Annual Report 2011-2012

2012

Letter from the chairman & excutive director

dear friends,

A dozen years ago, the Wyoming
Stock Growers Association voted
to form an agricultural land trust to
provide ranchers with a conservation
organization dedicated to the
preservation of working lands. Land
trusts have been around a long
time – the oldest was formed in
Massachusetts more than 120 years
ago – but their mission often left
little room for production agriculture,
human stewardship and the sustainable
benefits they provide to the land. Today,
agricultural land trusts are the fastest
growing, and most exciting, segment
of the conservation movement. With
almost 1,700 land trusts now operating
in the United States, the Wyoming
Stock Growers Land Trust, along with
three of our “sister” ag land trusts in
Montana, California and Colorado, ranks in the top 10 nationally in terms of acres under easement, and equally important,
in the number of agriculture producers with whom we work. Our example has encouraged other conservation organizations
to value the environmental contribution of agricultural lands and given birth to a realization that ranchers and farmers are
keystone species too.

In much the way that hook and bullet organizations advocate for wildlife habitat, those that produce food and fiber are in
a unique position to advance the ongoing stewardship of working lands. Many of the families with whom our Land Trust
works are the stewards of lands that have been in their families for multiple generations maintaining habitat, open space and
cultural landscapes while generating agricultural products. New challenges to keeping lands in agriculture require new tools
and our Land Trust is creating opportunities for generational succession, choosing to invest our finite resources on projects
that support the next generation of Wyoming’s agricultural producers.

As someone who values Wyoming’s cultural landscape and the working lands that comprise it, we want to thank you for
your support as we continue to grow and succeed. We hope the information in this Annual Report provides you with a clear
picture of how we accomplish our mission: the conservation of Wyoming’s working family ranches and farms and the wide-
open spaces, natural habitats, and rural communities they support.

Pamela Dewell Alvin Wiederspahn
Executive Director Chairman

2

Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trusts’
Impact on Conservation in Wyoming

Board of Directors When examining the influence and Natural Resources Trust. By
our organization has on land providing financial incentives that
Al Wiederspahn – Chairman conservation in the state and across enable traditional ranching families to
Alan Barnett – Vice-Chairman the nation, it is difficult to overstate conserve their properties in perpetuity
the positive impact we have. As we achieve lasting conservation of
Jim Magagna – Secretary the ninth largest regional easement important agricultural lands for future
Ed Prosser – Treasurer holder in the United States, we generations.
steward easements all across the
Jody Bagley state of Wyoming and have helped Wyoming is known throughout the
Affie Ellis over fifty families of food and fiber United States for its wild and open
Rob Hendry producers to protect the land that is spaces, conserving our working lands
Dianne Kirkbride crucial to agriculture in the state. also preserves the historic western
Randall Luthi scenic vista that helps to drive
Mantha Phillips Accomplishing this amount of land tourism in our state. In doing so, we
Steve Schalk conservation is not an easy task and are helping to ensure that Wyoming’s
Nels Smith we could not be as successful as we are economy will continue to thrive.
Dennis Sun without the assistance of our generous
Tracy Swanson funding partners, like the Natural Agricultural producers in the state
John Lunt Resources Conservation Service’s of Wyoming are the key to Stock
Farm and Ranchland Protection Growers Land Trust’s success as we
Board of Trustees Program, and the Wyoming Wildlife pursue our vision of “Conservation

Ray Hunkins – President -through Ranching.”
Carole Baker
Budd Betts
Liz Brimmer
Sara Flitner

Charles Greenhawt
Donald Kendall
Steve Laird
David Leuschen

Michael Martin Murphey
Art Nicholas
Shane Schulz
Jane Sullivan

Staff

Pamela Dewell – Executive Director
Matt Wells – Conservation Director
Lance Schutte – Stewardship Coordinator
Margaret Cox – Business Director
Shari Baird – Administrative Assistant

Thank You Fremont Motors!

