2011 Summer Newsletter (2010 Annual Report)

Annual Report 2010
Highlights of 2010
Complex Transactions Completed
MVC pursued land protection projects requiring a greater level of
transactional sophistication, including purchase of a $660,000 tract
of land using a half-million-dollar loan from The Conservation Fund,
which was repaid with grants from both the Wisconsin DNR and U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service. Page 5
n Mississippi Valley Conservancy
protects a variety of landscapes
throughout southwest Wisconsin.
Protected bluffs rise above the
Mississippi River in our cover photo
by Robert Hurt. Here, the region’s rich
conservation legacy is reflected in the
contoured fields of a blufftop farm.
Rare Natural & Cultural Resources Protected
Uncommon resources such as an algific talus slope with northern
monkshood and endangered Pleistocene snails, as well as effigy
mounds and other archaeological features were preserved in the
purchase of Chase Creek and Eagle Eye State Natural Area. Page 6
Gift Properties Protected for Local NonProfits
Two nonprofit organizations received a large land bequest and
turned to Mississippi Valley Conservancy to manage the transaction
and conservation planning. Page 6
Youth Programming Surges
Environmental education programs for youth grew with the
addition of a staff outreach coordinator. Page 10
Ecosystem Restoration Scaled Up
Through collaboration with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, ecological
restoration was greatly expanded. Staff grew from one part-time
restoration biologist to two full-time positions. Page 13
Accreditation Application Submitted
2010 was a year to step back, catch our breath, and reexamine what
we do and how we do it, as we prepared for national land trust
accreditation. Page 14
n At Sugar
Creek Bluffs near
Ferryville, Wisc.,
MVC conservation
specialist Abbie
Church provides
students with a
new view of the
Mississippi River
valley.
Photo: Robert J.Hurt
A Year of Maturity for Mississippi Valley Conservancy
Letter from President of the Board
Letter from the Executive Director
In my corporate career at Trane Company and American Standard and on the boards of other
organizations, I had the opportunity to manage and observe a variety of business and nonprofit groups, both domestic and international. With that perspective, I have been, and remain,
impressed by the capabilities and accomplishments achieved by Mississippi Valley Conservancy in just a handful of years. The strength of the organization flows from the care, commitment
and dedication of MVC’s founders, financial contributors, volunteers, board members and staff.
I have witnessed the growth and maturation of Mississippi Valley Conservancy since shortly
after its founding: first as a donor, later as a volunteer and board member, and most recently as
its executive director.
Mississippi Valley Conservancy has become the largest, most active and, arguably, the most
visible land trust among more than 50 based in the State of Wisconsin. It has succeeded in protecting many of the most threatened and precious parts of our landscape, with a monetary value
of more than $41 million, and an ecological and scenic value that’s huge but incalculable. These
properties include gorgeous bluffs, high quality, savannas, prairies, forests and working farms.
To ensure permanence and sustainability of these conservation projects, MVC has succeeded
in amassing nearly $400,000 for long term monitoring and enforcement of our conservation
easements. The Conservancy secures many millions of dollars of grant funding for land protection projects on a routine basis, and our base of membership support continues to grow.
MVC works from a strategic plan focused on (1) conservation of critical wildlife habitat and
working farms; (2) ecological restoration of lands owned by MVC; and (3) education of, and
outreach to, our youth.
2010 marked the achievement of many goals. These include: becoming the first land trust in
Wisconsin to successfully protect an algific talus slope–a rare geological formation that essentially sustains an ecosystem frozen in time, leading more than 1,000 young people on handson nature learning experiences, hiring two full-time land management professionals, launching a redesigned website, and registering for national land trust accreditation–something only
about eight percent of the 1,700 land trusts in the country have done. Organizational maturity
was achieved through self-evaluation and implementation of new policies and written procedures that help maintain high standards and ensure continuity over time.
Mississippi Valley Conservancy has a mission to be a trusty and steady watchdog for the landscape. MVC is the singular guardian in southwestern Wisconsin for privately owned, conserved
land. As president, I am pleased to see MVC continue to refine and strengthen its structure and
its work to carry out its enduring, positive mission for the land.
George Kerckhove
President of the Board, MVC
I remember when the Conservancy did not have staff members, when MVC completed its first
conservation project, when the organization’s potential was that of a burr oak’s brushy-capped
acorn. The ingredients for growth were present, but challenges loomed as big as the hunger of
a white-tailed buck in January.
Nearly 15 years later, MVC has added rings of dense wood and shot upward to catch powerful
rays of energy and support, while spreading its branches and foliage across nine counties in
southwestern Wisconsin.
In this time, the Conservancy has permanently protected more than 100 properties encompassing more than 12,000 acres valued at $41 million, while also restoring native natural
communities and educating thousands of people, young and old, about ecology. Mississippi
Valley Conservancy has grown robustly to tackle multi-million-dollar conservation transactions, management of 4,000 acres of nature preserves, annual monitoring of nearly 9,000 acres
of conservation easements, and outreach to more than 1,000 children each year.
The growth and reach of the organization is the result of the combined energy, dedication and
passion of 1,500 contributing members, a committed and knowledgeable board of directors,
and professional staff members working to accomplish MVC’s mission.
