efile Public Visual Render
Submission Date - 2014-02-15
TIN: 03-0264836
Form
990
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax
Under section 501(c), 527, or 4947(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code (except black lung benefit trust or private foundation)
The organization may have to use a copy of this return to satisfy state reporting requirements.
OMB No. 1545-0047
20
12
Open to Public Inspection
A
For the 2012 calendar year, or tax year beginning
07-01-2012
, 2012, and ending
06-30-2013
B
Check if applicable:
Address change
Name change
Initial return
Terminated
Amended return
Application pending
C
Name of organization
VERMONT LAND TRUST INC
Doing Business As
Number and street (or P.O. box if mail is not delivered to street address)
8 BAILEY AVENUE
Room/suite
City or town, state or country, and ZIP + 4
MONTPELIER
,
VT
05602
D Employer identification number
03-0264836
E Telephone number
(802) 223-5234
G
Gross receipts $
17,950,505
F
Name and address of principal officer:
GILBERT LIVINGSTON
8 BAILEY AVENUE
MONTPELIER
,
VT
05602
I
Tax-exempt status:
501(c)(3)
501(c)
(
)
(insert no.)
4947(a)(1)
or
527
J
Website:
VLT.ORG
H(a)
Is this a group return for
affiliates?
Yes
No
H(b)
Are all affiliates included?
Yes
No
If "No," attach a list. (see instructions)
H(c)
Group exemption number
K
Form of organization:
Corporation
Trust
Association
Other
L
Year of formation:
1977
M
State of legal domicile:
VT
Part I
Summary
1
Briefly describe the organizations mission or most significant activities:
TO CONSERVE LAND FOR THE FUTURE OF VERMONT.
2
Check this box
3
Number of voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1a)
........
3
15
4
Number of independent voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1b)
.....
4
15
5
Total number of individuals employed in calendar year 2011 (Part V, line 2a)
......
5
49
6
Total number of volunteers (estimate if necessary)
.............
6
15
7a
Total unrelated business revenue from Part VIII, column (C), line 12
........
7a
0
b
Net unrelated business taxable income from Form 990-T, line 34
.........
7b
0
Prior Year
Current Year
8
Contributions and grants (Part VIII, line 1h)
.........
10,512,918
12,666,658
9
Program service revenue (Part VIII, line 2g)
.........
791,174
751,303
10
Investment income (Part VIII, column (A), lines 3, 4, and 7d )
....
356,077
629,671
11
Other revenue (Part VIII, column (A), lines 5, 6d, 8c, 9c, 10c, and 11e)
51,190
57,790
12
Total revenueadd lines 8 through 11 (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12)
...................
11,711,359
14,105,422
13
Grants and similar amounts paid (Part IX, column (A), lines 13 )
...
52,181
0
14
Benefits paid to or for members (Part IX, column (A), line 4)
.....
0
0
15
Salaries, other compensation, employee benefits (Part IX, column (A), lines 510)
3,000,172
3,361,853
16a
Professional fundraising fees (Part IX, column (A), line 11e)
.....
0
0
b
Total fundraising expenses (Part IX, column (D), line 25)
493,204
17
Other expenses (Part IX, column (A), lines 11a11d, 11f24e)
....
8,016,874
10,958,036
18
Total expenses. Add lines 1317 (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25)
11,069,227
14,319,889
19
Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 18 from line 12
.......
642,132
-214,467
Beginning of Current Year
End of Year
20
Total assets (Part X, line 16)
.............
33,729,867
38,045,441
21
Total liabilities (Part X, line 26)
.............
3,732,453
6,621,845
22
Net assets or fund balances. Subtract line 21 from line 20
.....
29,997,414
31,423,596
Part II
Signature Block
Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return, including accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than officer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge.
Sign Here
2014-02-04
Signature of officer
Date
GILBERT LIVINGSTON
PRESIDENT
Type or print name and title
Paid Preparer Use Only
Print/Type preparer's name
Preparer's signature
ORESTE MOSCA
Date
Check
if
self-employed
PTIN
P00366101
Firm's name
NATHAN WECHSLER & CO PA
Firm's EIN
02-0327524
Firm's address
44 SCHOOL STREET
LEBANON
,
NH
03766
Phone no.
(603) 448-2650
May the IRS discuss this return with the preparer shown above? (see instructions)
............
Yes
No
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions.
Cat. No. 11282Y
Form
990
(2012)
Form 990 (2012)
Page
2
Part III
Statement of Program Service Accomplishments
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part III
...............
1
Briefly describe the organizations mission:
THE VERMONT LAND TRUST WORKS WITH INDIVIDUALS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND COMMUNITIES TO CONSERVE LAND FOR THE FUTURE OF VERMONT. SINCE 1977, VLT HAS PERMANENTLY CONSERVED MORE THAN 534,000 ACRES. THIS LAND INCLUDES MORE THAN 760 WORKING FARMS, HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF ACRES OF PRODUCTIVE FORESTLAND, AND NUMEROUS PARCELS OF COMMUNITY LANDS. THIS CONSERVATION WORK CHANGES THE LIVES OF FAMILIES, INVIGORATES FARMS, LAUNCHES NEW BUSINESSES, MAINTAINS SCENIC VISTAS, ENCOURAGES RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, AND FOSTERS A RENEWED SENSE OF COMMUNITY.
2
Did the organization undertake any significant program services during the year which were not listed on
the prior Form 990 or 990-EZ?
......................
Yes
No
If Yes, describe these new services on Schedule O.