Stock Growers Land Trust staff members log thousands of miles each
month as we cover the state to visit with landowners considering placing a
conservation easement on their ranch, attend meetings of legislative committees,
ag organizations and conservation interests and participate in special events.
The use of a vehicle contributed by Fremont Motors will help us keep our costs
down significantly. We are greatly appreciative of their generosity in equipping

-us with a vehicle that will keep our road warriors safe and comfortable.

3

2011 - 2012 Financial

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

Revenue Expenses Grant
Revenue
1% 1% $11,023
$9,653 $39,863 Contributions
98%
$2,513,990 Donated
Easements
Program Special
Events
Administration In-Kind
Donations
Fundraising Service
Fees
$219,976

$5,689,046

Operating Revenue Operating Expense

16% 3%1% 5%

24% Family
Foundations

Program Private Donors
Services & Corporations
Administration
Fundraising Special
Events

In-Kind
Donations

22% Service
Fees
62% 67%

Ranches Conserved Acres Conserved

RANCHES ACRES
80 200,000
70
60 150,000
50
40 100,000
30
20 50,000
10
0 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 0 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011
2001 2001

4

statement of financial position

As of June 30, 2012 Assets

Liabilities and Net Assets Current Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents: $194,450
Total Liabilities: $108,988 Accounts Receivable: $5,877
Current Portion of Contributions
Net Assets
Total Unrestricted $416,369 Received: $73,000
Temporarily Restricted $323,412 Total Current Assets: $273,327
Permanently Restricted $251,907
Property and Equipment, Net: $9,992
Total Net Assets: $991,688
Other Assets
Total Liabilities and Net Assets: $1,100,676 Beneficial Interest in Net Assets Held by Wyoming

Community Foundation: $251,907
Investments : $429,108
Contributions Receivable,

Net of Current Portion: $136,342

Total Other Assets: $817,357

Total Assets $1,100,676

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annual completed projects

This past year, in partnership with five Wyoming ranch families and the generous funders and partners who believe in
our mission, the Stock Growers Land Trust completed six easement transactions, conserving 21,155 acres of working
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 wildlife, visitors and all who
enjoy our rural surroundings. We are proud to say that we are delivering the collective vision of our founders.

ORaxnbcohw/LNimoiwtoedodPaRrivtenrership

The Oxbow Ranch Conservation Easement project
closed March 12, 2012. Skip and Maria Eastman
have also been working to improve the Big Horn River
watershed by eliminating Russian olive and Salt cedar
from their riparian area. Our first project in Big Horn
County, the project conserves 498 acres of ranchland in

-Big Horn County.

Schmidt Farm

The Schmidt Farm conservation easement conserves
240 acres of irrigated farmland adjacent to the Ocean
Lake Wildlife Habitat Management Area, a recreational
hunting area managed by the Wyoming Game and Fish
Department. The current owners, Marvin and Sheila
Schmidt, are the 3rd generation to own and operate the

-property.

Mishurda
Mountain Ranches

The Mishurda Mountain Ranches project was
completed using a unique approach. Birg and Debbie
Mishurda donated the full value of the conservation
easement and were reimbursed for out-of-pocket
transaction expenses, including the cost of the appraisal,
minerals report, baseline inventory, and legal counsel.
The conservation easement conserves 7,891 acres of

-ranchland in Hot Springs County.

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Espensheid Holdings, LLC Budd Ranches, Inc

The Espenscheid Holdings, LLC conservation A conservation easement on 5,841 acres of the historic
easement project was completed on December 5, 2011, Budd Ranch closed December 5, 2011, in conjunction
in conjunction with the Budd Ranches, Inc. easement, with the Espenscheid Holdings, LLC conservation
conserving an additional 4,650 acres of ranchland in easement, both in Sublette County. Brian and Chad
Sublette County. Thanks to funding advanced by The Espenscheid, brothers and partners in the operation,
Conservation Fund, the Espenscheid brothers were believe that this conservation easement will keep this
able to purchase neighboring ranchlands using the 5th generation operation in ranching for generations of
proceeds of the sale of the conservation easements on
both properties to expand their ranch to a size that will -their family to come.