The opportunities we pursue, as well as the magnitude of challenges we face are, in many
ways, as great today as they were during MVC’s infancy. Now, however, the trunk of our organization is a sturdy record of conservation success, encircled by the interlocking arms of a large
assemblage of caring landowners, a solid and growing membership base, and knowledge that
we can accomplish great things.
With so much invested in the future of our shared, precious landscape, MVC’s need for continued sustenance from members has never been greater. We appreciate the organization
you have nurtured and the mission you have believed in. MVC is no longer the acorn or a little
sapling. Stick with us, and you will witness a land trust as mature and sturdy as a wizened oak,
deeply rooted on a blufftop savanna.
Tim Jacobson
Executive Director, MVC
Committed to Preserving Natural Landscapes
Buffalo
Protected Properties
Jackson
Trempealeau
La Crosse
Legend
= Protected 2010
= Protected 1999-2009
= Prioritiy Conservation Areas
Mississippi Valley Conservancy Protected 10 Properties in 2010
Land is protected two ways: private property owners retain full use and ownership but donate or sell development rights to MVC, or land is donated or purchased outright by MVC. All lands protected by MVC are shown on the map at right.
!
Monroe
!
!!
Vernon
Crawford
Eagle Eye State Natural Area
70 acre land purchase, Vernon County
This property is an incredible combination
of scenic beauty, natural resources and
archeological treasures. Located on the
scenic Bad Axe River, this naturally diverse
bluffland contains rock shelters, village sites
and burial mounds left by prehistoric
native peoples.
48 acre conservation easement donation,
Vernon County
Directly adjacent to MVC’s Eagle Eye State
Natural Area, this rare, scenic property is
nearly surrounded by the Bad Axe River.
It contains incredible natural resources,
archeological treasures and abundant
native species, including the largest known
population of the rare cherrystone drop
land snail in the state.
La Crosse River ConservancyJohnson Tract
Fisher
MVC added a high-quality wetland parcel
to it’s significant holdings in the La Crosse
River Conservancy project area. This scenic
and natural land can be enjoyed by the
public from the La Crosse River State Bike
Trail or by paddlers from the La Crosse River.
Along the scenic “Great River Road” near
Genoa, this project helps to protect the
world-class scenic beauty and biodiversity
of the Mississippi River blufflands. This
land contains healthy hardwood forests
that provide food and shelter for many
migratory bird species.
10 acre land purchase, La Crosse County
Theler
33 acre donated conservation easement,
Vernon County
Norskedalen Nature & Heritage
Center and Moen Cemetery Assoc.
209 acre conservation easement donation,
Monroe County This bluffland project protects a large and
scenic ridge-top farm and provides benefits
to two valued MVC partners—a powerful
example to the public. Agricultural use and
woodlands are protected forever. The land
contains large tracts of diverse and healthy
hardwood forests and beautiful, open
ridge-top fields.
Wallock
46 acre donated conservation easement,
Crawford County
Grant
This project marks the second generous
donation by the Wallocks, aimed at
protecting a large tract (346 acres total)
of native grasslands and woodlands. The
protected land is especially significant
because it’s directly adjacent to the
Wisconsin DNR’s “Bell Center Unit.”
Greens Coulee Park Addition
Waters Edge Woods
30 acre land purchase, La Crosse County
21 acre land donation, Jackson County
With this project, a significant addition
was made to the popular Green’s Coulee
Park in Onalaska. This bluffland property
is quite scenic and diverse, containing
native hardwood forest and a rare dry
prairie/dry cliffs complex.
MVC’s first-owned property in Jackson
County is a real gem. Located on the Black
River, it contains over 700 feet of scenic
shoreline, healthy native forest, diverse
wetlands, and borders two coldwater
trout streams.
Cejpek
Chase Creek State Natural Area
The Bad Axe River flows through this
diverse and scenic property. A bounty
of colorful wildflowers have a home on
this land in lush, wet prairies and sedge
meadows that stretch along the river
banks. Higher in the bluffs, this land
provides a refuge for native creatures that
reside in mature oak-hickory forests.
The extremely rare Algific Talus Slope
natural community exists on this scenic
property where ancient bluffs actually
“breath” cool air during spring and
summer months. The property includes
roughly a half mile of Chase Creek; a
classic, clear-running trout stream in
a remote valley nearly untouched by
humans.
139 acre donated conservation easement,
Vernon County
98 acre land purchase, Grant County
n Jim Theler enjoys
a quiet spring day
working on his Cade
Mound property in
Vernon County.
Committed to Serving Landowners
Personal Needs Met,
Places Protected Forever
In 2010, with the help of Mississippi Valley Conservancy, ten southwest Wisconsin
landowners completed agreements that permanently protect places they value from
residential and commercial development.
Jim Theler is one of those landowners. Nearly a decade ago he acquired a beautiful
hill in the Bad Axe River valley called Cade Mound. It’s a unique place with native hill
prairie, old growth oak savanna, a fast-moving stream, and more than 250 species of
plants. He enjoys it and goes there often to cut fire wood, manage the land, study land
snails, and hunt.
