 X OLIVIA VAN MELLE KAMP DIRECTOR 0.25 X RALPH WEINDLING DIRECTOR 0.25 X ROSS WILLIAMS DIRECTOR 0.25 X BRAD KENDALL DIRECTOR 0.25 X LESLIE FARHANGI DIRECTOR 0.25 X CHUCK MEAD DIRECTOR 0.25 X GILBERT SCHAFER III DIRECTOR 0.25 X JACK BANNING DIRECTOR 0.25 X TIM MAYHEW DIRECTOR 0.25 X KATHLEEN WEATHERS DIRECTOR 0.25 X REBECCA THORNTON PRESIDENT 40.0 X 160120 0 0 160120 0 0 1 false true false 0 15210 13000 1253796 5175 1282006 0 72400 72400 0 0 0 0 0 1244279 1109248 135031 135031 141661 15210 52628 89033 0 0 MISCELLANEOUS 6982 6982 CONSULTING INCOME 10700 10700 17682 1596152 17682 72400 0 0 0 0 160120 137704 11208 11208 0 489156 406782 35688 46686 17119 14893 1199 1027 44077 36033 4646 3398 46344 38785 3426 4133 0 27602 27602 11811 11811 0 0 29710 29710 89737 89479 129 129 5595 2998 2597 38656 25023 9000 4633 11583 6717 2687 2179 0 9504 7270 1117 1117 11540 10186 1006 348 0 6111 5926 65 120 0 0 33845 25745 8100 37149 29121 4014 4014 PROJECT EXPENSES 45556 45556 EDUCATION PROGRAMS 16305 16305 EQUIPMENT RRM 15498 9579 3013 2906 HUDSONIA PROJECT 3000 3000 127867 24789 101856 1222 1277885 963493 228675 85717 0 0 482042 526767 25810 17890 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12369 15325 479165 286695 196483 192470 3935405 4584342 305730 346926 0 0 0 0 432325 326250 5390164 6009970 70992 49903 0 0 53000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 123992 49903 X 3149015 3378879 1577920 1988076 539237 593112 5266172 5960067 5390164 6009970 318267 375628 X false true X true false X 918706 1087014 1100158 1005340 1282006 5393224 86096 155035 135985 141976 141661 660753 0 0 0 1004802 1242049 1236143 1147316 1423667 6053977 161900 203205 128949 150620 143500 788174 0 161900 203205 128949 150620 143500 788174 5265803 19707 6650 23575 43684 72400 166016 0 19707 6650 23575 43684 72400 166016 0 0 1024509 1248699 1259718 1191000 1496067 6219993 0.84659 0.80883 0.02669 0.04207 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED false true false true false false true true true false SCHEDULE C, PART IIB, LINE 1I THE ORGANIZATION PARTICIPATES IN LOBBYING THROUGH 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. X X X 372 37080.00 5 1 true 4644.00 312644 true 1500 3045484 53875 552933 94621 3557671 2598008 110685 336791 3045484 2614967 163612 -180571 2598008 2348583 176392 89992 2614967 2153230 223300 8053 36000 2348583 0.77000 0.16000 0.07000 false false 376162 237454 138708 103003 49241 53762 192470 BERKSHIRE TACONIC 346926 F 346926 DONATED ARTWORK 1500 RESTRICTED CASH-STEW & LE FUND 17750 PROPERTY HELD FOR SALE 307000 326250 0 0 X 1969915 375628 27845 403473 1566442 29710 29710 1596152 1276020 27845 27845 1248175 29710 29710 1277885 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 Permanently restricted net assets as of December 31, 2013 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 $593,112 at December 31, 2013. Unrestricted net assets as of December 31, 2013, consist of four Board Designated categories. The Board designated unrestricted amounts are for the following purposes: Stewardship Fund $ 1,047,881 Land protection Fund 1,287,588 Land easement acquisition Fund 246,493 Reserve fund 144,621 Total Board Designated $2,726,583 AMENDED EASEMENTS Easement: Lippincott Landowners: Alfred G. Lippincott, Aura Lippincott, and William M. Cawley, Jr. Amendment: Recorded at Dutchess County Clerk's Office at Document No. 02-2013-3463 on 07/11/2013. Reasons for Amendment: To advance the conservation purposes of the original conservation easement (which was recorded in the Office of the Dutchess County Clerk on December 23, 2009 at Document No. 02-2009-6968) by adjusting the boundaries of a building envelope due to discovery of previously unknown natural resources and enabling the landowners to exercise rights reserved therein to build a permitted residential structure, while enhancing the protection of important natural resources on the Property. The amendment included updating natural resource information, clarifying the use of residential structures, and adjusting the boundary of a Building Envelope without increasing its size; all of which advance the conservation purposes of the original conservation easement, resulting in enhanced preservation and no increase in value to the landowner. Easement: Crescent Road (Bassett/Henault) Landowners: Michael R. Bassett and Darren Henault Amendment and Restatement: Recorded at Dutchess County Clerk's Office at Document No. 02-2013-6600 on 12/09/2013. 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 July 10, 2006 at Document No. 02-2006-5498) 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 updating natural resource information to incorporate new data on wildlife habitat and natural communities on the Property; by imposing additional limitations on permitted development of the Property including, establishing size caps and decreasing the square foot limitation of accessory and agricultural structures, permitting an increase in the size of the permitted principal residence while extinguishing the right for an accessory residential structure, thereby reducing the overall amount of residential space permitted under the original easement, all of the above resulting in an overall decrease in the aggregate footprint area of roofed structures; and changing the shape, but not the size of a building envelope in order to cluster permitted structures; all resulting in a gain in conservation value, enhanced preservation and no increase in value to the landowner. Easement: Webb Landowners: Nancy Webb and David Webb Amendment and Restatement: Recorded at Columbia County Clerk's Office at Book 779, Page 1522 on 12/27/2013. 