-secure a future in agriculture for their children. Mowry Ranch

The Mowry Ranch conservation easement closed on
September 22, 2012, enabling the 4th generation of
their family to take the reins of the operation. The
project conserves 2,035 acres of productive ranchlands
in Carbon County, and pioneered new funding from
the Gates Frontiers Fund granted to the Stock Growers
land Trust to support projects within the North Platte

-watershed.

7

Help us continue our Mission and your family’s legacy

These are just a few options retirement accounts can be taxable to completely paid for and receive a tax
available to you to be able to you and to your heirs if left to them. deduction for the fair market value
continue your legacy. By giving a gift Giving in this way may result in little while allowing the Stock Grower Land
through your will or trust, you will or no tax impact when you report Trust to benefit.
help the Stock Growers Land Trust to the amount withdrawn along with an
continue conserving working ranches offsetting charitable donation. You can also purchase a life insurance
in Wyoming. We hope that you will policy and name the Stock Growers
consider the Stock Growers Land Trust Securities Land Trust as the irrevocable owner
in your plans for it is your generosity and beneficiary. You as the donor will
that we depend on. When donating a Giving securities (stocks, bonds and receive a tax deduction for the policy’s
portion of your estate you may donate mutual funds) that are worth more cash value and you also deduct the
in the following ways... than they cost can bring additional amount of any future payments paid
tax savings. Such gifts are generally to the land trust for premium on the
Retirement Plans deductible for income tax purposes policy.
at their full current value if they have
Retirement plan assets can be a been owned for longer than one year. You can name more than one charity
practical source from which to make They can be used to offset tax on up to on the policy in either example above.
gifts to the Stock Growers Land Trust. 30% of your adjusted gross income.
Many tax and financial advisors suggest Bequest
using these funds to make charitable Life Insurance
gifts because amounts withdrawn from A bequest is made through a will or
You can leave a policy that has been trust that typically states that a specific

8

dollar amount or percentage of your town can also be left to the Land Trust such as:
estate be left to the Stocker Growers and the proceeds derived from their
Land Trust. Your donation is exempt sale directed as you choose. • D onations by will/bequest are 100%
from federal estate tax and allows you deductible for estate tax purposes.
use and control of your assets for your Planned giving
lifetime. • It is simple and may only require
After making provisions for loved ones drafting a simple codicil - or
Real Estate and friends, one or more charitable amendment- to your
interests are often included in a will or current will
Gifts of real estate can be made to the living trust. The plans you make today
Land Trust for the benefit of our next help define your legacy and ensure that • M any folks are able to make larger
generation of producers. A bequest of your wishes are carried out. gifts through their will than are
working land can be passed along to possible using
a young ranching family through our Through a proper will, you can have current income
Ranchland Succession Program. a significant impact on the causes
you care about. You can play an We strongly encourage you to consult
Or, you may choose to donate the instrumental role in building a future with a professional such as a financial
property and retain a life estate, for the Stock Growers Land Trust planner, tax accountant, and/or a
realizing the value of the gift during through your personal designation. lawyer to discuss your options further.
your lifetime and remaining on the There are advantages to including a
land you love. Condos and houses in charitable organization in your will Please consider becoming a founding

-member of our legacy circle.

9

2011-2012 Donors

The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust would like to thank those individuals, businesses and organizations that helped us
achieve our mission if fiscal year 2011-2012.