After an old friend urged Theler to develop a conservation easement for his land, he
connected with MVC to make it happen. Permanent, voluntary protection wasn’t a
hard choice, he says, “given the persistent pace of rural residential development and
continued loss of the region’s few remaining native plant and animal communities.”
Over a period of several months, Theler worked with MVC staffer Abbie Church to design a protection plan that fit his life and goals. He asked for a legal agreement that
put ownership, access, and land management squarely in his hands, but prevented
future subdivision or commercial development. “I had psychological needs, too,” he
says. “At the back of the property there’s an eight-acre parcel that isn’t too sensitive.
I wanted to make sure my children could build a cabin there someday, when they
inherit.”
The comprehensive conservation plan developed for Cade Mound fit Jim Theler’s
needs “precisely,” he says, and he encourages anyone with property in the Coulee
Region to contact MVC for information and consider a conservation easement.
“We need to be caretakers of our region’s natural resources and beauty and not just
takers,” he says. “I’ve evaluated this decision many times, going through all the issues
involved in separating property ownership rights from development rights, and I
always come back to the fact that it was the right thing to do. It’s something positive
that will ‘live on’--something we can do. It feels good.”
Committed
to Getting People Outdoors
Youth Thrive on MVC
Outdoor Experiences
n Lincoln School
seventh graders
work hard to remove
honeysuckle from
MVC’s Hass property
and learn first-hand
what happens
when non-native
plants take over an
ecosystem.
In the introduction to the book “Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder,” author Richard Louv highlights the fact that children are becoming increasingly disconnected from the natural world. Yet, at the same time, “a growing
body of research links our mental, physical, and spiritual health directly to our association with nature—in positive ways.” He goes on to argue that the “health of the earth
is at stake” if we fail to reduce this deficit of interaction with nature. “How the young
respond to nature, and how they raise their own children, will shape the configurations
and conditions of our cities, homes—our daily lives.”
Mississippi Valley Conservancy recognized these issues when formulating its current
strategic plan. The plan sets forth a vision for the year 2050 that includes a “curriculum
for schools developed by MVC…adopted throughout the region and used in connection with the local lands made available by MVC as outdoor classrooms.” The plan expands on that dream: “Understanding of the natural world and the interconnectedness
of well being for the land and the people who live on it have resulted in a generation of
young men and women dedicated to land conservation. Their influence is being felt in
all levels of government and society.”
The Conservancy takes seriously the environmental education prong of its strategic
plan. In 2010, MVC made a tangible and significant commitment to furthering this goal
by creating an outreach coordinator staff position which is held by Kathy Frise. By taking
this step, MVC expanded from minimal youth engagement to giving more than 1,000
students hands-on nature experiences on MVC properties in a single year.
We at MVC are proud of the significant and measurable progress made in providing environmental education experiences for young people. Nevertheless, we recognize that
much more needs to be done. Tens of thousands of students in the blufflands region
of the Upper Mississippi have yet to be reached. We look forward to connecting with
more-and-more schools and youth groups, and we invite teachers and youth leaders
to reach out to MVC and assist us in reducing the pervasive nature deficit of so many of
our area’s children.
10
11
n Mississippi Valley
Conservancy staff and
volunteers conduct
a controlled burn to
renew the native prairie
below Miller Bluff, at
the north end of the
La Crosse bluffs.
Committed
to Ecosystem Restoration
Volunteers & Staff
Renew Native Landscapes
Realizing the need for additional staff as protected acreage grew, Mississippi Valley
Conservancy greatly expanded its commitment to manage and restore protected
properties in 2010.
Internal commitment of funds and a key partnership with the US Fish & Wildlife Service
made it possible to expand MVC’s professional land management staff from one parttime to two full-time employees in a single year. A strong internship program provided
staffing as well; Adam Johnson, Amber Miller, Lucas Olson, Nick Johansen and Sara
Randle gained valuable experience while controlling invasive species and restoring
habitats on MVC properties.
Dedicated, energetic volunteers donated time to advance projects including invasive
species control, prescribed fire, trail maintenance and prairie planting. Teams of
enthusiastic young people contributed to restoration projects while getting exercise
and learning from MVC staff about the natural world that exists in their own back yard.
MVC significantly increased prescribed fire capabilities in 2010. With enthusiastic
volunteer support and help from partners including Wisconsin DNR staff, 479 acres were
burned. Expanded prescribed fire work is planned for MVC properties, as this is the most
critical tool we have to manage fire dependant plant communities and control invasive
species.
In addition to support for land management staff at MVC, Fish & Wildlife Service made
habitat restoration projects possible on private lands and seven MVC-owned properties
through its Partner’s for Fish and Wildlife program. Funding from a Wisconsin State
Wildlife grant, the Wildlife Habitat Improvement program, Paul E. Stry Foundation,
Xcel Energy Foundation, Landowner Incentive program, and the Conservation Reserve
Program also supported ecological restoration activities.
This multitude of personal and organizational commitments makes it possible to
manage MVC properties and stop the decline of native plant communities and species
that depend on them. With continued help, MVC will restore imperiled habitats and
protect the biodiversity of the Driftless Area. Thanks to all who helped in 2010!