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 Columbia County Clerk on December 24, 2008, at Liber 650, Page 219) 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 total acreage of the property subject to the original conservation easement by protecting adjoining lands not previously protected by the original conservation easement; and by extinguishing rights to residential development and imposing limitations on accessory and agricultural structures on the additional acreage; all resulting in a gain in conservation value, enhanced preservation and no increase in value to the landowner. Easement: Smyth, Olga 74.624 acre Landowner: Olga Smyth Conservation Easement: Recorded at Dutchess County Clerk's Office at Document No. 02-2013-6704 on 12/13/13. Reasons for Conservation Easement: The landowner granted a conservation easement to the Conservancy covering 167.506 acres of land on October 13, 2004, which was recorded in the Office of the Dutchess County Clerk on October 14, 2004, at Document No. 02-2004-10894 and which included the 74.624 acre Property and 92.882 acres of adjoining land. The Landowner subsequently granted an Amended and Restated Conservation Easement covering the same 167.506 acres of land on December 17, 2004, which was recorded in the office of the Dutchess County Clerk on December 17, 2004, at Document No. 02-2004-13828. The landowner subsequently sold a 50.241 acre portion of the 167.506 acre property, by deed recorded in the Office of the Dutchess County Clerk on October 24, 2013, at Document No. 02-2013-5721, and subdivided the remaining 117.265 acres of land restricted by the Amended and Restated Easement into two parcels for the purpose of conveying these parcels into separate ownership. The Landowner and the Conservancy agreed it would facilitate administration of the Amended and Restated Easement, as it pertains to the remaining 117.265 acres of land, if the Amended and Restated Conservation Easement was replaced by two new updated and restated conservation easements, one for the Property and one for the remaining 42.641 acre parcel. Certain provisions of the Amended and Restated Easement were modified to advance the scenic preservation and conservation purposes by updating the Amended and Restated Conservation Easement to current Organization conservation easement terms and standards; by reducing the number of permitted detached residential structures on the property; and imposing a maximum cap on permitted aggregate footprint area of all agricultural structures; all resulting in a gain in conservation value, enhanced preservation and no increase in value to the landowner. Easement: Smyth, Olga 42.641 acre Landowner: Olga Smyth Conservation Easement: Recorded at Ducthess County Clerk's Office at Document No. 02-2013-6705 on 12/13/2013. Reasons for Conservation Easement: The landowner granted a conservation easement to the Conservancy covering 167.506 acres of land on October 13, 2004, which was recorded in the Office of the Dutchess County Clerk on October 14, 2004, at Document No. 02-2004-10894 and which included the 42.641 acre Property and 124.865 acres of adjoining land. The Landowner subsequently granted an Amended and Restated Conservation Easement covering the same 167.506 acres of land on December 17, 2004, which was recorded in the Office of the Dutchess County Clerk on December 17, 2004, at Document No. 02-2004-13828. The landowner subsequently sold a 50.241 acre portion of the 167.506 acre property, by deed recorded in the Office of the Dutchess County Clerk on October 24, 2013, at Document No. 02-2013-5721, and subdivided the remaining 117.265 acres of land restricted by the Amended and Restated Easement into two parcels for the purpose of conveying these parcels into separate ownership. The Landowner and the Conservancy agreed it would facilitate administration of the Amended and Restated Easement, as it pertains to the remaining 117.265 acres of land, if the Amended and Restated Easement was replaced by two new updated and restated conservation easements, one for the Property and one for the remaining 74.624 acre parcel. Certain provisions of the Amended and Restated Easement were modified to advance the scenic preservation and conservation purposes by updating the Amended and Restated Conservation Easement to current Organization conservatoin easement terms and standards; by reducing the size of the building envelope and increasing the acreage of preservation area; by extinguishing the right to residential use of the property; be requiring the demolition of certain agricultural structures; and imposing a maximum cap on permitted aggregate footprint area of all agricultural structures; all resulting in a gain in conservation value, enhanced preservation and no increase in value to the landowner. 