Anonymous (3) Aaron Swallow Jamie and Rita Donham Chuck and Cheryl Greenhawt
Leron and Rosalyn Allred Burns Insurance Michael Dowling Gretchen Swanson Family
Anadarko Petroleum James and Jamie Campbell Sen. Ogden and Zannie Driskill Foundation, Inc
Corporation Canyon Sporting Goods H. Benjamin and Laurette Duke Grindstone Cattle Company
Armada Ranches, LLC Casey Law Insurance Dumbell Ranch David and Marilyn Grover
Tom Arthur Frank and Connie Durham Ranches, INC Robert and Patricia Haigh
Jody and Suellen Bagley Sloan Cathcart Eades Construction Hall and Hall, Inc
Patrick and Shari Baird Patricia Chant Mark and Trudy Eisele Martha Halverson
Burke and Carole Baker Savannah Chant Ellbogen Property Management Barbara Hauge
Lenox and Fran Baker Cheyenne Frontier Days Ellis Public Affairs Rebecca Hazelwood
Merlyn and Virginia Ballinger Old West Museum Donald Ellis and Laura Nell James and Margaret Hearne
Paul Balser Cheyenne Heritage Quilts EnCana Oil & Gas USA Hellyer Limited Partnership
Bank of Star Valley Carol Chidsey Chuck and Mary Engebresten Rob and Leslie Hendry,Clear
Alan and Gayle Barnett Chuck and Muriel Chidsey Brian and Annie Espenscheid Creek Cattle Company
John Baughman Sen. Leland and Anita Chad and Gudrid Espenscheid Lois Herbst
Lollie Benz Plank Christensen Howard and Nina Ewart C. David Hergert
Berger Ranches Churchill Downs Farm Credit Services of America Chris Herrman
Rep. Rosie and Bob Berger Story Clark and Bill Resor Jenna Fass Ed and Cathy Hesselbacher
Jack and Diane Berger Clarks Fork Foundation Bill and Karen Ferguson Henry and Sue Hewitt
Jim and Marian Berger Cynthia Cloud First Interstate BancSystems Hickey & Evans, LLP
Joel Bernstein and Gail Shawe CM Ranch Foundation Kristi Radosevich
Big Goose Ranch John and Sonja Collamer First Interstate Bank High Country Catering
Blair Hotels Jerry and Pam Cooper First National Bank of Wyoming William Hill
Wes Boardman Hal and Katie Corbett David Foreman Theo and Dawn Hirshfeld
Richard and Ann Boelter Fred and Leanne Correll Fremont Motors Nancy Hoffman
Jackie Boice Cottonwood Ranches Foster Friess Linda and Gary Holsan
Boot Barn Crook Co. Farm Gates Frontier Fund Garrett Horton
Charles and Laurie Box Bureau Insurance George B. Storer Foundation Stan and Lillian Hovendick
Brimmer Communications Arnold Cunningham Marica Gladstone Paula and George Hunker
Greg and Sharon Bondos D.A. Davidson Joe Glode and Julie Evans Ray and Debbie Hunkins
Brooks Foundation Tim and Marcelleen Davis Mike and Lindy Glode IXL Ranch
Brush Creek Ranch Larry and Susannah Detrick Wally and Nancy Goodwin II Heather Johnson and
Buck Brannaman Clinics, Inc Devon Energy Corporation Gooseberry Creek Ranch, LLC Brad Andres
Buckstitch Canvas Pamela Dewell and Gordon Ranch Michael and Mary Johnson
Saddles & Tack Stan Schaper Bill and Karen Gould Rod and Mackie d’Arge Johnson
Bob and Lynn Budd Diamond Bar Ranch Grainger Charitable Fund Rep. Norine and
Buffalo Bill Historical Center Barbara Dilts Matt Greene Nickolas Kasperik
Leah Burgess and Jerry Dilts and Elizabeth Philp Christie Kemp
Marietta Dinneen Donald Kendall

