Annual Report 2012-2013

photo courtesy of Stephanie Russell - Cowgirl Graphics

FISCAL YEAR 2012 – 2013

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

DEAR FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES,

We are pleased to provide this Annual Report to
you which provides an overview of our July 1, 2012
- June 30, 2013 Fiscal Year. Inside the report you
will find our very grateful acknowledgement of the
many donors who supported our work during that
period as well as an update on our financial and
program status.

What you will not see adequately illustrated in
these pages is the full picture of the good work of
our dedicated volunteers and hard-working staff.
There are many steps to be taken to get a conser-
vation project to completion and many of them are
quite painstaking. While staff attends to the day-to-day management of the process of incorporating landowners’ needs with
legal and funding requirements and raising the funds to achieve this great work, there are many important individuals work-
ing behind the scenes, rewarded only by our thanks and their commitment to conservation through ranching.

Our Board of Directors is charged with ensuring that the efforts we expend further the mission of the Wyoming Stock Grower
Land Trust and that our operating capacity is equal to the goals we set for ourselves. This is a challenge, because there are
many worthy projects out there and we are not short on imagination!

Our Board of Trustees provides the Land Trust with “elder statesmen,” whom we rely on to make sure that our obligations
into the future are met, and that we have eyes and ears to see and hear far beyond Cheyenne and the State of Wyoming.

In addition to the service of our Directors and Trustees, we are privileged to work with a number of professionals in advanc-
ing the work of our Ranchland Succession Committee. Many thanks are due to Erin Hager, Larry Heiser, Tom Long, Chris
Reimer and Press Stephens for their guidance.

As you will read further in this report, we owe a debt of gratitude to two hard-working Wyoming ranch families for their
generosity and belief in the need to extend a “hand-up” to Wyoming’s next generation of producers: Thank you Fred and
Catherine Kusel for including the Land Trust in your will and inspiring us to look at the ways we can build on your generosity.
And thank you Dylan and Erin Hager and Dave Kreycik for directing the final component of Georgene Hager LeBar’s estate
toward the work of our Land Trust.

The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust continues to grow and build on our past achievements, thanks to your help! We
want to be sure to take this opportunity to thank all of you reading this report, for your ongoing support of our work to con-
serve agricultural lands in Wyoming for the benefit of future producers of food, fiber and timber.

Sincerely,

Pamela Dewell Ed Posser
Executive Director Chairman
2

CONSERVATION THROUGH RANCHING

2014 Board of Directors Traditionally the call to stewardship one-third! – of Wyoming’s agricultur-
has focused on proper grazing, wa- al lands (UW Ruckelshaus Institute).
Ed Prosser – Chairman ter availability and range improvements
Alan Barnett – Vice-Chairman beneficial to both livestock and wildlife. • A g land is at the greatest risk for resi-
With 93% of Wyoming’s private land dential development. The majority of
Jim Magagna – Secretary managed as agricultural property, land land going into low-density rural de-
Al Wiederspahn – Treasurer stewardship is integral to the health of velopment is coming from the sale of
the state’s economy, communities, wa- “prime” farm and ranchland to resi-
Jody Bagley tersheds and wildlife. dential and commercial developers
Jack Berger (UW Ruckelshaus Institute).
Ryan Ford But today’s rancher, in an effort to
Keith Geis carry on family ranching traditions and Wyoming is at a crossroads. Conserv-
Rob Hendry care of the land, faces a wider array of ing the resources that have defined our
Madeleine Murdock regulatory and fiscal challenges than state requires action by Wyoming’s ag-
Mantha Phillips ever before. Agricultural lands are dis- ricultural community as well as by key
Nels Smith appearing across the US – and once decision makers and advisors. Together,
Dennis Sun converted from agriculture, will be lost we can ensure that Wyoming agri-
Tracy Swanson forever. culture continues to contribute more
John Lunt – Emeritus than $1 billion annually to the state’s
• Studies have predicted that 48 mil- economy and that ranchers continue
Board of Trustees lion people will be added to the West their critical role as stewards of the land
by 2050 (U.S. Forest Service). which shelters our nation’s wildlife, em-
Budd Betts – President braces the headwaters for our country,
Carole Baker • E xperts predict 50-75% of ranches and maintains our ability to produce
Barbara Dilts in the West will change hands in food and fiber.
Sara Flitner the next 10-15 years and 2.6 million
Steve Laird acres of prime ranchland in Wyoming To address these critical needs, the
could be converted to residential de- Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust
David Leuschen velopment by 2020 (American Farm- has initiated the Ranchland Succession
Ron Rhyne land Trust). Program. Our aim is to bring new tools
to help the next generation of Wyoming
We would like to thank our Trustees • W yoming’s ag lands decreased from ranchers remain on the land and keep
that are no longer on the board. 25.8 to 25.2 million acres between important private land in agriculture.
Ray Hunkins 2006 and 2007. That marks a 600,000 By implementing existing programs on
David Kreycik acre decrease, an area almost as large a broader scale, augmenting those pro-
Jane Sullivan as the state of Rhode Island (State grams with new offerings and spreading
Thank you for your Board of Equalization, 2007). the word to key individuals, we believe
support and service to the Wyoming can maintain the wide-open
Stock Growers Land Trust • Operators who are 65 years and older landscapes, customs and culture for
Board of Trustees. manage 8.7 million acres – almost
-which the state is known.
Staff