12
13
Committed
to Following Through
Accreditation Process
Ensures Accountability
Back in 1989, the Land Trust Alliance, the national umbrella organization for nonprofit
land trusts, created a set of standards and practices to help ensure conservation excellence and sustainability of conservancies—organizations with the serious and perpetual obligation to monitor and enforce conservation easements and to steward other
conservation properties.
In 2005, MVC’s board of directors voted to formally adopt the Land Trust Standards and
Practices. In 2008, MVC took the next step by undergoing a guided organizational assessment to measure progress toward implementing LTA’s rigorous standards.
Since then, MVC has taken many steps to infuse these standards into every facet of
the organization’s activities. These steps included going through a strategic planning
process to reevaluate goals and the mission—a process that involved a detailed online
survey and face-to-face focus groups with a range of stakeholders. MVC also created
numerous written organizational policies to provide the staff and board with guidance
and continuity. In addition, the staff has engaged in an extensive process of reviewing
and reorganizing the more than 100 land transaction files to ensure thorough documentation for permanent conservation of these properties. In 2010, MVC secured a
grant to hire Krin Krause as accreditation team leader to prepare the organization for
the submission of an application to the Accreditation Commission.
Accreditation provides public recognition of land trusts engaged in the long-term protection of land in the public interest. It increases public awareness of, and confidence
in, land trusts and land conservation.
Land trusts use the accreditation application process as a way to fine-tune their policies
and streamline their operations. The Commission conducts an extensive review of the
application and grants accreditation—and the right to use the accreditation seal—to
land trusts that meet the practices. The accreditation seal is a mark of distinction in land
conservation. It recognizes organizations for meeting national standards for excellence,
upholding the public trust and ensuring that conservation efforts are permanent.
MVC is pleased to have the opportunity to participate in the accreditation program. A
decision on MVC’s application is expected in early 2012.
To learn more about the accreditation program, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org.
n George Howe triumphantly
delivers the accreditation application
to UPS on a Friday afternoon.
14
15
Committed
Financial Highlights
Donors Make MVC’s Work Possible
Balance Sheet
2010 INCOME
Assets20102009
Cash & Investments
737,269
674,246
Land
13,293,045
12,217,283
Equip
17,462
11,155
Contributions
Grants
Investment Income
Other
Total Assets Total
$14,047,776
$12,902,684
Liabilities & Equity
Total liabilities
Equity
Unrestricted
Undesignated
Designated
Temp. Restricted
Perm. Restricted
Total Liabilities
& Net Assets
$744,366
$5,806
(694,547)
482,059
222,852
13,303,410
10,489
514,481
154,625
12,217,283
$14,047,776
$12,902,684
704,853
834,474
20,929
1,968
$1,562,224*
2010 EXPENSES
Program
Management
Fundraising
Total
557,765
50,356
50,403
$658,524
*Total income for IRS purposes includes the value of donated land as
well as grant money MVC secures that is paid directly to landowners for
the purchase of land. Consequently, the figure $1,562,224 should not
be confused with operating income which totaled $582,454 in 2010.
The organization ended the year with an operating deficit of $6,757,
which is 1.1% of total operating expenses.
Discover Adventure
Prepare for mystery, secret missions
and the thrill of discovery.
THE DATE
DATE
THE
Tribute to Author Ben Logan
& Nature Hike on “Seldom
Seen Farm”
Mississippi Valley Conservancy will honor Ben
Logan, author of the classic, “The Land Remembers:
A Story of a Farm and Its People” with the unveiling
and dedication of a monument to Ben. The dedication ceremony will be followed by a guided hike
of Seldom Seen Farm, Logan’s home farm, made
famous by the book. “The Land Remembers” recounts Logan’s boyhood on the Seldom Seen Farm.
When: November 3, 2011
November
2011
Watch for directives about your next adventure!
16
Saturday, October 22, 10 a.m., Gays Mills
Where: Seldom Seen Farm, 51834 Zintz Road,
Gays Mills
Visit: citizens
www.mississippivalleyconservancy.org
for more information and directions to
the farm.