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: 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. FIN 48 THE ORGANIZATION HAS EVALUATED ANY UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS AND RELATED INCOME TAX CONTINGENCIES AND DETERMINED UNCERTAIN POSITIONS, IF ANY, ARE NOT MATERIAL TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, ACCORDING TO FASB ASC 740-10. PENALTIES AND INTEREST ASSESSED BY INCOME TAXING AUTHORITIES ARE INCLUDED IN OPERATING EXPENSES, IF INCURRED. THE ORGANIZATION IS NO LONGER SUBJECT TO EXAMINATION BY FEDERAL AND STATE TAXING AUTHORITIES FOR YEARS PRIOR TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011. LUNCHEON 95051 7585 87466 10682 16402 9200 HORSE SHOW 61820 7625 54195 4856 8702 2786 0 156871 15210 141661 15538 25104 11986 52628 89033 X X X X false false false false false false false false false REBECCA THORNTON PRESIDENT 156120 0 4000 0 0 0 0 0 10685 0 170805 0 0 0 OAKLEIGH B THORNE FORMER DIRECTOR/RELATIVE 1 LEASES OFFICE SPACE FOR $1/YR false X 7 false true false SCHEDULE M PART I LINE 33 THE ORGANIZATION RECEIVED 7 DONATED CONSERVATION EASEMENTS IN 2013 and two partially donated conservation easements (bargain sales). 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. PART VI GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT, DISCLOSURE THE ORGANIZATION REGULARLY AND CONSISTENLY MONITORS AND ENFORCES COMPLIANCE WITH ITS CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY. 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 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) TO THE BOARD (IF ACTION THEREON IS TO BE TAKEN BY THE BOARD); B)TO A COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD (IF ACTION THEREON IS TO BE TAKEN BY SUCH COMMITTEE), OR C) TO THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OR THE PRESIDENT (IF NO ACTION IS TO BE TAKEN BY THE BOARD OR A COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD). 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. IN THE CASE OF AN EMPLOYEE, AFTER DISCLOSURE TO THE PRESIDENT, THE PRESIDENT MAY CHOOSE TO SUBMIT THE QUESTION TO THE AUDIT COMMITTEE FOR A DECISION OR TO PROCEED WITH THE DECISION OR ACTION AT ISSUE, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT PROCEEDING DOES NOT VIOLATE THE LAW, INCLUDING APPLICABLE SELF-DEALING PROVISIONS AND PROHIBITIONS AS TO PRIVATE INUREMENT AND PRIVATE BENEFIT. 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. 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. IN 2013, THE ORGANIZATION'S BOARD ALSO INSTITUTED AN ANNUAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE STATEMENT TO BE FILED ANNUALLY WITH THE ORGANIZATION BY ALL BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF. PART VI GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT, DISCLOSURE 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 NOVEMBER OR DECEMBER 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. IN 2013 THE ORGANIZATION'S BOARD APPROVED 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. 990 PART VI LINE 10 - 990 REVIEW 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. 990 PART VI LINE 19 - PUBLIC AVAILABILITY 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. 990 PART VI LINE 2 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: Timothy Bontecou (Organization Board Chair), Steven Benardete, (CEIS Board Vice Chairman), as well as 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 Kathleen Weathers and Olivia Van Melle Kamp, are employees 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 on the DDS Board and Nancy Hathaway (OBM) is the Head of School for Dutchess Day School. FOUR OBM's have business relationships: Oakleigh Thorne and Timothy Mayhew are both clients of Gil Schafer (for G. P. Schafer Architect, PLLC). GIL SCHAFER SPECIFIES FRED WHITRIDE'S SLATE FOR THEIR PROJECTS FROM TIME TO TIME. Two OBM's have a family relationship: Jack Banning is Oakleigh Thorne's cousin-in-law. DELEGATED AUTHORITY TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 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: Under the Organization's updated By Laws adopted in July 2006, the Organization's Board delegated authority to the Executive Committee by resolution adopted by the Board in July 2008, as amended by resolution and Delegation of Transaction Approval Policy adopted by the Board in OCTOBER 2013. 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. FORM 990 PART IX LINE 24 - OTHER EXPENSES DESCRIPTION:CONTRACT LABOR FORM 990 PART IX LINE 24 - OTHER EXPENSES DESCRIPTION:DUES AND PUBLICATIONS TOTAL EXPENSES:10329 PROGRAM SERVICES:8557 MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL:1204 FUNDRAISING:568 FORM 990 PART IX LINE 24 - OTHER EXPENSES DESCRIPTION:LOBBYING EFFORTS FORM 990 PART IX LINE 24 - OTHER EXPENSES DESCRIPTION:STEWARDSHIP EXPENSES TOTAL EXPENSES:4615 PROGRAM SERVICES:4615 FORM 990 PART IX LINE 24 - OTHER EXPENSES DESCRIPTION:MAPS TOTAL EXPENSES:9896 PROGRAM SERVICES:9896 FORM 990 PART IX LINE 24 - OTHER EXPENSES DESCRIPTION:MISCELLANEOUS TOTAL EXPENSES:3827 PROGRAM SERVICES:1721 MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL:1452 FUNDRAISING:654 FORM 990 PART IX LINE 24 - OTHER EXPENSES DESCRIPTION:WRITE DOWN -PROP HELD FOR SALE TOTAL EXPENSES:99200 MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL:99200