Pamela Dewell
Executive Director

Matt Wells
Conservation Director

Lance Schutte
Stewardship Coordinator

Margaret Cox
Business Manager

Tara McCormick
Administrative Assistant

3

FISCAL YEAR 2012 - 2013

The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust takes pride in our record of fiscal responsibility and organizational growth.

TOTAL EXPENSE TOTAL REVENUE

3% 1% >1%
1% 7%
>1%

25%

67%

96%

OPERATING EXPENSE OPERATING REVENUE

12% 5% 1%
2%
32% 2%

56% 90%

RANCHES CONSERVED ACRES CONSERVED

80 200,000 189,305
70 68 180,000

60 160,000
140,000

50 46 120,000

40 100,000

30 80,000
60,000
20 15 40,000
10 20,000

00

2013
2011
2009
2007
2005
2003
2013
2011
2009
2007
2005
2003
2001

4

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

As of June 30, 2013 ASSETS

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Current assets
- cash/cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . .$337,171
TOTAL LIABILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . .$174,689
NET ASSETS Accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17,177

Unrestricted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$237,984 Contributions receivable
Temporarily restricted . . . . . . . . . . .$1,637.022 - current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $81,250
Permanently restricted . . . . . . . . . . . $489,375
TOTAL NET ASSETS . . . . . . . . . . . $2,364,381 Furniture & equipment,
TOTAL LIABILITIES net depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,067
& NET ASSETS . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,539,070
Endowment net asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$489,375

Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,527,234

Contributions receivable,
net current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $79,796

TOTAL ASSETS . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,539,070

5

FISCAL YEAR 2012-2013 COMPLETED PROJECTS

This last fiscal year, in partnership with four Wyoming ranch families and the generous funders and partners who believe
in our mission, the Stock Growers Land Trust completed five easement transactions, conserving 19,448 acres of work-
ing lands. Our focus on traditional producers has helped us steer a course that not only achieves the conservation of many
family legacies and local economies, but also helps to retain Wyoming’s defining wide open spaces for all who enjoy our rural
surroundings. We are proud to say that we are delivering the collective vision of our founders.

WOOD RIVER RANCH

The Wood River Ranch conservation easement con-
serves 379 acres of ranchland in Park County. This prop-
erty serves as important wildlife habitat for a number of
big game species including elk, moose, mule deer and
white-tailed deer, which can be viewed regularly on the
property. Travelers heading to and from the Shoshone
National Forest will always and forever have the oppor-
tunity to enjoy the scenery and solitude that this prop-
erty offers. The conservation of this land will ensure that
beautiful mountain vistas, prime wildlife habitat, and
productive ranchland will remain unaltered in perpetu-
ity. We thank the Stough family for the donation of this

-conservation easement.

VIBLE RANCH

The Vible Ranch conservation project contains two con-
servation easements preserving more than 1,333 acres of
ranchland in Sublette County and includes the historic
town of New Fork. Jep and Norm Richie purchased the
property in 1959 and the sale of the easement will allow
the continued use of the property by Jep’s daughter, Car-
ole and future generations of food and fiber producers.
We thank the Richies for their donation of a portion of

-this conservation easement value.

6

CLARK COUNTRY

The Clark Country conservation easement project con-
serves 320 acres of ranchland in Lincoln County. The
Clark Country Ranch encompasses one mile of Smith’s
Fork River and serves as a corridor for many fish and
wildlife species including crucial moose habitat, a mule
deer migration corridor and habitat for many species of
fish. The ranch itself supports two generations of the
Clark family who have owned and stewarded the prop-
erty for more than three decades and made this project
possible through the donation of a portion of the ease-

-ment’s value.