Bluffland Guardian
Society
More than $1000
Barbara and Donald Frank
Jean Babson
Ursula Cejpek
Philip Gelatt
John Bosshard, III
Loran Nordgren
George and Sharon Kerckhove
James L. Theler
Michael Cedarblade
Dr. Bill Bender & Heidi Scheller
Bender
Jon & Ann Rigden
Tim Jacobson
Curtis & Kristine Cvikota
James & Joyce Czajkowski
Sarah & Brent Gephart
Yannick Grenier
Alan & Rosanne Schulz
Pat & Bobbie Wilson
Barb & Bud Hammes
Denise & Warren Loveland
Lynne & Keith Valiquette
Robert & Barbara Fisher
Roland Cline
Dan & Mary Worsham
Jim Fowler
Robin & Charles Malayter
David Bange
Edwin & Nancy Hill
Jim & Rose Sime
Byron Annis
Maureen Kinney
Pat Caffrey & Peg Zappen
John & Louise Leary
David & Gretchen Skoloda
Chuck & Linda Lee
Paul & Cindy Patros
Sigurd & Jean Ann Gundersen, III
Steve & Susan Carpenter
Ron & Jane Rada
Catherine E. Kolkmeier
Kirk Jacobson & Donna Pittman
Maggie Jones & Dave Linton
Mary Ann Phalen & Martin
Nelson
Michael Mosling
Nancy Gerrard & Rick Staff
Richard & Jan Meloy
$500-999
Carl & Sue Uppena
Carolyn & Glen Jenkins
Jim & Jan Brady
Charles Weeth
Beverly Mach
Freddie Shird & Joanne Adragna
Shird
Gretchen & Ron Benjamin
David R. Morrison
Randy & Lauri Berg
Pauline M. Jackson & Ben
Anderson
Al & Carol Kube
James Bark & Joanne Wegmuller
Bark
Dennis & Sarah Ohlrogge
Jennifer & Mark Brumm
Mark & Marilyn Webster
Kristi & Frank Cadwell
Cece Caron & Thomas Erb
Cheryl & Don Brenengen
Fawn & John Shillinglaw
George & Carmeen Johnston
Jean & Mark Ledman
Jeri Sebo
Joan & Paul Schoenfeld
Joan Filla
Joe & Deb Hooyman
Kurt Brownell
Mark & Jane Domroese
Mark Schneider
Nancy Kroner
Paul Mueller
Steve Ventura & Margaret
Krome
Terry & Diane Baier
Tom & Cheryl Borreson
$250-499
Don Hultman & Lauri MunroeHultman
John & Cathy Pederson
Daniel Deetz & Rebecca HaackDeetz
John Wetzel
Jay & Diane Fernholz
Jim Rothwell & Sue Knopf
John Layton
Tom Rhorer
Becky & Rod Lakowske
David & Barbara Foye
Dennis & Leslie Adams
Vance Baker
Eileen & Bill Daily
Jeff Thompson & Sandra Romagnoli-Thompson
Jim & Jan Gallagher
Mary J. Linville & Ellen Verwiebe
Melinda Knutson & Dave Ford
Randy Baier
Allan Beatty & Michael Ross
De Soto School District
Cynthia & William Berg
David A. Christensen
Carmen & Charles Gustafson
Pete & Barb Putnam
Scott Reber & Marilyn Shultz
Betty Heuslein
Ann & Carl Korschgen
Anthony Binsfeld
Armund Bartz
Buzz Bocher & Pat O’Hara
Dale & Kathleen Hein
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George & Unja Varnum
Gladys Eternicka
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Jane Kaiser
Jim Wiffler
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Judith & Jack Rusch
M. Sue Garber
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Nancy & Phil Steinhoff
Patricia Schmid
Paul Gleason & Gaye Tylka
Peter Clark
Rachel & Cameron Gundersen
Ralph & Joann Heath
Raymond & Mary Jo Ann Hubley
Rebecca & James Naugler
Steve Prosser
$100-249
Kathy Spelker
Mary Papenfuss
Peter & Krin Krause
Dean & Phyllis Dempsey
Jim & Marlene Bannen
Margaret & Daryl Wood
Abbie & Brad Church
Amy Groskopf & Kent Turner
James H. Munn, Jr.
Fred & Mary Ann Funk
Howard & Nancy Mills
Juliet Eyers
Peter & Esther Harman
Roberta & Dan Gelatt
Ron & Tawni Kind
T & J Brennan
Thomas & Jean Scarseth
Virginia D. Gundersen
Wayne Jacobson
Wendelin A. Guentner
Eve & Shawn Zellmer
Kathy Frise
Amy & Kevin Hansen
Katherine & Paul Woods
Paul Jacobson
Theresa & Peter Vick
Rick Pedretti
James & Rebecca Edwards
Allen & Judith Isen
Cam & Carlene Roberts
Chris & Jane Kerbaugh
Dennis & Sharon Krumenauer
Mario & Martina Skobic
Emily Campbell & Judy Bautch
Gwen & Christ Mesoloras
Jim & Joann Wickizer
Larry Lebiecki & Anita Evans
Lorne Hillier
David Ziemann
Peter Linnert
Rita McGaughey
Socheata Lor
Tom & Ann Monson
Tom Gianoli
George & Cheryl Howe
John F. Zoerb
Phil & Ramona Yehle
Alan Peterson
Frederick Jones
Joan Yeatman
John & Mary Wisneski
Harold & Sandra Moe
Jerry & Marcia Church
Ned & Carol Gatzke
Tom & Lori Nigon
Craig & Jody Lyon
Mark & Jeanne Connelly
Herbert Grimek
James & Mary Lou Ryan
Nancy & David Goode
Olga Hoesley
Salem & Arden Markos, II
Susan Strehl
Mary F. Menne
John & Sandra Castek
Al & Jane Wernecke
Amy Johnson
Andrew & Nancy Matchett
Anthony & Barbara Barkauskas
Barb & Larry Dalton
Beth & Chris Weiss Family
Brian & Barb Benson
Brian & Nancy Manske
Cecilia & Jared Mullenbach
Chad Pappas
Charles & Karen Lorence
Charles & Sue Gelatt
17
Kathryn & Orville Sallander
M. Mae Stanek
Alice & Tom Howe
Diane Thurston
Jesse Bennett & Jaye Maxfield
Jesse Weibel
Lois Hatch
Rob McGaff & Rhonda Bryhn
Sara Salisbury
James Bennett
Cathy S. Fischer
Alvin Krupicka, Jr.