3
Did the organization cease conducting, or make significant changes in how it conducts, any program services?
............................
Yes
No
If Yes, describe these changes on Schedule O.
4
Describe the organizations program service accomplishments for each of its three largest program services, as measured by expenses. Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations are required to report the amount of grants and allocations to others, the total expenses, and revenue, if any, for each program service reported.
4a
(Code:
) (Expenses $
11,972,231
including grants of $
) (Revenue $
202,117
)
CONSERVATION WORKTO PROTECT FARMS AND FORESTS FROM THE PRESSURES OF DEVELOPMENT, THE VERMONT LAND TRUST USES CONSERVATION EASEMENTS - A LEGAL TOOL THAT LIMITS DEVELOPMENT ON PRODUCTIVE FARMLAND AND FORESTLAND, AND OTHER MEANINGFUL NATURAL AND COMMUNITY PLACES. WHILE SOME LANDOWNERS CHOOSE TO DONATE THEIR DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS, MANY OTHERS SELL THEM FOR FULL OR PARTIAL VALUE. LANDOWNERS CONTINUE TO OWN, MANAGE, AND PAY TAXES ON THE LAND AND CAN SELL THEIR LAND; HOWEVER, THE CONSERVATION EASEMENT PERMANENTLY REMAINS ON THE PROPERTY.
4b
(Code:
) (Expenses $
691,105
including grants of $
) (Revenue $
171,023
)
STEWARDSHIP WORKWHEN THE VERMONT LAND TRUST CONSERVES LAND, IT PROMISES TO LOOK AFTER IT FOREVER. THE MORE SUCCESSFUL WE ARE AT CONSERVING LAND, THE GREATER OUR STEWARDSHIP RESPONSIBILITY. PARTNERSHIP IS AT THE CORE OF OUR STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM. IN AN AVERAGE YEAR, OUR STEWARDSHIP STAFF WILL VISIT 100% OF CONSERVED PARCELS AND MEET WITH NEARLY 90 PERCENT OF THE 1,300-PLUS OWNERS OF LAND CONSERVED WITH VLT. DURING THESE VISITS WITH LANDOWNERS, STAFF WILL OFTEN WALK THE LAND AND DISCUSS ISSUES SUCH AS WHETHER ANY SIGNIFICANT LAND-USE CHANGES ARE PLANNED. BY BUILDING THESE RELATIONSHIPS, WE BELIEVE WE REDUCE THE NUMBER OF VIOLATIONS OF CONSERVATION EASEMENT TERMS.
4c
(Code:
) (Expenses $
218,496
including grants of $
) (Revenue $
199,117
)
ATLAS TIMBERLANDS PROJECTTHE ATLAS TIMBERLANDS PROJECT IS A JOINT UNDERTAKING OF THE VERMONT LAND TRUST AND THE NATURE CONSERVANCY. TOGETHER, THE TWO ORGANIZATIONS OWN AND MANAGE APPROXIMATELY 23,000 ACRES OF TIMBERLAND IN THE NORTHERN GREEN MOUNTAINS. THE MANAGEMENT OF THIS LAND PROVIDES DIRECT EXPERIENCE WITH THE CHALLENGES OF OWNING AND MANAGING TIMBERLAND FOR ECONOMIC AND BIODIVERSITY VALUES. THIS EXPERIENCE HAS A DIRECT IMPACT ON OUR ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND AND ADDRESS CONCERNS OF OWNERS OF CONSERVED TIMBERLAND. ALL OF THE LAND IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR HIKING, HUNTING, AND OTHER NON-MOTORIZED RECREATION.
(Code:
) (Expenses $
130,212
including grants of $
) (Revenue $
195,687
)
THE BREWSTER UPLANDS CONSERVATION TRUST IS A PROJECT TO MANAGE 1,000+ ACRES FOR PUBLIC ACCESS RECREATION AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES.
4d
Other program services (Describe in Schedule O.)
(Expenses $
130,212
including grants of $
) (Revenue $
195,687
)
4e
Total program service expenses
13,012,044
Form
990
(2012)
Form 990 (2012)
Page
3
Part IV
Checklist of Required Schedules
Yes
No
1
Is the organization described in section 501(c)(3) or 4947(a)(1) (other than a private foundation)?
If Yes, complete Schedule A
........................
1
Yes
2
Is the organization required to complete
Schedule B, Schedule of Contributors
(see instructions)?
...
2
Yes
3
Did the organization engage in direct or indirect political campaign activities on behalf of or in opposition to candidates for public office?
If Yes, complete Schedule C, Part I
..........
3
No
4
Section 501(c)(3) organizations.
Did the organization engage in lobbying activities, or have a section 501(h) election in effect during the tax year?
If Yes, complete Schedule C, Part II
........
4
Yes
5
Is the organization a section 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) organization that receives membership dues, assessments, or similar amounts as defined in Revenue Procedure 98-19?
If Yes, complete Schedule C,
Part III
............................
5
No
6
Did the organization maintain any donor advised funds or any similar funds or accounts for which donors have the right to provide advice on the distribution or investment of amounts in such funds or accounts?
If Yes, complete Schedule D, Part I
........................
6
No
7
Did the organization receive or hold a conservation easement, including easements to preserve open space,
the environment, historic land areas, or historic structures?
If Yes, complete Schedule D, Part II
...
7
Yes
8
Did the organization maintain collections of works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets?
If Yes, complete Schedule D, Part III
....................