BADWATER RANCH

Thanks to our ongoing partnership with The Conserva-
tion Fund, a conservation easement on 17,416 acres of
the Badwater Ranch in Natrona County was completed
last December. Funding for the project was generously
provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Ser-
vice, Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust and
the Knobloch Family Foundation, as well as through a
bargain sale of the conservation easement by Robert
“Ace” Spratt and his family. The property covers a vast
array of habitat and soil types and includes Badwater
and Spring Creeks. In addition to serving as wonderful
grazing and ranching land, the property serves as habi-
tat for most of Wyoming’s big game species and features

-five occupied sage grouse leks on the property.

7

MAINTAINING THE RANGE

Much like Wyoming’s leaders of the production of food, fiber and other The second gift occurred in 2012 when
the late 1800s, today’s Wyo- natural resources. Georgene Hager LeBar passed away.
mingites are called upon to define their Her family liquidated a portion of her
state and its future. Numerous studies Two key gifts were central in creat- assets and made charitable investments.
underscore the commonly-held be- ing the Ranchland Succession Pro- The Ranchland Succession Program
lief that wide-open spaces, abundant gram and charting its general course. is among the causes benefitting from
wildlife and traditional agriculture In 2009, siblings Fred and Catherine the family’s extraordinary generosity.
must be part of Wyoming’s future. The Kusel of Sheridan, placed a conserva- The Georgene Hager Family Fund will
Ranchland Succession Program is our tion easement on their family ranch, be used repeatedly through revolving
effort to broaden awareness surround- but then made broader plans for its loans that help assure agricultural lands
ing the work to be done, to add new future. At the time of their deaths, or remain in production and young people
tools to the potential solutions, and to at an earlier time of their choosing, the remain in agriculture.
see that existing tools are better un- Kusels will bequeath their ranch to the
derstood and easily implemented. Our Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust. “Our conservation easement was the
vision is the successful conservation of The Land Trust has been charged by lynchpin of our planning efforts for the
Wyoming’s working ranches for future the Kusels with placing the property in ranch’s future. Selling a conservation
generations of landowners engaged in the hands of a young ranch family. easement provided us some financial
security, and the easement itself pro-

Fred and Catherine Kusel

The Hager Family
8

Albert Sommers

Grouse Initiative, Natural Resources Conservation Service

vided us with peace of mind, “Our conservation easement Central to the project’s success is
knowing that our ranch would was the lynchpin of our expanding awareness about the
be available for agriculture into planning efforts for the Ranchland Succession Program
the future,” said Albert Som- ranch’s future. Selling a and the availability of individual
mers. conservation easement opportunities to help chart Wyo-
ming’s future.
“Georgene believed in helping provided us some financial
people help themselves,” says security, and the easement The potential for positive im-
Dylan Hager, Ms. LeBar’s neph- itself provided us with peace pact stretches from those who
ew. “In keeping with Georgene’s of mind, knowing that our have inherited family land, to
life philosophy, the money will ranch would be available for up-and-coming producers, to at-
be used to help young and begin- agriculture into the future.” torneys, accountants and others
ning ranchers help themselves.” who aid in estate planning.
~ Albert Sommers
The Georgene Hager Family Each of us, in our own way,
Fund also marks the beginning can help define the Wyoming
of a multiyear, multi-million dol- we hope to see thrive in the
lar campaign that will help Wyo- next century and beyond
mingites chart the course for the through the Stock Growers
future of agricultural lands in Land Trust Ranchland Succes-
their state.
-sion Program.

9

2012-2013 FISCAL YEAR DONORS

The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust would like to thank those individuals, businesses and organizations that helped us
achieve our mission in Fiscal Year 2012-2013.