Ann Kiel
Audrey Kader
Barbara Rice
Barbara Strohm
Beth Seebach
Betty J. Hammond
Beverly & Paul Bodine
Brad Bauer
Brooks Rownd
rc
le • Ste
dship
ar
w
Mike & Kathy Dummer
Mike Weber
Monica Lazere
Monica Wiebke
Mrs. Rachel Novy
Pat & Lyle Ostrander
Pat Wuttke
Patricia A. Mertens
Patricia Kulig-Sylla
Patricia Muller
Patricia Pfister
Patrick & Lloyd Eagan
Patrick Tully
Patty & Ralph Dayton
Pauline & Ronald Brudos
Phoebe Lindsay Sorenson
Phyllis Lathrope
Randy Hoard
Rebecca Larsen
Richard Lagerman
Robert & Judith Hoffman
Robert & Dee Kaiser
Robert Swartz
Rose & Lee Grosskreutz
Russ Wedeking
Ruth-Ann Knapp
Scott Braund
Scott Graham
Sharon Berger
Sharon Hampson
Sharon L. De Cicco
Sharon Odahl
Shirley Anderson
Sister Lucy Slinger
Steve & Pat Mercaitis
Steven & Margaret Leider
Steven Marking
Terry Bartels
Thomas & Mary Breiter
Thomas Huber
Thomas Van Der Linden
Timothy Collins
Todd Mandel
Tom & Sandra Kapellas
Troy Hanson
Wayne Shaker
William & Yvonne Hyde
William Crook , Jr.
William George
Andrew & Joanne Nordeen
Angela & Richard Puent, Jr.
Arden & Penny Ross
Dale & Clara Pasell
David Hammerslag
Dick & Barb Hale
Dr. Martin & Ruby Smith
Gloria Kowalski
Jean Hougom
Jerry & Marilyn Arndt
Joyce Bange & Keith Roth
Mike & Jerrie Bourgo
Richard & Robin Wilson
Robert B. Wish
Robert H. Horwich
Beth & Gregory Bonney
Bev & Curt Ruston
Catherine Latané
Greg Olson
Gregory E. Tooke
Harry & Jean Hindson
e
$50 or less
C.W. ‘Stub’ Johnson
Carol & Dan Peterson
Carol Dagnon
Clarence & Ruth Cline
Constance Arneson
Dave & Debbie Boen
Diane Canniff
Don & Nancy Smith
Doris Doherty
Dorothy Wetterlin
Dave Springer
Joseph Durst
Mary B. Hovel
Michael Roskos
Morteza Jahangir
Ed Pilmonas
Elizabeth Hanson
Elizabeth Pritchett
Elizabeth Wing
Elling H. Jones
Firman & Cheryl Schiebout
Florence L. Overgard
Fred Lintelmann
Gary Dunlap
Gerald Duffrin
Gretchen Newhouse Berns
Heidi Hochhausen
James & Rita Kirchoff
James & Ruth Roesler
James Wang
Jane Groth
Jane Sacho
Janice & Vince Hatt
Jean Helliesen
Jean Rasmussen
Jennifer J. Dieck
Jim Welander
Joan & Bruce Finn
John & Dee Medinger
John & Jessica Schroth
John & Ruth Ann Powers
John P. Hanson
John Papenfuss
Joyce & Bob Arthur
Joyce Unseth
Julie Chamberlain
Kathleen M. Sullivan & Robert
Jackson
Kelly Skaff
Ken Weinberg
Kevin & Anna Ryan
Kevin Craig
Kyle Visker
Laura & Mark Saxton
Laura Coglan
Leta Johnson
Linda Sherony
Lynne McIlvaine
Marguerite Revie
Marie Allen
Marilyn Pedretti
Mark & Judy Doolittle
Markham Chatterton
Mary McGrath
Mary Rose Strasser
Mary Stefanski
Mary Sullivan
Mat Wagner
Merry Hobbins
Mike & Elaine Colvin
St
Paul & Ellen Finch
Pete & Karen Hansen
Peter Fleming
Randy, Marian, Allison & Sarah
Schiesser
Allan & Carla Townsend
Richard & Nancy Rabe
Richard L. Romeyn
Rick Stewart
Rob & Mary Percy
Robert & Carol Schmidt
Robert & Patricia Mika
Roger & Lorraine Granzow
Ron & Theresa Wessels
Ron Malzer
Ronald & Charlotte Phelps
Ronald & Therese Amel
Russell & Susan Pope
Sally Colacino
Sandra Locher
Sandy Brooks
Sharon Sharp & Doug McVey
Shel & Ann Stromquist
Stephen & Cheryl Loehr
Stephen & Mary Peck
Steven Davis
Steven Isaac & Judy Olds
Ted & Val Glotfelty
Teresa Brenengen
Terrence & Melissa Grimm
Thomas & Gladys McLenahan
Thomas & Jacqueline Rand
Todd Huffman
Tom & Kathy Barth
Tom & Mary Jo Clark
Tom & Michele Strange
Tom & Sharon Sharratt
Troy Hess
Truman & Constance Anderson
Val Schute & Deb Prath-Schute
Vicky Schultz
W. E. Meyer
Wanda & John Wochos
Wayne & Alice Kaufman
William & Anita Doering
William & Judith Blank
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Colleen A. Shaw
Frances Young
Helen & Robert Harold
Steve & Deb Bentz