8
No
9
Did the organization report an amount in Part X, line 21 for escrow or custodial account liability; serve as a custodian for amounts not listed in Part X; or provide credit counseling, debt management, credit repair, or debt negotiation services?
If Yes, complete Schedule D, Part IV
..............
9
No
10
Did the organization, directly or through a related organization, hold assets in temporarily restricted endowments, permanent endowments, or quasi-endowments?
If Yes, complete Schedule D, Part V
......
10
Yes
11
If the organizations answer to any of the following questions is "Yes," then complete Schedule D, Parts VI, VII, VIII, IX, or X as applicable.
a
Did the organization report an amount for land, buildings, and equipment in Part X, line 10?
If Yes, complete Schedule D, Part VI.
...................
11a
Yes
b
Did the organization report an amount for investmentsother securities in Part X, line 12 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16?
If Yes, complete Schedule D, Part VII
.......
11b
Yes
c
Did the organization report an amount for investmentsprogram related in Part X, line 13 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16?
If Yes, complete Schedule D, Part VIII
.......
11c
Yes
d
Did the organization report an amount for other assets in Part X, line 15 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16?
If Yes, complete Schedule D, Part IX
............
11d
Yes
e
Did the organization report an amount for other liabilities in Part X, line 25?
If Yes, complete Schedule D, Part X
11e
Yes
f
Did the organizations separate or consolidated financial statements for the tax year include a footnote that addresses the organizations liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC 740)?
If Yes, complete Schedule D, Part X
.........................
11f
Yes
12a
Did the organization obtain separate, independent audited financial statements for the tax year?
If Yes, complete Schedule D, Parts XI and XII
.................
12a
Yes
b
Was the organization included in consolidated, independent audited financial statements for the tax year?
If Yes, and if the organization answered "No" to line 12a, then completing Schedule D, Parts XI and XII is optional
12b
No
13
Is the organization a school described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii)?
If Yes, complete Schedule E
....
13
No
14a
Did the organization maintain an office, employees, or agents outside of the United States?
.....
14a
No
b
Did the organization have aggregate revenues or expenses of more than $10,000 from grantmaking, fundraising, business, investment, and program service activities outside the United States, or aggregate foreign investments valued at $100,000 or more?
If Yes, complete Schedule F, Parts I and IV
.........
14b
No
15
Did the organization report on Part IX, column (A), line 3, more than $5,000 of grants or assistance to any organization or entity located outside the United States?
If Yes, complete Schedule F, Parts II and IV
15
No
16
Did the organization report on Part IX, column (A), line 3, more than $5,000 of aggregate grants or assistance to individuals located outside the United States?
If Yes, complete Schedule F, Parts III and IV
...
16
No
17
Did the organization report a total of more than $15,000 of expenses for professional fundraising services on Part IX, column (A), lines 6 and 11e?
If Yes, complete Schedule G, Part I (see instructions)
....
17
No
18
Did the organization report more than $15,000 total of fundraising event gross income and contributions on Part VIII, lines 1c and 8a?
If Yes, complete Schedule G, Part II
............
18
No
19
Did the organization report more than $15,000 of gross income from gaming activities on Part VIII, line 9a?
If Yes, complete Schedule G, Part III
...................
19
No
20a
Did the organization operate one or more hospital facilities?
If Yes, complete Schedule H
....
20a
No
b
If Yes to line 20a, did the organization attach a copy of its audited financial statements to this return?
20b
Form
990
(2012)
Form 990 (2012)
Page
4
Part IV
Checklist of Required Schedules
(continued)
21
Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants and other assistance to any government or organization in the United States on Part IX, column (A), line 1?
If Yes, complete Schedule I, Parts I and II
...
21
No
22
Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants and other assistance to individuals in the United States on Part IX, column (A), line 2?
If Yes, complete Schedule I, Parts I and III
........
22
No
23
Did the organization answer Yes to Part VII, Section A, line 3, 4, or 5 about compensation of the organizations current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees?
If Yes, complete Schedule J
.......................
23
No
24a
Did the organization have a tax-exempt bond issue with an outstanding principal amount of more than $100,000 as of the last day of the year, that was issued after December 31, 2002?
If Yes, answer lines 24b through 24d and complete Schedule K. If No, go to line 25
................
24a
No
b
Did the organization invest any proceeds of tax-exempt bonds beyond a temporary period exception?
...
24b
c
Did the organization maintain an escrow account other than a refunding escrow at any time during the year
to defease any tax-exempt bonds?
......................
24c
d
Did the organization act as an on behalf of issuer for bonds outstanding at any time during the year?
...
24d
25a
Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations.
Did the organization engage in an excess benefit transaction with a disqualified person during the year?
If Yes, complete Schedule L, Part I
........
25a
No
b
Is the organization aware that it engaged in an excess benefit transaction with a disqualified person in a prior year, and that the transaction has not been reported on any of the organizations prior Forms 990 or 990-EZ?
If Yes, complete Schedule L, Part I
...................
25b
No
26
Was a loan to or by a current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, highest compensated employee, or disqualified person outstanding as of the end of the organizations tax year?
If Yes, complete Schedule L,
Part II
..........................
26
No
27
Did the organization provide a grant or other assistance to an officer, director, trustee, key employee, substantial contributor or employee thereof, a grant selection committee member, or to a 35% controlled entity or family member of any of these persons?
If Yes, complete Schedule L, Part III
.........
27
No
28
Was the organization a party to a business transaction with one of the following parties (see Schedule L, Part IV instructions for applicable filing thresholds, conditions, and exceptions):
a
A current or former officer, director, trustee, or key employee?