Anonymous (2) Carol Chidsey Ellis Public Affairs Grindstone Cattle Company
Admiral Beverages, Inc Chuck and Muriel Chidsey Donald and Laura Ellis David and Marilyn Grover
John and Claire Alexander Pam Chrisman Fred and Karen Emerich Robert and Patricia Haigh
Leron and Rosalyn Allred Clark Country Ranch, LLC Encana Oil & Gas USA Roy and Susan Haines
Anadarko Petroleum Bill and Story Clark Chuck and Mary Hampton Inn & Suites
Corporation Clarks Fork Foundation Engebresten Cheri C. Harriet
Brad Andres and CM Ranch Brian and Annie Phillip and Paula Harris
Heather Johnson John and Sonja Collamer Espenscheid Douglas Hart and
John and Judy Jerry and Pam Cooper Chad and Gudrid Harriet Corbett
Andrikopoulos Stan Cooper Espenscheid Barbara Hauge
Tom Arthur Cora Valley Angus Ranch Howard and Nina Ewart Mike Healy
Axiom Consulting Partners Hal Corbett Failoni Land and Livestock James and Margaret Hearne
Badwater Ranch, Inc. Coyote Cowboy Company Farm Credit Services Heart Of The
Jody and Suellen Bagley Arnold Cunningham Of America Rockies Initiative
Patrick and Shari Baird D.A. Davidson Bill and Karen Ferguson Hellyer Limited Partnership
Burke and Carole Baker Charles and Eleanor Dana Terry and Valerie Fieseler Rob and Leslie Hendry
Merlyn and Virginia Davis & Cannon First Interstate BancSystem Henry and Sue Hewitt
Ballinger Holly Davis Foundation Hickey & Evans, LLP
Paul F. Balser Don and Anita Delong First Interstate Bank William U. Hill
Bank of Star Valley Joe and Donna Dereemer First National Bank Theo and Dawn Hirshfeld
Alan and Gayle Barnett Larry and Susannah Detrick Sara Flitner and Phil and Jean Hocker
Nancy Bath Devils Tower KOA Bill Wotkyns Gary and Linda Holsan
Berger Ranches Devils Tower Trading Post John and Gaylynn Flocchini Bernie Holz
Bob and Rosie Berger Devon Energy Corporation Ryan Ford Hotel Wolf
Tyler Bergien Pamela Dewell David Foreman Stan and Lillian Hovendick
Joel and Gail Bernstein Barbara H. Dilts Reg and Laurie Forster George and Paula Hunker
Budd and Emily Betts Marietta Dinneen Fremont Motors Ray and Debby Hunkins
Big Bale Company Pete Dittmar Foster and Lynn Friess Indian Springs Ranch
Big Goose Ranch Dan and Kim Dockstader Gates Frontiers Fund Lee and Peg Isenberger
Blair Hotels Rita Donham and Georgene Lebar IXL Ranch
Richard and Ann Boelter Jamie Burgess Charitable Trust J Bar 9 Ranch
Chuck and Laurie Box Michael and Beverly Marcia Gladstone J/N Mercantile
Richard and Cheryl Bressler Dowling Joe Glode and Julie Evans Jackson Hole
Greg and Sharon Brondos Ogden and Zannie Driskill Robert Gonet Mountain Resort
T. Stan and Claire Brooks H. Benjamin and Wally and Nancy Goodwin II Juli James
Bruce and Teresa Brown Laurette Duke Gooseberry Creek Johnson County
Brush Creek Ranch Sandra Durif Ranch, LLC Cattlemen’s Association
Burns Insurance Mark and Trudy Eisele Gordon Ranch Johnson County
Bonnie Cannon Ellbogen Property Matt Greene Woolgrowers Association
Kim and Susie Cannon Management Chuck and Cheryl Greenhawt Rod and Mackie Johnson
Gretchen Swanson
Family Foundation Inc.

10

Amy Katt Reid and Linda Murchison Karen Schalk Warren Livestock Company
Harold and Christie Kemp Madeleine Murdock Marlowe Sherbel Wayland H. Cato, Jr.
Donald Kendall Natural Resources Tony and Linda Schiffer Foundation, Inc.
Jon and Dianne Kirkbride Conservation Service Jim Schwartz Jerry T. Webb
KL Cattle Co.- Mowry Mary Neese Paul and Beverly Schwieger Robert and Anita West
Ranch, Inc. New Frontier Ranches, Inc Scully Ranch, John Western United Realty
Knobloch Family Foundation Art E. Nicholas Scully Revocable Trust Tim and Jodi White
Jerry and Linda Kraft Jim Nielson and Anne Young Marianne Shenefelt Al Wiederspahn and
Jarren and Tara Kuipers Office Of Susan H. Kallmeyer Ruth Shepard Cynthia Lummis
L. Patton Kline Family One Bar Eleven Ranch Jim and Christine Shore Ron Wild
Foundation Bud O’Neill Silver Sage Gallery Robert and Susan Wilson
Land Trust Alliance Overland Trail Alan and Ann Simpson Wolf Creek Charitable
Creed and Clarene Law Cattle Co., LLC James and Karol Slater Foundation
Libbey Foundation Padlock Ranch Nels and Jeanette Smith Wood River Ranch, LLC
Jason and Linda Lillegraven Anne Pendergast Sommers Herefords, LLC Wooden Boat River Tours
Alan and Linda Linford Alan Peryam Sommers Ranch, LLC Sidney Woods
Jim and Janet Listen Peterson Appraisal Co. Will and Susan Speer Wyoming Bank and Trust
Little America Hotel Hank Phibbs and Horton and Juli Spitzer Wyoming Livestock
Resort, Cheyenne Leslie Peterson State of Wyoming Roundup
Little Denmark Foundation Mantha Phillips John and Kathy Steil Wyoming Stock
Livewater Properties, LLC Platte Valley National Bank Press and Shirley Stephens Growers Association
Kelly and Elizabeth Lockhart Power Company of Dennis and Peggy Sun Wyoming Wildlife and
Kim and Mary Kay Love Wyoming, LLC Tracy and Liz Swanson Natural Resource Trust
Kevin and Judy Lund Property Group Partners Bob and Suzanne Taylor Wyoming Wildlife
John and Susie Lunt Luther Propst and The Brooks Foundation The Foundation
Lawrence and Beatrice Lunt Elizabeth Storer The Conservation Fund Wyoming Workforce
William and Mae-Lyn Lunt Ed and Nancy Prosser The Country Store Development
Luthi & Voyles, LLC Purdy Family Foundation The Dowling Foundation Jack and Nancy Zeller
Randall Luthi Purdy Ranch The Fanwood Foundation
Anne MacKinnon QEP The Nicholas Fund At The IN HONOR
John and Cathy MacPherson Robert and Jean Quenon San Diego Foundation
Forrest E. Mars Ranchland Trust of Kansas The Plains Hotel In Honor of Dr. John Lunt
Dicksie May and Rawlins National Bank The Robert & Emilie - M r. and Mrs. Benjamin
Leigh Friedrichs Linda Raynolds Betts Foundation Duke, III
McGee, Hearne & Paiz, LLP Bart and Liz Rea The Wrangler
Hugh H. McGee Red Mountain Ranch Thirty One Bar Co. - Mr. and Mrs. Bob Taylor
George McIlvaine Carole Richie Stanley and Betty
Gwyn McKee and Jeptha Richie Joe Thompson LEGACY SOCIETY
William Winland Norman Richie John and Mary Kay Turner
Robert and Lyniece McKim Andrew Robinson Upper North Platte Valley John and Susie Lunt
John and Kathleen Rocky Mountain Water Conservation
McKinley Financial Group Association Fred and Catherine Kusel
Bill and Nancy Miller Rocky Mountain Power Co. Valley Foods & Liquor
Dale and Mira Miller Saratoga Auto Glass - Valley Floral Pamela Dewell
Mirr Ranch Group Saratoga Resort & Spa Boyd Van Fleet
Mishurda Mountain Saratoga/ Platte Miriam Jill Walsh This list reflects donations
Ranches Valley Chamber Ward Ranch LLC received July 1, 2012 through
June 30, 2013. We apologize
for any mistakes or omissions.
Please contact us with the
correct information so we can
correct our records and thank
you more appropriately.

11

NON PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
CHEYENNE, WY
PERMIT NO. 47

P.O. Box 268
Cheyenne, WY 82003-0268

Phone: 307.772.8751
Email: [email protected]

www.wsgalt.org

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200,000 ONEacres of working of the largest regional
Landscape Conserved
Easement Holders in the US

Deaver Ranchester Little Missouri R.
Powell Hulett
Lovell Sheridan
Cody Crook
Sheridan Clearmont
Sundance
Big Horn Moorcroft

Yellowstone L. Park Burlington Greybull Upton
Basin
Jackson L. Buffalo Weston Newcastle
Gillette
Teton Meeteetse Manderson
Worland Campbell
Ten Sleep Johnson Powder R.
Wright
Hot Springs Kirby Washakie Kaycee

Thermopolis

Dubois

Jackson W Y O M I N GBoysenRes. South Fork Powder R. Edgerton
Alpine
Pavillion Shoshoni Niobrara

Fremont Converse

Riverton

Thayne Pinedale Lander Hudson Natrona Casper Evansville Glenrock N. Platte River
Afton Douglas
Lost Springs Lusk

Marbleton Sublette Van Tassell

Glendo Goshen

Green R. Pathfinder Res.

La Barge Bairoil Guernsey

Platte N. Lingle
Platte
Cokeville Lincoln Albany Wheatland Torrington
River
Kemmerer Sweetwater Seminoe Res. Rock River
Rawlins Sinclair Hanna Medicine Bow Yoder
Superior
Chugwater

Wamsutter Elk Mountain Laramie R. La Grange

Granger Rock Springs
Green River
Carbon Saratoga Laramie
Uinta Albin

Evanston Mountain View Laramie Lodgepole Creek
Flaming Gorge Res. Burns Pine Bluffs
Riverside
Dixon North Platte R. Cheyenne