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King Ranch Bill and Nancy Miller Sam and Mona Scott Wayland H. Cato, Jr.
King’s Saddlery Dale and Mira Miller Marianne Shenefelt Foundation, Inc
Dianne and Jon Kirkbride Birg and Debbie Mishurda Ruth Shepard Chris West
Jerry and Linda Kraft Mowry Ranch, Inc. Kasey and Ondi Shepperson Robert and Anita West
Jarren and Tara Kuipers Dave and Trudy Munsick Shively Hardware Western United Realty
L. Patton Kline Family Natural Resources Jim and Christine Shore Whispering Elk Creations
Foundation Conservation Service Sen. Alan and Ann Simpson White Horse Country Store
Land Trust Alliance One Bar Eleven, LLC James and Karol Slater Al Wiederspahn and
Las Vegas Events Bud O’Neill Nels and Jeanette Smith Rep. Cynthia Lummis
Law Office of Lawrence Pat and Sharon O’Toole Chandra Snook Annaliese Wiederspahn
R. Kueter Outlaw Cafe/Cowboy Bar Sommers Herefords, LLC Wild West Emporium
Creed and Clarene Law Overland Trail Cattle Co., LLC Sommers Ranch, LLC at the Irma
Libbey Foundation Oxbow Ranch/ Will and Susan Speer Wilderness Knife & Forge
Lil’Merc NoWood River, LP Horton and Juli Spitzer Robert and Susan Wilson
Jason and Linda Lillegraven Paint Rock Angus Ranch, Inc Star Valley Realty/Davis Ranch Wolf Creek Charitable
C. Timothy Lindstrom Gerald and Nancy Palm John and Kathy Steil Foundation
Alan and Linda Linford Peterson Appraisal Co. Geri Sullivan Wolf Hotel
Linton’s Big R in Powell Chris and Susan Pfister Gov. Mike and Jane Sullivan Wyoming Home
and Riverton Pfister Land Company, LLC Dennis and Peggy Sun Wyoming Livestock Roundup
Jim and Janet Listen Ron and Marie Pfister Jeffrey Sussman Wyoming Rib & Chop House
Livewater Properties, LLC Power Company of Tracy and Liz Swanson Wyoming Stock Growers
Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters Wyoming, LLC Switchback Ranch Association
Kim and Mary Kay Love Dick and Mary Pownall Tangle Ridge Furniture Wyoming Whiskey
Paul Lowham Ed and Nancy Prosser The Cody Wyoming Wildlife and
Del Lummis Proud Cut Saloon The Conservation Fund Natural Resource Trust
Kevin and Judy Lund Debra Prow The Fanwood Foundation Wyoming Workforce
Dr. John and Susie Lunt Robert and Jean Quenon The Nicholas Fund at the Development
Lawrence and Beatrice Lunt Ramblin M Ranch San Diego Foundation Young Ranch
Luthi & Voyles, LLC Rauner Family Foundation The Prairie Pantry Jack and Nancy Zeller
Randall Luthi Bart and Liz Rea The Thistle
Luke Lynch Paul Rechard Thermopolis Hardware In honor
M.R. Angus Ranch Echo and Morgan Renner Thirty One Bar Ranch Co.
Jim Magagna Rogues Gallery Joe and Tracy Thomas In Honor of Dr. John and
Manning Ranch Charles Rumsey Stanley and Betty Jo Thompson Susie Lunt’s lifetime work
Forrest Mars Ryan Ranches, Inc. Trader Barb’s toward conservation
Bill Mason S-A Cattle TransWest Express LLC
MC Ranch Land and Cattle Saratoga Resort and Spa Turnell Cattle Company In Memory
Ron and Gail McCue Karen Schalk John and Mary Kay Turner
McGee, Hearne & Paiz, LLP Tony and Linda Schiffer V Ranch In Memory of Bill and
Hugh McGee Brian and Maggie Schillng Michael van Biema Mary Scarlett - Dick
Gwyn, McKee Schlenker Ranch, Inc Kevin Voyles and Maggie Scarlett
Robert and Lyniece McKim Marvin and Shelia Schmidt Jeff and Diana Wallace
John and Kathleen McKinley Howard and Wendy Schneider Warren Livestock Company This list reflects donations received
Meeteetse Chocolatier Shane and Kate Schula July 1, 2011 through June 30,
2012. Please let us know if
we have made a mistake.

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

Please contact us if you would like to be removed from our mailing list.

170,000 acres of working 9th largest regional
Landscape Conserved Easement Holder 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
Buffalo WestonLENeGwcEasNtle D
Gillette Closed
Meeteetse Manderson Easements
Worland Campbell In-Progress
Jackson L. Ten Sleep Johnson Powder R. Easements
Wright
Teton Hot Springs Kirby Washakie Kaycee NiobrarCalosed in
Converse FY 2012
Jackson Thermopolis
Alpine
Dubois

W Y O M I N GBoysenRes. South Fork Powder R. Edgerton

Pavillion Shoshoni

Fremont

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