If Yes, complete Schedule L, Part IV
..........................
28a
No
b
A family member of a current or former officer, director, trustee, or key employee?
If Yes,
complete Schedule L, Part IV
.....................
28b
No
c
An entity of which a current or former officer, director, trustee, or key employee (or a family member thereof) was an officer, director, trustee, or direct or indirect owner?
If Yes, complete Schedule L, Part IV
...
28c
No
29
Did the organization receive more than $25,000 in non-cash contributions?
If Yes, complete Schedule M
..
29
Yes
30
Did the organization receive contributions of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets, or qualified conservation contributions?
If Yes, complete Schedule M
.............
30
Yes
31
Did the organization liquidate, terminate, or dissolve and cease operations?
If Yes, complete Schedule N,
Part I
...........................
31
No
32
Did the organization sell, exchange, dispose of, or transfer more than 25% of its net assets?
If Yes, complete Schedule N, Part II
......................
32
No
33
Did the organization own 100% of an entity disregarded as separate from the organization under Regulations sections 301.7701-2 and 301.7701-3?
If Yes, complete Schedule R, Part I
........
33
Yes
34
Was the organization related to any tax-exempt or taxable entity?
If Yes, complete Schedule R, Part II, III, or IV, and Part V, line 1
........................
34
No
35a
Did the organization have a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)?
35a
No
b
If Yes to line 35a, did the organization receive any payment from or engage in any transaction with a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)?
If Yes, complete Schedule R, Part V, line 2
...
35b
36
Section 501(c)(3) organizations.
Did the organization make any transfers to an exempt non-charitable related organization?
If Yes, complete Schedule R, Part V, line 2
.............
36
No
37
Did the organization conduct more than 5% of its activities through an entity that is not a related organization and that is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes?
If Yes, complete Schedule R, Part VI
37
No
38
Did the organization complete Schedule O and provide explanations in Schedule O for Part VI, lines 11b and 19?
Note.
All Form 990 filers are required to complete Schedule O.
............
38
Yes
Form
990
(2012)
Form 990 (2012)
Page
5
Part V
Statements Regarding Other IRS Filings and Tax Compliance
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part V
...............
Yes
No
1a
Enter the number reported in Box 3 of Form 1096 Enter -0- if not applicable
..
1a
103
b
Enter the number of Forms W-2G included in line 1a.
Enter -0-
if not applicable
.
1b
0
c
Did the organization comply with backup withholding rules for reportable payments to vendors and reportable gaming (gambling) winnings to prize winners?
..................
1c
Yes
2a
Enter the number of employees reported on Form W-3, Transmittal of Wage and
Tax Statements, filed for the calendar year ending with or within the year covered by this return
..................
2a
49
b
If at least one is reported on line 2a, did the organization file all required federal employment tax returns?
Note.
If the sum of lines 1a and 2a is greater than 250, you may be required to e-file (see instructions)
2b
Yes
3a
Did the organization have unrelated business gross income of $1,000 or more during the year?
...
3a
No
b
If Yes, has it filed a Form 990-T for this year?
If No, provide an explanation in Schedule O
.....
3b
4a
At any time during the calendar year, did the organization have an interest in, or a signature or other authority over, a financial account in a foreign country (such as a bank account, securities account, or other financial account)?
..........................
4a
Yes
b
If "Yes," enter the name of the foreign country:
CJ
See instructions for filing requirements for Form TD F 90-22.1, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts.
5a
Was the organization a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction at any time during the tax year?
..
5a
No
b
Did any taxable party notify the organization that it was or is a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction?
5b
No
c
If Yes, to line 5a or 5b, did the organization file Form 8886-T?
............
5c
6a
Does the organization have annual gross receipts that are normally greater than $100,000, and did the organization solicit any contributions that were not tax deductible as charitable contributions?
...
6a
No
b
If Yes, did the organization include with every solicitation an express statement that such contributions or gifts were not tax deductible?
........................
6b
7
Organizations that may receive deductible contributions under section 170(c).
a
Did the organization receive a payment in excess of $75 made partly as a contribution and partly for goods and services provided to the payor?
....................
7a
No
b
If Yes, did the organization notify the donor of the value of the goods or services provided?
.....
7b
c
Did the organization sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of tangible personal property for which it was required to file Form 8282?
...........................
7c
No
d
If Yes, indicate the number of Forms 8282 filed during the year
....
7d
e
Did the organization receive any funds, directly or indirectly, to pay premiums on a personal benefit contract?
............................
7e
No
f
Did the organization, during the year, pay premiums, directly or indirectly, on a personal benefit contract?
..
7f
No
g
If the organization received a contribution of qualified intellectual property, did the organization file Form 8899 as required?
............................
7g
h
If the organization received a contribution of cars, boats, airplanes, or other vehicles, did the organization file a Form 1098-C?
..........................
7h
8
Sponsoring organizations maintaining donor advised funds and section 509(a)(3) supporting organizations.
Did the supporting organization, or a donor advised fund maintained by a sponsoring organization, have excess business holdings at any time during the year?
............
8
9
Sponsoring organizations maintaining donor advised funds.
a
Did the organization make any taxable distributions under section 4966?
..........
9a
b
Did the organization make a distribution to a donor, donor advisor, or related person?
.......
9b
10
Section 501(c)(7) organizations.
Enter:
a
Initiation fees and capital contributions included on Part VIII, line 12
...