Nancy Buldhaupt
Tony & Dawn Paletta
Andrea Mekkelson
Calvin & Joyce Oium
James Novotny
M. Jane Greenewald
Mark, Steph & Jackson Dickson
Peter & Marie Tabor
Susan H. Colliton
Todd Anderson
David Blackey
Richard A. Fink
Larry & Susan Kirch
Mark & Roxanna Flaten
Miriam & Roger Hatlem
Orlando & Bonnie Helgerson
William & Dorothy Ferguson
La Verne Michalak
Ronald & Merle Gustafson
Rick & Mary Kay Lange
Thomas & Elisabeth Juen
Scott A. Lee
Allan Ohm
Anna Motivans
Beth Moore
Brian & Julia Hagan
Cari Mathwig
Carol Taebel
Conrad & Margret Ann Awtrey
Robert & Maureen Freedland
Drake Hokanson & Carol Kratz
Ellen M. Frantz
Fran & Steve Noffke
Frank & Irene Barmore
Gary & Jean Ruhser
George & Marita Smith
George & Marjorie Renner
Georgia & Doug McKelvey
Gerard Rugowski & Jayne
Stokke
Greg & Laura Nessler
Gregory & Heather Blomberg
Harry & Signe Schroeder
Henry & Mabel Lou Ahrens
Henry & Nancy Kokke
Howard & Heidi Eglash
James & Maxine Kroner
James & Nancy Terman
James Wine
Jane Jordan
Jean Marck
Jeanne & Clark Van Galder
Jeff & Angela Bluske
Jeff Houser
Jeff Kish
Jeri & Pat Deninger
Jill Billings
Jim & Linda Jenkins
Jim & Linda Sherwood
John & Audrey Rosenheim
John & Jean Sterling
John & Lisa Conzemius
John Maass & Ann O’Malley
Jon & Kathy Hageseth
Kathryn & Anthony Goldade
Kathy & Mike Schnitzius
Kathy Carlyle
Ken & Lori George
Ken & Michelle Workowski
Kurt & Barbara Oettel
Kurt Schroeder
Larry & Sherry Quamme
Lars & Marit Kulleseid
Law Office of James McNeilly
Leo & Marie Dummer
Leon & Renee Kaplan
Lisa & Jim Moore
Liz & John Webster
Lorraine McIlraith
Louann Pierce Keane
Lu Ann Cagin
Marc & Sharon Schultz
Margaret & Allen Birchler
Mark & Anne Marie Hein
Marlin & Julie Helgeson
Martin & Pam Murphy
Mary Fillner
Mary Jo Webster
Mary Jothen
Mary Tronick
Matt Urch & Sara Martinez
Meredith Thomsen
Mike & Mary Collins
Mike Martin & Laura Siitari
Milton & Jackie Schmida
Nathan & Alesa De Jager
Neil & Linda Nelson
Norma Bloyer
Pat & Dave Hofer
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David Ladd
Elizabeth Campbell
Elizabeth MacAulay Hafemann
& Lee Hafemann
Gary E. Biron
Gladys R. Tweed
Gloria Jacobson
James & Joyce Halvorson
Joseph Van Moer
Ken Visger
Kevin Johll
Lance & Carol Meyer
Lloyd & Mary Croatt
Marguerite (Peggy) Wolter
Mary McLellan
Mike & Kathy Giese
Natalie Hartigan
Rob & Kathie Tyser
Simon Widstrand
Thomas & Dorothy Chirko
Beth Kabat
Linda Zoerb
Jean & James Lund
Richard & Joan Alexander
Abigail & David Gerzema
Ann & Bill Van Atta
Ann & Brad Fowler
Anne & Todd Owens
Antoinette Yeske & Bradley
Walker
Audrey Uber
Barbara & Paul Rusterholz
Barbi Bell
Beth Kiela
Betsy Morgan & Peter Levonian
Bill Katra
Bill Wingen & Barb Chaney
Brian Murphy
Bridget & Timothy Hill
Bruce & Kathy Bartel
Bruce & Pam Walters
Carl & Denise Shedivy
Carmen & Seymour Raffety
Carol Crisp & Bernard Paddock
Chuck & Carla Callies
Cindy & Paul Halter
Claude & Carolyn Lindeman, Jr.
Craig & Mary Bartos
Dan & Brenda Rooney
Daniel L. Blumer
Daniel T. Flaherty
Dave & Barb Skogen
David Groth
Dennis & Cindy Russell
Dennis & Penny Lenzendorf
Diane Sullivan & Brian Sullivan
Don & Nancy Field
Don Warnke
Donald & Louise Campbell
Donald & Susan Fritsch
Douglas Holtzman & Jennifer
Smith
Mark & Gwen McConnell
Michael Meyers
Peter Franta
Charles & Judy Shepard
James & Peggy Baumgaertner
Janel Glantz & Eric Nygren
John Cochran
Mark & Theresa Thompson
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Mike & Becky Kreiling
Joey Esterline
Paul & Barb Bjornstad
Paul Felion
Pauline Buckland
Peter & Deb Bemis
Reva Ulrich
Richard & Marcia Thompson
Robert & Linnea Schieche
Robert & Mary Jane Lake
Robert C. Skemp, Sr.