10a
b
Gross receipts, included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, for public use of club facilities
10b
11
Section 501(c)(12) organizations.
Enter:
a
Gross income from members or shareholders
.........
11a
b
Gross income from other sources (Do not net amounts due or paid to other sources against amounts due or received from them.)
..........
11b
12a
Section 4947(a)(1) non-exempt charitable trusts.
Is the organization filing Form 990 in lieu of Form 1041?
12a
b
If Yes, enter the amount of tax-exempt interest received or accrued during the year.
....................
12b
13
Section 501(c)(29) qualified nonprofit health insurance issuers.
a
Is the organization licensed to issue qualified health plans in more than one state?
Note.
See the instructions for additional information the organization must report on Schedule O.
13a
b
Enter the amount of reserves the organization is required to maintain by the states in which the organization is licensed to issue qualified health plans
....
13b
c
Enter the amount of reserves on hand
............
13c
14a
Did the organization receive any payments for indoor tanning services during the tax year?
.....
14a
No
b
If "Yes," has it filed a Form 720 to report these payments?
If No, provide an explanation in Schedule O
..
14b
Form
990
(2012)
Form 990 (2012)
Page
6
Part VI
Governance, Management, and Disclosure
For each Yes response to lines 2 through 7b below, and for a No response to lines 8a, 8b, or 10b below, describe the circumstances, processes, or changes in Schedule O. See instructions.
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part VI
...............
Section A. Governing Body and Management
Yes
No
1a
Enter the number of voting members of the governing body at the end of the tax year
.....................
1a
15
If there are material differences in voting rights among members of the governing body, or if the governing body delegated broad authority to an executive committee or similar committee, explain in Schedule O.
b
Enter the number of voting members included in line 1a, above, who are independent
...................
1b
15
2
Did any officer, director, trustee, or key employee have a family relationship or a business relationship with any other officer, director, trustee, or key employee?
.................
2
No
3
Did the organization delegate control over management duties customarily performed by or under the direct supervision of officers, directors or trustees, or key employees to a management company or other person?
.
3
No
4
Did the organization make any significant changes to its governing documents since the prior Form 990 was filed?
...........................
4
No
5
Did the organization become aware during the year of a significant diversion of the organizations assets?
.
5
No
6
Did the organization have members or stockholders?
................
6
Yes
7a
Did the organization have members, stockholders, or other persons who had the power to elect or appoint one or more members of the governing body?
....................
7a
Yes
b
Are any governance decisions of the organization reserved to (or subject to approval by) members, stockholders, or persons other than the governing body?
...................
7b
Yes
8
Did the organization contemporaneously document the meetings held or written actions undertaken during the year by the following:
a
The governing body?
.........................
8a
Yes
b
Each committee with authority to act on behalf of the governing body?
............
8b
Yes
9
Is there any officer, director, trustee, or key employee listed in Part VII, Section A, who cannot be reached at the organizations mailing address?
If Yes, provide the names and addresses in Schedule O
.......
9
No
Section B. Policies
(
This Section B requests information about policies not required by the Internal Revenue Code.
)
Yes
No
10a
Did the organization have local chapters, branches, or affiliates?
............
10a
No
b
If Yes, did the organization have written policies and procedures governing the activities of such chapters, affiliates, and branches to ensure their operations are consistent with the organization's exempt purposes?
10b
11a
Has the organization provided a complete copy of this Form 990 to all members of its governing body before filing the form?
............................
11a
Yes
b
Describe in Schedule O the process, if any, used by the organization to review this Form 990.
.....
12a
Did the organization have a written conflict of interest policy?
If No, go to line 13
.......
12a
Yes
b
Were officers, directors, or trustees, and key employees required to disclose annually interests that could give rise to conflicts?
..........................
12b
Yes
c
Did the organization regularly and consistently monitor and enforce compliance with the policy?
If Yes, describe in Schedule O how this was done
.......................
12c
Yes
13
Did the organization have a written whistleblower policy?
...............
13
Yes
14
Did the organization have a written document retention and destruction policy?
.........
14
Yes
15
Did the process for determining compensation of the following persons include a review and approval by independent persons, comparability data, and contemporaneous substantiation of the deliberation and decision?
a
The organizations CEO, Executive Director, or top management official
...........
15a
Yes
b
Other officers or key employees of the organization
................
15b
Yes
If "Yes" to line 15a or 15b, describe the process in Schedule O (see instructions).
16a
Did the organization invest in, contribute assets to, or participate in a joint venture or similar arrangement with a taxable entity during the year?
......................
16a
No
b
If Yes, did the organization follow a written policy or procedure requiring the organization to evaluate its participation in joint venture arrangements under applicable federal tax law, and take steps to safeguard the organizations exempt status with respect to such arrangements?
............
16b
Section C. Disclosure
17
List the States with which a copy of this Form 990 is required to be filed
VT
,
MA
,
CT
,
PA
,
VA
,
NH
,
FL
,
NY
,
CA
,
NJ
,
MD
18
Section 6104 requires an organization to make its Form 1023 (or 1024 if applicable), 990, and 990-T (501(c)(3)s only) available for public inspection. Indicate how you made these available. Check all that apply.
Own website
Another's website
Upon request
Other (explain in Schedule O)
19
Describe in Schedule O whether (and if so, how), the organization made its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public during the tax year.
20
State the name, physical address, and telephone number of the person who possesses the books and records of the organization:
RICK PROVOST
8 BAILEY AVENUEMONTPELIERVT05602
(802) 223-5234
Form
990
(2012)
Form 990 (2012)
Page
7
Part VII
Compensation of Officers, Directors,Trustees, Key Employees, Highest Compensated Employees, and Independent Contractors
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part VII
...............
Section A. Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees
1a
Complete this table for all persons required to be listed. Report compensation for the calendar year ending with or within the organizations tax year.
List all of the organizations
current
officers, directors, trustees (whether individuals or organizations), regardless of amount
of compensation. Enter -0- in columns (D), (E), and (F) if no compensation was paid.
List all of the organizations
current
key employees, if any. See instructions for definition of "key employee."
List the organizations five
current
highest compensated employees (other than an officer, director, trustee or key employee)
who received reportable compensation (Box 5 of Form W-2 and/or Box 7 of Form 1099-MISC) of more than $100,000 from the
organization and any related organizations.
List all of the organizations
former
officers, key employees, or highest compensated employees who received more than $100,000
of reportable compensation from the organization and any related organizations.
List all of the organizations
former directors or trustees
that received, in the capacity as a former director or trustee of the
organization, more than $10,000 of reportable compensation from the organization and any related organizations.
List persons in the following order: individual trustees or directors; institutional trustees; officers; key employees; highest
compensated employees; and former such persons.
Check this box if neither the organization nor any related organization compensated any current officer, director, or trustee.
(A)
Name and Title
(B)
Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line)
(C)
Position (do not check more than one box, unless person is both an officer and a director/trustee)
(D)
Reportable compensation from the organization (W- 2/1099-MISC)
(E)
Reportable compensation from related organizations (W- 2/1099-MISC)
(F)
Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations
(1)
VIRGINIA BARLOW
........................................................................
TRUSTEE
1.00
.......................
X
0
0
0
(2)
PETER HAYDEN
........................................................................
TRUSTEE
1.00
.......................
X
0
0
0
(3)
MOLLY LEBOWITZ
........................................................................
TRUSTEE
1.00
.......................
X
0
0
0
(4)
SARAH MUYSKENS
........................................................................
TRUSTEE
1.00
.......................
X
0
0
0
(5)
MARC MIHALY
........................................................................
TRUSTEE
1.00
.......................
X
0
0
0
(6)
ELIOT ORTON
........................................................................
TRUSTEE
1.00
.......................
X
0
0
0
(7)
CHARLIE SINCERBEAUX
........................................................................
TRUSTEE
1.00
.......................
X
0
0
0
(8)
DEB BRIGHTON
........................................................................
TRUSTEE
1.00
.......................
X
0
0
0
(9)
WALTER POLEMAN
........................................................................
TRUSTEE
1.00
.......................
X
0
0
0
(10)
JOHN ROBERTS
........................................................................
TRUSTEE
1.00
.......................
X
0
0
0
(11)
HEATHER DARBY
........................................................................
TRUSTEE
1.00
.......................
X
0
0
0
(12)
PETE LAND
........................................................................
TRUSTEE
1.00
.......................
X
0
0
0
(13)
CHARLIE TIPPER
........................................................................
TRUSTEE
1.00
.......................
X
0
0
0
(14)
SUSAN ABBOTT
........................................................................
TRUSTEE
1.00
.......................
X
0
0
0
(15)
ELENA GUSTAVSON
........................................................................
TRUSTEE
1.00
.......................
X
0
0
0
(16)
GILBERT LIVINGSTON
........................................................................
PRESIDENT
40.00
.......................
X
136,792
0
0
(17)
ELISE ANNES
........................................................................
VICE-PRESIDENT COMMUNICATI
40.00
.......................
X
110,771
0
2,220
Form
990
(2012)
Form 990 (2012)
Page
8
Part VII
Section A. Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees
(continued)
(A)
Name and Title
(B)
Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line)
(C)
Position (do not check more than one box, unless person is both an officer and a director/trustee)
(D)
Reportable compensation from the organization (W- 2/1099-MISC)
(E)
Reportable compensation from related organizations (W- 2/1099-MISC)
(F)
Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations
(18)
DENNIS SHAFFER
........................................................................
VP STEWARDSHIP
40.00
.......................
X
90,727
0
22,268
(19)
REBECCA ELDER
........................................................................
SECRETARY
40.00
.......................
X
56,750
0
4,200
(20)
NICK RICHARDSON
........................................................................
VICE-PRESIDENT ENTERPRISE AND FINANCE
40.00
.......................
X
27,263
0
4,261
(21)
SIOBHAN SMITH
........................................................................
VICE-PRESIDENT FOR LAND CONSERVATION
40.00
.......................
X
65,248
0
19,420
1b
Sub-Total
................
c
Total from continuation sheets to Part VII, Section A
....
d
Total (add lines 1b and 1c)
............
487,551
0
52,369
2
Total number of individuals (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of reportable compensation from the organization
2
Yes
No
3
Did the organization list any
former
officer, director or trustee, key employee, or highest compensated employee on line 1a?
If Yes, complete Schedule J for such individual
..............
3
No
4
For any individual listed on line 1a, is the sum of reportable compensation and other compensation from the organization and related organizations greater than $150,000?
If Yes, complete Schedule J for such individual
...........................
4
No
5
Did any person listed on line 1a receive or accrue compensation from any unrelated organization or individual for services rendered to the organization?
If Yes, complete Schedule J for such person
........
5
No
Section B. Independent Contractors
1
Complete this table for your five highest compensated independent contractors that received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. Report compensation for the calendar year ending with or within the organizations tax year.