Robert Chalsma
Robert Schieche
Robin & Elizabeth Metz
Roger & Carol Ziff
Ron McKelvey & Chris Saudek
Russ & Joan Schrinner
Ruth & Bob Frise
Ruth & Daniel Devitt
Ruth Williams
Sam & Jean Skemp Sr.
Sam Skemp Jr.
Sarah Hammes & Greig Dahlke
Shelley Roberts & Duane M.
Moore
Sigurd Gundersen, II
Steven & Connie Overholt
Sue D. Mercier
Tara Johnson & Tim Padesky
Thomas & Jenny Hammes
Thomas & Margaret Ley
Thomas Link
Tom & Carol Bramschreiber
Tom & Jane Treglowne
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Charles Lindberg
Chris & Celeste Dyer
Chris & Betsy Holland
Christopher & Krista Huiras
Constance Arzigian
Dan & Gerianne Wettstein
Dan & Jane Brodrick
David & Connie Long
David & Sheila Momont
David Schlueter
Joseph & Mary Binegar
Susan Young
ACV & Mary Elston
Fredric & Marion Kleinberg
Paul & Jane Steingraeber
DuWayne & Janet Gebken
Ed & Lois Brick
Elizabeth & Steven Senger
Ellen & Mike Rosborough
Eric & Vicki Wheeler
Eric Thompson & Mary Graziano
Fred & Jean Skemp, Jr.
Gail Cleary
Greg & Kathi Fischer
Harry & Carla Dahl
Harry Peterson
Heather Hulett
Dennis & Julie Montabon
Howard & Katherine Bell
Hugh & Addie Hammerslag
Jack & Margaret Lee
James & Kathy Kachel
Jan & John Munson
Jared Gottlieb
Jay Heldt & Karen Kouba
Jean Lund
Jessica Moore
Joan & Patrick Nee
John & Barbara Burgess
John & Elizabeth Sullivan
John Gaddo & Nancy North
John Kussmaul
John Richards
Joyce & Brian Abernathy
Judith Corbett Hutchens
Karen Acker
Kay Adams & Jack Fleig
Kendra Congdon Wieser
Kenneth & Deneen Kickbusch
Kent & Lee Johnson
Kurt & Mary Mueller
Larry & Amelia Dittman
Lauren Dechant
Laurie & Roy Campbell
Lee Rasch
Les & Sue Hill
Marianne Carolan
Marilu Bintz
Marilyn Adam & Ralph Tauke
Mark & Jacqueline Kartman
Mark Spiess
Marty & Fay Gora
Mary Jo Werner
Mary Westlund
Matt & Marilee Cole
Michael & Carmen DeYoe
Michael & Joanne White
Michael & Patricia Strittmater
Michael F. Davy
Mickie Rasch
ci
citizens
rc
Committed
Stewardship Circle
Kurt Brownell
Frank & Kristi Cadwell
Tim Jacobson
David Linton & Maggie Jones
George & Sharon Kerckhove
Maureen Kinney
Rita McGaughey
David Morrison
Martin & Pamela Murphy
Ron & Jane Rada
Mike & Kathy Ripp
Anonymous
These members have
included MVC in their will or
estate plan, ensuring that
MVC’s conservation work
continues into the future.
James Stenulson
Jeffry & Karla Woody
Joseph & Jean Faas
Kathy Stevenson
Mary & Scott Erickson
Mike Davis
Randal & Laurie Erler
Virgil Meyer
Wade & Vickie Woods
Franz & Rea Schubert
Mary & Michael Giblin
Scott Duncanson
Thomas Byerly
Yvonne & Theodore Knudson
Edna & Wenzel Smetana
John Hosemann
Thomas L. Scott
Virginia Kilness
Photo: Robert J.Hurt
18
19
Board Members
Staff
George Kerckhove
President
Tim Jacobson
Executive Director
Paul Patros
Vice President
George Howe
Conservation Director
Paul Jacobson, CPA
Treasurer
Nate Fayram
Director of Land Management
Mike Ripp
Secretary
Carol Abrahamzon
Advancement Director
Ruthann Benson
James Brady
Kurt Brownell
Pat Caffrey
Robert Fisher
Don Frank
Nancy Gerrard
Barb Hammes
Ed Hill
Don Hultman
Maureen Kinney
Chuck Lee
Loran Nordgren
Tom Rhorer
Jonathan Rigden
Gretchen Skoloda
Keith Valiquette
Pat Wilson
Abbie Church
Conservation Specialist
Kathy Frise
Outreach Coordinator
Kelli Bartholomew
Restoration Biologist
Nancy Larson
Office Manager
Krin Krause
Accreditation Team Leader
Emeritus Board Member
Philip Gelatt
A special thank you to our
corporate sponsors:
201 Main Street, Suite 1001
La Crosse, WI 54601
608-784-3606
MississippiValleyConservancy.org