(A)
Name and business address
(B)
Description of services
(C)
Compensation
2
Total number of independent contractors (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization
0
Form
990
(2012)
Form 990 (2012)
Page
9
Part VIII
Statement of Revenue
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part VIII
..............
(A)
Total revenue
(B)
Related or
exempt
function
revenue
(C)
Unrelated
business
revenue
(D)
Revenue
excluded from
tax under sections
512, 513, or 514
1a
Federated campaigns
..
1a
97,647
b
Membership dues
....
1b
1,034,448
c
Fundraising events
....
1c
d
Related organizations
...
1d
e
Government grants (contributions)
1e
6,708,279
f
All other contributions, gifts, grants, and
similar amounts not included above
1f
4,826,284
g
Noncash contributions included in lines
1a-1f:$
1,095,768
h
Total.
Add lines 1a-1f
.......
12,666,658
Business Code
2a
PROJECT INCOME
515100
745,212
745,212
b
CONSERVED PROPERTY LOGGING INCOME
110000
3,961
3,961
c
FARM INCOME
110000
2,130
2,130
d
e
f
All other program service revenue .
g
Total.
Add lines 2a2f
........
751,303
3
Investment income (including dividends, interest,
and other similar amounts)
.......
351,770
351,770
4
Income from investment of tax-exempt bond proceeds
..
5
Royalties
...........
(i) Real
(ii) Personal
6a
Gross rents
57,790
b
Less: rental expenses
0
c
Rental income or (loss)
57,790
d
Net rental income or (loss)
.......
57,790
57,790
(i) Securities
(ii) Other
7a
Gross amount from sales of assets other than inventory
2,651,330
1,471,654
b
Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses
2,390,070
1,455,013
c
Gain or (loss)
261,260
16,641
d
Net gain or (loss)
..........
277,901
16,641
261,260
8a
Gross income from fundraising events (not including
$
of contributions reported on line 1c).
See Part IV, line 18
..
a
b
Less: direct expenses
...
b
c
Net income or (loss) from fundraising events
..
9a
Gross income from gaming activities.
See Part IV, line 19
...
a
b
Less: direct expenses
...
b
c
Net income or (loss) from gaming activities
...
10a
Gross sales of inventory, less
returns and allowances
.
a
b
Less: cost of goods sold
..
b
c
Net income or (loss) from sales of inventory
..
Miscellaneous Revenue
Business Code
11a
b
c
d
All other revenue
....
e
Total.
Add lines 11a11d
......
12
Total revenue.
See Instructions.
.....
14,105,422
767,944
0
670,820
Form
990
(2012)
Form 990 (2012)
Page
10
Part IX
Statement of Functional Expenses
Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations must complete all columns. All other organizations must complete column (A).
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part IX
...............
Do not include amounts reported on lines 6b,
7b, 8b, 9b, and 10b of Part VIII.
(A)
Total expenses
(B)
Program service
expenses
(C)
Management and
general expenses
(D)
Fundraising
expenses
1
Grants and other assistance to governments and organizations in the United States. See Part IV, line 21
2
Grants and other assistance to individuals in the United States. See Part IV, line 22
3
Grants and other assistance to governments, organizations, and individuals outside the United States. See Part IV, lines 15 and 16
4
Benefits paid to or for members
5
Compensation of current officers, directors, trustees, and key employees
....
603,565
307,260
194,552
101,753
6
Compensation not included above, to disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)) and persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B)
....
7
Other salaries and wages
1,879,792
1,481,275
185,072
213,445
8
Pension plan accruals and contributions (include section 401(k) and 403(b) employer contributions)
....
9
Other employee benefits
.......
668,352
482,206
104,688
81,458
10
Payroll taxes
...........
210,144
181,045
8,102
20,997
11
Fees for services (non-employees):
a
Management
......
b
Legal
.........
108,680
108,680
c
Accounting
...........
26,944
23,106
3,495
343
d
Lobbying
...........
e
Professional fundraising services.
See Part IV, line 17
f
Investment management fees
......
186,423
105,200
62,662
18,561
g
Other (If line 11g amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 11g expenses on Schedule O)
........
12
Advertising and promotion
....
13
Office expenses
.......
50,454
28,472
16,959
5,023
14
Information technology
......
15
Royalties
..
16
Occupancy
...........
149,258
110,914
38,344
17
Travel
............
129,930
115,533
6,231
8,166
18
Payments of travel or entertainment expenses for any federal, state, or local public officials
......
19
Conferences, conventions, and meetings
....
34,299
19,355
11,529
3,415
20
Interest
...........
76,702
76,702
21
Payments to affiliates
.......
22
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
.....
76,976
65,473
10,616
887
23
Insurance
..............
32,547
15,333
16,083
1,131
24
Other expenses. Itemize expenses not covered above (List miscellaneous expenses in line 24e. If line 24e amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 24e expenses on Schedule O.)
a
DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS EXPE
7,303,679
7,303,679
0
0
b
CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY
1,680,000
1,680,000
0
0
c
PROJECT FEASIBILITY AND
221,818
221,818
0
0
d
OTHER OPERATING EXPENSE
201,187
113,531
67,625
20,031
e
All other expenses
679,139
572,462
88,683
17,994
25
Total functional expenses.
Add lines 1 through 24e
14,319,889
13,012,044
814,641
493,204
26
Joint costs.
Complete this line only if the organization reported in column (B) joint costs from a combined educational campaign and fundraising solicitation.
Check here
if following SOP 98-2 (ASC 958-720).
Form
990
(2012)
Form 990 (2012)
Page
11
Part X
Balance Sheet
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part X
...............
(A)
Beginning of year
(B)
End of year
1
Cashnon-interest-bearing
.............
574,371
1
348,444
2
Savings and temporary cash investments
.........
4,295,830
2
2,080,893
3
Pledges and grants receivable, net
...........
90,497
3
548,807
4
Accounts receivable, net
.............
4
5
Loans and other receivables from current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees. Complete Part II of
Schedule L
..................
5
6
Loans and other receivables from other disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)), persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B), and contributing employers and sponsoring organizations of section 501(c)(9) voluntary employees' beneficiary organizations (see instructions) Complete Part II of Schedule L
6
7
Notes and loans receivable, net
.............
697,729
7
370,290
8
Inventories for sale or use
..............
10,608
8
10,608
9
Prepaid expenses and deferred charges
..........
9
10a
Land, buildings, and equipment: cost or other basis.
Complete Part VI of Schedule D
10a
11,044,795
b
Less: accumulated depreciation
.....
10b
1,158,471
4,823,181
10c
9,886,324
11
Investmentspublicly traded securities
..........
6,881,478
11
7,581,847
12
Investmentsother securities. See Part IV, line 11
.....
2,617,322
12
2,700,868
13
Investmentsprogram-related. See Part IV, line 11
.....
3,110,569
13
3,092,997
14
Intangible assets
...............
14
15
Other assets. See Part IV, line 11
...........
10,628,282
15
11,424,363
16
Total assets.
Add lines 1 through 15 (must equal line 34)
......
33,729,867
16
38,045,441
17
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
.........
1,318,658
17
334,195
18
Grants payable
.................
18
19
Deferred revenue
................
19
20
Tax-exempt bond liabilities
.............
20
21
Escrow or custodial account liability.
Complete Part IV of Schedule D
..
21
22
Loans and other payables to current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, highest compensated employees, and disqualified
persons.
Complete Part II of Schedule L
..........
22
23
Secured mortgages and notes payable to unrelated third parties
..
403,796
23
4,323,375
24
Unsecured notes and loans payable to unrelated third parties
....
24
25
Other liabilities (including federal income tax, payables to related third parties, and other liabilities not included on lines 17-24).
Complete Part X of Schedule D
....................
2,009,999
25
1,964,275
26
Total liabilities.
Add lines 17 through 25
.........
3,732,453
26
6,621,845
Organizations that follow SFAS 117 (ASC 958),
check here
and complete lines 27 through 29, and lines 33 and 34.
27
Unrestricted net assets
..............
8,150,910
27
10,437,403
28
Temporarily restricted net assets
...........
13,370,939
28
12,091,428
29
Permanently restricted net assets
...........
8,475,565
29
8,894,765
Organizations that do not follow SFAS 117 (ASC 958),
check here
and complete lines 30 through 34.
30
Capital stock or trust principal, or current funds
........
30
31
Paid-in or capital surplus, or land, building or equipment fund
.....
31
32
Retained earnings, endowment, accumulated income, or other funds
32
33
Total net assets or fund balances
...........
29,997,414
33
31,423,596
34
Total liabilities and net assets/fund balances
........
33,729,867
34
38,045,441
Form
990
(2012)
Form 990 (2012)
Page
12
Part XI
Reconcilliation of Net Assets
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part XI
...............
1
Total revenue (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12)
............
1
14,105,422
2
Total expenses (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25)
............
2
14,319,889
3
Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 2 from line 1
..............
3
-214,467
4
Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year (must equal Part X, line 33, column (A))
..
4
29,997,414
5
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments
...............
5
1,640,649
6
Donated services and use of facilities
.................
6
7
Investment expenses
.....................
7
8
Prior period adjustments
.....................
8
9
Other changes in net assets or fund balances (explain in Schedule O)
........
9
0
10
Net assets or fund balances at end of year. Combine lines 3 through 9 (must equal Part X, line 33, column (B))
10
31,423,596
Part XII
Financial Statements and Reporting
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part XII
..............
Yes
No
1
Accounting method used to prepare the Form 990:
Cash
Accrual
Other
If the organization changed its method of accounting from a prior year or checked "Other," explain in
Schedule O.
2a
Were the organizations financial statements compiled or reviewed by an independent accountant?
2a
No
If Yes, check a box below to indicate whether the financial statements for the year were compiled or reviewed on a separate basis, consolidated basis, or both:
Separate basis
Consolidated basis
Both consolidated and separate basis
b
Were the organizations financial statements audited by an independent accountant?
2b
Yes
If Yes, check a box below to indicate whether the financial statements for the year were audited on a separate basis, consolidated basis, or both:
Separate basis
Consolidated basis
Both consolidated and separate basis
c
If Yes, to line 2a or 2b, does the organization have a committee that assumes responsibility for oversight
of the audit, review, or compilation of its financial statements and selection of an independent accountant?
2c
Yes
If the organization changed either its oversight process or selection process during the tax year, explain in Schedule O.
3a
As a result of a federal award, was the organization required to undergo an audit or audits as set forth in the Single Audit Act and OMB Circular A-133?
3a
No
b
If Yes, did the organization undergo the required audit or audits?
If the organization did not undergo the required audit or audits, explain why in Schedule O and describe any steps taken to undergo such audits
3b
Form
990
(2012)
Form 990, Special Condition Description:
Special Condition Description
Additional Data
Software ID:
Software Version: