2006-2007 Conservation Achievements

THE VITAL GROUND FOUNDATION

Biennial Report Published September 2008

VITAL GROUND

WHERE THE GRIZZLY CAN WALK, THE EARTH IS HEALTHY AND WHOLE 1 OUR VISION

WELCOME

t is an exciting and challenging time to be working in wildlife ital Ground’s mission is to protect and restore North America’s I conservation, as the daunting pressures on wild habitats build. Vital V grizzly bear populations by conserving wildlife habitat. We Ground prides itself in being a lean yet highly successful organization are focused on protecting lands that grizzlies need to survive—not dedicated to one mission: conserving habitat for the grizzly−habitat only for the great bears themselves, but for elk, lynx, trout, and all that will also sustain nature’s web for all other creatures in grizzly the other creatures that share their world. country. Vital Ground believes the grizzly bear, as an umbrella species, is Vital Ground is effective because we focus on connections. We nature’s barometer of a healthy and complete ecosystem. Because connect people through partnerships and connect ecosystems through the grizzly’s home range covers several hundred square miles, lands conservation. On every project, we build collaboration between landowners, conservationists, agencies and businesses. Our success from alpine meadows to valley bottoms, protecting grizzly habitat lies in our ability to work with a broad variety of allies, always seeking benefi ts entire plant and animal communities in the wildest, most the greater good for wildlife and eschewing “ownership” of any scenic places left on the continent. specifi c project. Grizzly and brown bear populations persist only in the continent’s The 2006–2007 biennium was the most productive in Vital Ground’s last wilderness ecosystems. Between, within, and at the edges of history with nearly 189,000 acres conserved. We facilitated a 1,647- these ecosystems, roads and development are rapidly fi lling open acre Forest Legacy conservation easement in Idaho; secured multiple lands and valley fl oors, frittering away once-wild landscapes and conservation easements in Montana’s Swan Valley; launched our creating “habitat fracture zones.” fi rst land conservation project in Canada; and continued productive partnerships with The Nature Conservancy along Montana’s Rocky Habitat links between these wild grizzly sanctuaries—lands Mountain Front and with National Wildlife Federation in the Greater that provide food, shelter and security for seasonal foraging and Yellowstone Ecosystem. While accomplishing great things for wildlife movement—are the crux point of grizzly survival and recovery. and wild places, we were also able to build our capacity and increase Today these lands are clad in streamside willows and cottonwoods, our net assets by 34%. pastures, grasslands, wet meadows, clear waters, and conifer We are proud of our ability to have a positive infl uence on the survival forests—habitat for innumerable species. Tomorrow they could be and health of grizzly bears and their ecosystems in the United States peppered with homes, roads, and other developments. and Canada. This is where we target our resources and efforts. Acre by acre, None of this would be possible without the dedication of our loyal we protect jigsaw puzzle pieces of habitat to maintain the lifelines members and donors, and we pledge to put every dollar to work between grizzly ecosystems. Lifelines that will help sustain bears effi ciently for the bears and for the wilds. and everything else that depends on grizzly country.

Robert W. Koons Chair, Vital Ground Board of Trustees

Cover photo by Derek Reich, zooprax.com ONE BEAR’S LEGACY

ital Ground evolved from a unique relationship between a man and a bear. In 1977, V a Kodiak brown bear cub born in captivity arrived in the lives of Doug and Lynne Seus, professional animal trainers. Dubbing him Bart, the Seuses raised the cub from a six-pound ball of fuzz to a 1,500-pound adult and trained him for work in the fi lm business. Bart quickly became a beloved member of the Seus family and developed a lifelong bond of trust and loyalty with Doug. If a countryside can still support wild grizzlies, it Bart loved the applause of fi lm crews as much as his salmon and blueberries, and he will be good and whole eventually appeared in more than 35 fi lms, including Legends of the Fall, The Edge and and rich and wild and The Bear. “For 23 years he took us on grand adventures—from the majestic peaks of the free enough to support all the other creatures Austrian Alps and the Alaska wilds, to the bejeweled backstage of the Academy Awards,” struggling to hold on to says Lynne. a place in this world. Inspired to act on behalf of Bart’s wild relatives, in 1990 the Seuses launched The Vital —Douglas H. Chadwick Ground Foundation with an initial purchase of 240 acres of prime grizzly bear habitat Wildlife biologist, author and in Montana—habitat that adjoins other protected land along the eastern front of the Vital Ground founding board Photo by Jon Freeman member Rocky Mountains. The Seuses felt that Bart, as a member of a species truly symbolic of wilderness, could deliver a powerful message in support of land conservation. Bart took Bart the Bear and Doug Seus on an important new role as ambassador for Vital Ground. Until his death in 2000, his public appearances with Doug and Lynne sought to convey the urgent predicament of Vital Ground will our rapidly diminishing natural areas, while promoting a message of hope that we might remain the fi nest thing become better stewards of these great lands. we have ever done with our lives. Over the past eighteen years, Vital Ground has helped protect and enhance more than

—Doug and Lynne Seus 466,000 acres of wildlife habitat. Although Bart lived his life in captivity, he left a legacy Founders of Vital Ground that allows many of his wild brothers and sisters to roam free.

3 WHERE GRIZZLIES WALK

efore European settlement, 50,000 Species Act as “threatened” in the U.S. B to 100,000 grizzly bears ranged from south of Canada. The populations that Mexico to Alaska, across North America’s remain survive in fi ve distinct ecosystems, vast prairies, wetlands, forests and sustained by wild habitat in our national mountainsides. Also known as the brown parks, national forests and wilderness bear (Ursus arctos), the grizzly is considered areas: a “keystone species” that infl uences the diversity of other species in the ecosystems •Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem it inhabits. As a top predator, the grizzly •Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem •Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem affects the number and distribution of prey •Selkirk Ecosystem species and other predators. Foraging on •Northern Cascades Ecosystem berries and herbs, bears disperse seeds and so promote a variety of plant life. So far, only one of these populations has As grizzlies dig for tubers, insects and met the criteria for delisting under the rodents, they loosen topsoil and help renew federal recovery plan. Through years of nutrients. And where coastal grizzlies dine cooperative management and investment, on salmon, they spread nitrogen and other the Yellowstone population slowly grew marine elements well beyond streams into from fewer than 200 to at least 600 bears upland habitats. (Servheen 2006), and was delisted in Due to the grizzly’s extensive home March 2007. However, the decision remains range and need for wild land, undisturbed controversial due to concerns about threats denning habitat, and abundant native berry to habitat and Yellowstone’s isolation crops and prey—from grubs and ground from other ecosystems. As the population squirrels to deer and elk—the condition of expands, secure habitat outside protected a grizzly population is nature’s barometer parks and wilderness areas will become of a healthy and complete ecosystem. increasingly important. Today, approximately 1,500 grizzlies The Selway-Bitterroot Ecosystem strad- remain in the lower 48 states, refugees dling the Montana-Idaho border is of a long history of persecution and the designated as a sixth recovery zone. sweep of settlement and development that Although grizzlies were once widespread consumed 98% of the bear’s historic range and abundant in the region, for 60 years in the conterminous states. In 1975, the there was no verifi ed evidence of the grizzly was listed under the Endangered Great Bear in the Selway-Bitterroot. That Photo by demanczuk.com 4 Brown Bear Distribution Grizzly Recovery Zones

BRITISH COLUMBIA EWAN ALBERTA SASKATCH

Selkirks

North Cascades Cabinet- Yaak MONTANA WASHINGTON Northern Continental Divide

Selway- Yellowstone Bitterroot OREGON

HISTORICAL DISTIBUTION IDAHO WYOMING CURRENT DISTRIBUTION

changed in 2007 when a grizzly was these ecosystems and with populations in jeopardizing the enduring survival of these mistakenly shot by a black-bear hunter Canada are vital to the bear’s survival. populations. in the northern Bitterroot Mountains. Today, some of the most productive Alaska remains the U.S. stronghold for the DNA analysis revealed that this bear seasonal feeding habitats and linkage Great Bear, with an estimated 25,000 to had traveled from the Selkirk Mountains, zones lie on private ground. Lands 39,000 brown bears—about 95% of the U.S. more than 140 air miles northwest of the along streams, valley bottoms, and in lower population (Miller and Schoen 1999.) Yet Bitterroots, spotlighting the potential for elevations provide essential spring and as the state continues to develop, humans grizzlies to reclaim historic range and summer range and corridors for movement. and bears come into increasing conﬂ ict the urgent need to protect habitat links Yet people also love these special places over vital habitat. Even Alaska’s wilds are between populations. for their stunning beauty, abundant not limitless, and habitat conservation is Despite a core of protected lands in each wildlife, and recreational opportunities. becoming ever more important for brown of these ecosystems, the long-term persis- Development is consuming lowland wildlife bears to continue to thrive in the land of tence of the grizzly depends on plenty habitats at a breathtaking rate, isolating the midnight sun. of room to roam. Connections between grizzly ecosystems from one another and

5 MAKING CONNECTIONS : CONSERVING VITAL GROUND

ital Ground protects critical grizzly Vital Ground conducts all of its activities in to leverage funds and build cooperative V bear habitat through cooperative accordance with the Land Trust Alliance’s conservation projects. Working with our conservation partnerships. We focus Standards and Practices, the guiding many partners, Vital Ground has so far on strategically located lands whose principles of the industry. Our strategy is helped conserve more than 466,000 acres conservation values transcend property directed by the best scientifi c information of wildlife habitat. boundaries. On private properties, we available concerning grizzly bear biology, We need to preserve As the pressures of rural development, partner with landowners to protect vital habitat requirements and conservation the wilderness and its resource extraction, and climate change monarchs for ourselves, habitat through conservation easements strategies. Vital Ground does not engage continue to threaten wild places, Vital and for the dreams of and fee title acquisitions, either by in partisan politics. Rather, we seek Ground remains committed to securing children. We should purchase or donation. Vital Ground also practical, local solutions that allow people, fi ght for these things habitat for the Great Bear and other wildlife participates in selected projects on public grizzlies, and other wildlife to coexist. as if our life depended can rely upon. upon it, because it lands designed to reduce confl icts between Partnerships are essential to our success. does. bears and people, improve habitat quality, Rapidly rising land values throughout If we can enable the long-term survival —Wayne Lynch protect or enhance resident populations, grizzly country pose ever greater and growth of grizzly bear populations, Bears: Monarchs of the or increase the land’s carrying capacity for challenges for lands conservation. We we can help sustain North America’s wild Northern Wildernes grizzly bears. collaborate with landowners, state and heritage for our children and many future generations. Vital Ground works wherever there is an federal agencies and other nonprofi t groups opportunity to protect habitat for grizzlies, but we direct particular attention to imperiled lands that serve as connections between grizzly ecosystems, special foraging areas or seasonal bear habitat— lifelines that grizzlies, and everything else in grizzly country, depend upon. Much of our attention is devoted to projects in the Rocky Mountain states of Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, yet we have also made important contributions to habitat projects in Alaska and Canada. By directing Vital Ground’s resources toward protecting the crucial links that connect grizzly ecosystems, we hope to help sustain grizzly populations from Yellowstone to Canada and Alaska. Photo by lanceschelvan.com 6 BEAR TRACKS : HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR 2006-2007 CONSERVATION ACHIEVEMENTS

n 2006 and 2007, Vital Ground made ROCKY MOUNTAIN FRONT INITIATIVE great strides in on-the-ground habitat I Since 1991, Vital Ground has worked to conservation for grizzly bears and other protect grizzly habitat on the spectacular wildlife. Since relocating our ofﬁ ce from Utah Rocky Mountain Front, where the Rockies to Montana in 2005 and adding new staff, meet the vast prairie ocean of the Great Vital Ground’s capacity and projects have Plains, and grizzlies make their way from ﬂ ourished. During the 2006–2007 biennium, mountain heights down riparian ribbons Vital Ground helped to protect and enhance into wetlands and prairie grasslands on almost 189,000 acres of crucial wildlife private ranches and on the Blackfeet Nation. habitat. Here are highlights of our 2006–2007 Vital Ground has a long history of partnering conservation achievements. with The Nature Conservancy of Montana to protect the Front’s unique mosaic of NORTHERN CONTINENTAL forest, riparian and grasslands habitats. DIVIDE ECOSYSTEM (NCDE) In total, Vital Ground has contributed to conservation projects totaling more than This diverse and rugged region sits 25,500 acres along the Front. astride the “Crown of the Continent” of northwestern Montana and encompasses Toy Property Permanent Protection 1 roughly 9,600 square miles, including Shortly after founding Vital Ground in Glacier National Park, surrounding national 1990, Doug and Lynne Seus launched the forests, the Bob Marshall wilderness complex organization’s habitat conservation work and other wilderness areas, and intermingled by donating the funds for Vital Ground to private lands. The ecosystem supports at least purchase 240 acres of prime Montana grizzly 550 grizzlies (Servheen 2006). The population bear habitat along the eastern front of the appears to be expanding out of the wilderness Rocky Mountains. The Toy property adjoins heart of the NCDE into historic range, and The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Pine Butte bears seeking new territories are increasingly Swamp Preserve west of Choteau, Montana. using habitats on private lands. Highways, Here, in view of the soaring peaks of the a major railroad, and rapid development in Bob Marshall Wilderness Area, grizzlies these once-wild landscapes are fragmenting have a sanctuary where they can reclaim the ecosystem and pose considerable hazards their prairie haunts, and bears regularly to grizzlies. During the past eighteen years, move through the lush riparian corridor Vital Ground has helped protect 30,602 acres into the prairie ecosystem. Vital Ground of grizzly habitat throughout the NCDE. negotiated a conservation easement with Photo by Randy Stekly 7 BEAR TRACKS

TNC, and TNC and Vital Ground have Hagar Ranch Conservation Easement 3 In 2004, Vital Ground launched the Swan been partners in managing the property Partnering again with The Nature Valley Grizzly Bear Habitat Conservation for the past sixteen years. This partnership Conservancy of Montana, in 2006 Vital Initiative to work with local partners and culminated in the sale of the Toy property Ground provided a grant to help protect landowners to protect wildlife habitat while to TNC in 2007 to be managed as an the 4,354-acre Hagar Ranch owned by the sustaining the rural nature of the valley. ecological extension of Pine Butte Swamp We are so pleased to Swanson and Field families. The ranch Vital Ground’s efforts so far total 750 acres Preserve. The sale provides Vital Ground know that the Toy encompasses a signifi cant block of native of permanently protected habitat in the with funds that will be reinvested in new property will still be grassland, three and a half miles of Dupuyer Swan. One project has lead to another as conservation projects, bringing the project permanently protected Creek and associated wetlands. The broad neighbors learned of Vital Ground’s habitat and managed for grizzly full circle, yet with benefi ts that continue riparian bottom and wetlands—lush with protection work in the valley, and our efforts bears by TNC, and yet to ripple outward. have enjoyed local community support. To new funds from the cottonwood, river birch and willows—are date, the Swan Valley Initiative has been property’s sale will be Ingersoll Ranch used extensively by grizzly and black bear, funded by several national foundations, used by Vital Ground Conservation Easement 2 mountain lion, white-tailed deer and a host to acquire additional of riparian birds and other wildlife. Dupuyer private donors, and the Missoula County In 2006, Vital Ground made a fi nancial grizzly habitat in other Creek ranks as some of the highest-quality Open Space Bond Fund. areas. contribution to The Nature Conservancy grizzly habitat along the Rocky Mountain of Montana to secure a 4,229-acre conser- —Lynne and Doug Seus Front. Missoula Open Space Bond Founders of Vital Ground vation easement on the Ingersoll Ranch. In fall 2006, Vital Ground provided a grant The ranch stretches from the prairie to the SWAN VALLEY INITIATIVE to Montanans for Land, Water, and Wildlife Continental Divide, and includes nearly The Swan Valley in western Montana lies to support community education efforts The work of Vital three miles of lush riparian habitat along Ground is tailor-made between two great mountain wilderness toward passage of an open space bond for helping Missoula the Middle Fork of the Dearborn River and areas and core grizzly habitats: the Mission initiative during the November 2006 election County achieve its Hargrove Creek—an important corridor for Mountains and the Bob Marshall Wilderness cycle. Missoula County encompasses the goals of assisting rural travel, forage, and security of grizzly bears Complex. Grizzlies use the valley-bottom rapidly developing Swan Valley, where landowners who wish to and other wildlife. At higher elevations, habitats of the Swan throughout the Vital Ground is working to protect valley remain on their working the property supports wolverine, elk and lands and of protecting seasons, some taking up residence year bottom habitats and corridors for grizzlies other montane species, while the prairie internationally- round. Wetlands, streams, and a dense and other wildlife. Missoula County voters recognized natural grassland and riparian habitats sustain mix of coniferous woodlands, aspen and overwhelmingly approved the $10 million, resources. pronghorn, mule deer, and a rich diversity cottonwood provide important resources 20-year open space bond, and funds will be of birdlife. —Pat O’Herren for bears and a rich array of other wildlife evenly divided between county and city open Director, Missoula County species. The region has traditionally based space projects. Subsequently, Vital Ground Rural Initiatives its economy on timber resources, yet as with successfully competed for Missoula Open many beautiful mountain valleys, the Swan Space grants to help complete conservation is undergoing rapid change and growth. easement projects in the Swan Valley.

8 BEAR TRACKS

We were happy to be able to secure this wild area for future generations while also maintaining the privileges of ownership that are important to us.

—David Hirschfeld Cooney Creek landowner

Although the use of our Photo by lanceschelvan.com property is as light- handed as possible, it’s Cooney Creek rearing habitat for westslope cutthroat Creek, a tributary of the Swan River, is comforting to know that our conservation Conservation Easement 4 trout, bull trout and other fi sh species. The a major corridor for grizzly bears, elk, property sustains habitat for many other and other wildlife moving between the easement ensures that In late January 2007, Vital Ground subsequent owners species as well, including white-tailed and Bob Marshall Wilderness and the valley will also maintain the completed the Cooney Creek Conservation mule deer, elk, moose, black bear, mountain bottom. Together, the McKay and Cooney property in essentially Easement on this tributary of the Swan lion, bobcat, wolverine, beaver, waterfowl, Creek easements permanently protect a its current natural River. Located in a remote area of the raptors, and songbirds. vital block of continuous grizzly habitat in condition. Swan Mountains near the Bob Marshall this corridor. In addition to critical grizzly —Gene Tingle Wilderness, the easement permanently McKay Creek habitat, the property harbors a suite of rich McKay Creek landowner protects 320 acres of key habitat within Conservation Easement 5 wildlife resources, including a complex of a federally identifi ed grizzly bear linkage In mid-December 2007, Vital Ground wetland and riparian habitats, seasonal zone, and approximately one-half mile of completed the 110-acre McKay Creek range for elk, deer, and moose, and montane riparian woodland associated with Cooney Conservation Easement, directly adjacent forests that shelter wolves, lynx, fi sher, pine Creek. Cooney Creek itself is important to the Cooney Creek easement. McKay martin and mountain lion.

9 BEAR TRACKS

Condon Creek Conservation Easement 6 SELKIRK INITIATIVE In late December, Vital Ground closed on its The Selkirk Initiative was launched in third Swan Valley conservation easement for 2001 to address habitat protection for this 2007. The 160-acre Condon Creek property vulnerable population. The heart of the lies just south of the Missoula–Lake County Selkirk Mountains provides a safe haven line and provides habitat for rare, threatened for grizzlies, yet the population’s survival and endangered wildlife species, including depends on two critical steps: 1) protecting grizzly, Canada lynx, and gray wolf. Native access to food-rich lowland habitats the plant communities are largely undisturbed bears need during spring and fall, and 2) on the property and a rare and threatened conserving dwindling linkage zones to re- plant species, water howelia (Howellia establish connections and genetic ﬂ ow with aquatilis), has been found there. The neighboring grizzly populations. property also contains a healthy half-mile The initiative was launched with the segment of Condon Creek. acquisition of two privately held parcels SELKIRK ECOSYSTEM in 2001 and 2003, totaling 791 acres in Idaho’s Kootenai Valley. Much of Vital Located in northernmost Idaho and the Ground’s effort in the region during 2006– northeast corner of Washington, the 2007 focused on the stewardship of our 2,200- square-mile Selkirk Ecosystem is four established Selkirk properties and the the smallest of the grizzly recovery zones continued development of landowner and and home to a population of only 40 to 50 community relations. Working with partners grizzlies (Servheen 2006) on the U.S. side of in British Columbia, we also launched our the border. This region is a narrow peninsula ﬁ rst project in Canada. In addition, in 2007 of grizzly habitat that extends down from we launched a new partnership with the Canada, yet recent research indicates Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative that the Selkirk bears in the U.S. are now (Y2Y). A capacity-building grant from Y2Y genetically isolated from other populations. allowed Vital Ground to bring on a new Land Maintaining habitat connections to bears in Conservation Specialist in 2008 to increase Canada to the north and in the Cabinet- Vital Ground’s capacity and effectiveness in Yaak Ecosystem to the east is essential to the Selkirk and Cabinet-Yaak regions. sustain and recover the Selkirk population. Thus far, Vital Ground has helped protect 1,330 acres in the ecosystem. Stock photo 10 BEAR TRACKS

Kidd Creek Acquisition 7 In late January 2007, Vital Ground entered into our ﬁ rst conservation partnership in Canada. Vital Ground, the Nature Trust of British Columbia, The Nature Conservancy of Montana (TNC) and the Yellowstone Y2Y and Vital Ground to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) have a common interest collaborated to protect 87 acres of critical in conserving lands that grizzly linkage habitat near Creston, British preserve biodiversity and promote wildlife Columbia. The property was identiﬁ ed by population connectivity Dr. Michael Proctor of the Trans-border in a way that will keep Grizzly Bear Project as one of the very few habitat in the hands of places in that region where grizzly bears private landowners and can safely cross B.C. Highway 3. permit traditional uses of the land. The Purcell grizzly population uses habitat in both the U.S. and Canada, and is —Sarah Elmeligi Conservation sustained by the movement of bears from Program Manager, areas just north of the highway. Crossing Yellowstone to Yukon the highway, grizzlies can then freely travel into the U.S. portion of the Cabinet- Purcell corridor and intermix with resident grizzlies. Vital Ground, TNC Montana and Y2Y each provided equal funds to secure the option agreement and, with the help of Vital Ground, Y2Y raised the remaining funds necessary for the land purchase and an operating endowment. The Nature Trust of British Columbia will hold and manage the property.

Photo by lanceschelvan.com 11 BEAR TRACKS

CABINET-YAAK ECOSYSTEM conservation easement will permanently Endangered Species Act. Nevertheless, protect these lands for forestry, tree as bears seek new habitat beyond core The 2,600-square-mile Cabinet-Yaak Eco- farming, and wildlife habitat. The project protected areas and encounter escalating system encompasses the Cabinet and Purcell was Idaho’s top choice for Forest Legacy human development and activities in areas mountain ranges in northwestern Montana protection in 2005 and, in stiff national throughout the ecosystem, Vital Ground and northern Idaho. Only 35 to 45 bears competition with other proposals, Clifty will continue our efforts to provide GYE If people can accept survive in the ecosystem, and even this small the relatively small View ranked 7th of 31 projects awarded grizzlies room to roam. population is divided. About 25 to 30 bears federal funding. Vital Ground negotiated risks that accompany Grazing Allotment Retirements co-existence with live in the northern part of the ecosystem, the easement with the landowner and the grizzlies, they’ll fi nd which is contiguous with grizzly habitat in state, while federal and state agencies, The Vital Ground has made several grants to that bears, for the most Canada. Yet the 10 to 15 grizzlies remaining Nature Conservancy, Yellowstone to Yukon the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) to part, tolerate us as well. in the Cabinets are apparently isolated Conservation Initiative and other nonprofi t help retire grazing leases in high-confl ict We can afford to be as south of the Kootenai River (Servheen 2006). areas on public lands in the GYE, where gracious in sharing partners contributed critical support. this land. Increasing development, highway traffi c and The easement will be held by the Idaho bear and wolf depredations on livestock a major railway with more than 40 trains a Department of Lands, and Vital Ground often result in the loss of native predators. —Colleen Matt day fragment the ecosystem and exacerbate These leases are valuable to ranchers, yet Wildlife Manager will monitor the easement in perpetuity. the challenges facing these few bears. To are often in high-value wildlife habitats that date, Vital Ground has helped protect lands not only support populations of grizzlies totaling 2,082 acres in the region. GREATER YELLOWSTONE and wolves, but also sustain elk, moose, big ECOSYSTEM (GYE) horn sheep, bison and pronghorn. Where Clifty View Foothills Forest confl icts between predators and livestock Legacy Project 8 Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are prolonged, both ranchers and wildlife In September 2007, Vital Ground closed form the heart of this vast ecosystem that managers are eager to fi nd solutions. NWF its largest conservation easement project stretches across nearly 20 million acres, and brokers agreements that fairly compensate to date, both in terms of dollars and includes parts of four national forests, as well ranchers for their grazing permits, allows acreage. The Clifty View Foothills Project as wildlife refuges and private lands. From them to secure new leases in areas without encompasses 1,647 acres of key wildlife a low point in the 1970s, the Yellowstone grizzlies or wolves, and allows the U.S. habitat and agricultural land in northern grizzly population has gradually recovered, Forest Service to retire the original allotment Idaho. The Lon and Donna Merrifi eld expanding both numbers and range, and from grazing. At an average cost of $2 to $4 family, Clifty View Nursery, U.S. Forest now totals at least 600 bears (Servheen per acre, this is an especially cost-effective Service, and Idaho Department of Lands 2006). This is the only grizzly population means of enhancing habitat for wildlife. teamed up with Vital Ground to make the in the lower 48 states that has met all the Since 2003, Vital Ground has contributed project a success. Acquired through the criteria set for recovery and has now been to six successful allotment buyouts in the Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program, the delisted from threatened status under the GYE, totaling 427,926 acres.

12 BEAR TRACKS

Bacon Creek/Fish Creek Grazing Allotment Retirement 9 In May 2007, Vital Ground provided a grant to the National Wildlife Federation for the retirement of a 178,000-acre grazing allotment in Wyoming. The Bacon Creek/Fish Creek allotment on the Bridger-Teton National Forest spans the upper Gros Ventre River watershed east of Grand Teton National Park—a stronghold for grizzlies and three wolf packs, as well as exceptional winter range for elk and moose. Since 1999, predator conﬂ icts with cattle grazing on this allotment engendered more than $1.1 million in claims for predation damage submitted to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. With funding from Vital Ground and numerous other partners, NWF brokered an agreement to compensate the permittee for the lease and permanently retire the allotment. Not only will the lease retirement remove livestock from the area and eliminate conﬂ icts with predators, but it will reduce grazing pressure on critical winter range for elk and other ungulates.

References Miller, Sterling D. and John Schoen. 1999. Status and management of the brown bear in Alaska. Pages 40-46 in C. Servheen, S. Herrero, and B. Peyton, eds. Bears, Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. IUCN Species Survival Commission Bear Specialist Group, World Conservation Union, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge UK. Servheen, C. Personal communication, August 2006. Grizzly Bear Recovery Coordinator, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Missoula, Montana. Photo by demanczuk.com 13 BEAR TRACKS

VITAL GROUND

PROJECT BRITISH COLUMBIA LOCATIONS 7 ALBERTA

S P E U L R Glacier Previous Projects K C I E R L National C K 8 L A

B M Park # M R 2006−2007 Projects I O CANADA O N O U E U N C Sandpoint T N T K

A Y T M I Wilderness Areas A N Kalispell M O 3 I S O N U N U S T Flathead N A MONTANA

I Lake T N 1A

S 6

I N

5 Detail Area

4 O

T 2

B Missoula

I IDAHO WYOMING

O MONTANA

IDAHO GULF OF ALASKA Yellowstone National Park 1 Toy Property Permanent Protection

ALASKA 2 Ingersoll Ranch Conservation Easement

3 Hagar Ranch Conservation Easement 4 Cooney Creek Conservation Easement 9 Detail Area 5 McKay Creek Conservation Easement

6 Condon Creek Conservation Easement

7 Kidd Creek Acquisition

8 Clifty View Foothills Forest Legacy Project

9 Bacon Creek/Fish Creek Grazing Allotment Retirement

14 Photo montage images by demanczuk.com, lanceschelvan.com, jamiescarrow.com 15 PROFILE IN CONSERVATION AND STEWARDSHIP

up to make the Clifty View Foothills Project 2006 two young female grizzlies were a success. The conservation easement, relocated by the Montana Department of acquired through the Forest Service’s Fish, Wildlife and Parks into the western Forest Legacy Program, will ensure that Cabinet Mountains—just across the Idaho/ Clifty View Nursery will be conserved for Montana border from Clifty View. During forestry, tree farming, and wildlife habitat the winter of 2006–2007, one of these Vital Ground was a perfect match to help despite increasing development pressure in new resident grizzlies denned in rugged us bring this project to the region. terrain approximately two miles from the completion. Their team Situated at the northwest end of the property. The protection of Clifty View of professionals were Cabinet Mountains and partly within from development will increase the buffer able to carry out all the Cabinet-Yaak Grizzly Bear Recovery of open lands and seasonal habitats for aspects of the many- these grizzlies. faceted requirements of Zone, the Clifty View property spans the the project. We sincerely transitional zone from the Kootenai River thank Vital Ground for fl oodplain to the steep northwest slopes The Forest Legacy Program, a partnership enabling our family to of the Cabinet Mountains, rising from program between the Forest Service and see this project fi nalized 1,900 to 4,600 feet in elevation. The lands the states, is designed to protect private in a form that will working forests for their many values, Photo by Vital Ground provide a corridor and seasonal habitat for protect the family farm, including timber resources, soil and the working forest and Cabinet grizzlies, and winter range for elk, great wildlife habitat. Habitat Conservation Hand in Hand white-tailed deer, mule deer and moose. watershed protection, wildlife habitat, with Agriculture Forested uplands, riparian areas, ponds, recreation and their contribution to —Lon Merrifi eld local economies. Since its fi rst federal Clifty View landowner In 2007, the Lon and Donna Merrifi eld and meadows sustain a wide variety of appropriations in 1992, the program has family closed a conservation easement other wildlife as well, including Canada conserved nearly 1.5 million acres across 35 with Vital Ground to protect 1,647 acres of lynx, gray wolf, mink, pine marten, fi sher, states and territories through conservation key wildlife habitat on Clifty View Nursery coyote, bobcat, black bear, mountain lion, easements and land acquisitions. “The in northern Idaho. This project is not red fox, wolverine, raptors, waterfowl, and Clifty View Foothills Project is an excellent only Vital Ground’s largest conservation songbirds. The property also encompasses addition to Idaho’s Forest Legacy Program,” easement to date, it successfully combines parts of the headwater basins of three says George Bacon, Director of the Idaho wildlife habitat protection with preserving tributaries of the Kootenai River, which Department of Lands. “All the citizens of a third-generation tree farm and nursery, support Kootenai River white sturgeon, Idaho will benefi t from this protection of and the Merrifi eld’s way of life. burbot, and bull trout—three sensitive fi sh species faced with threat of extinction. wildlife habitat, the preservation of open The Merrifi elds, Vital Ground, the U.S. space, and by the continued economic Forest Service, Idaho Department of Lands In an effort to bolster the perilously small contributions of the nursery and managed and several nonprofi t cooperators teamed Cabinet grizzly population, in 2005 and timberlands.”

16 PROFILES IN PLANNED GIVING

Mexico, and became a Registered Nurse. They became sweethearts when Nazario’s sister, Mary, also a nursing student, intro- duced them. Yet World War II intervened and sent them both into service and down separate roads. Nazario served under General George Patton in the 11th Armored Division, and Sabina joined the Civil Service nurses corps and was assigned to the Marine Hospital in Galveston, Texas. For nearly 50 years, Nazario and Sabina followed independent paths, pursuing their careers, marrying and raising families. Sabina devoted her life to her nursing career and to her children. Nazario traveled Photo by Rita Wolfe the world with the U.S. Department of Nazario and Sabina C’ de Baca Agriculture as an extension specialist, In the summer of 2007, Nazario and establishing extension services and youth Sabina C’ de Baca of Bernalillo, New Mexico, programs throughout Latin America, as well established a generous charitable gift as in Jamaica and Sudan. After fi nishing annuity (CGA) with Vital Ground, our fi rst his career in Washington, D.C., he and his CGA contribution. While the C’ de Bacas wife retired to their farm in Bernalillo, New will receive a lifetime stream of income Mexico. from their charitable gift annuity, the After both Nazario and Sabina were residuum will be placed in Vital Ground’s widowed, they reestablished contact and, Permanent Endowment Fund to support our old feelings sparking anew, married in conservation activities. 1994. Today they remain active and involved Nazario and Sabina’s gift refl ects a lifetime with their families, church and community. of service and devotion. Nazario earned “Every day you should do something that is agronomy and rural sociology degrees from good, that contributes to your life,” advises New Mexico State University and Michigan Nazario. “You shouldn’t let a day go by State University. Sabina studied nursing at when you don’t do something constructive, St. Vincent’s Hospital in Santa Fe, New at least one thing.” Photo by lanceschelvan.com 17 PROFILES IN PLANNED GIVING

John’s interests are broad and, in addition to his support of wildlife conservation, he contributes to medical research, children’s medical charities, the arts, education and scholarship programs. The Vatican conferred the Papal Knight of St. Gregory on John for his signiﬁ cant service and assistance to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, New Mexico. When we contacted John to let him know that Vital Ground had met and surpassed his challenge, he was pleased but not surprised. “Vital Ground members and

Photo courtesy of Dan Wilkins supporters are deﬁ nitely dedicated folks. They believe deeply in protecting the John C. Herklotz grizzly and in habitat conservation, and Early in 2006, philanthropist John C. their commitment to both is expressed in Herklotz utilized a Charitable Remainder their generosity. My hat goes off to them for Annuity Trust to make a surprise $150,000 all they have helped Vital Ground achieve. Challenge Grant Pledge to Vital Ground. I’m just glad to have been involved, and As a challenge grant, Vital Ground was hope this will inspire other Vital Ground required to raise at least an equal amount members to utilize planned giving as a of matching funds by year’s end, and way to support the organization.” our generous members and donors came The funds generated through the Herklotz through. By the deadline, 400 individuals, Matching Gift Challenge allowed Vital businesses and foundations contributed a Ground to achieve several important goals, total of $195,821—putting us over the top including organizational capacity building, by nearly $46,000, and making this the enhancing outreach and communications largest and most successful fundraising efforts, establishing a full-time develop- campaign in Vital Ground’s history. ment position, securing new relationships John has established a respected legacy with landowners in grizzly habitat, and by helping numerous worthy causes. supporting our habitat conservation work.

Photo by Christine Paige 18 THE SILVERTIP LEGACY CIRCLE

n September 2007, Vital Ground ofﬁ cially launched the Silvertip I Legacy Circle to recognize those donors who make a lasting commitment to Vital Ground by pledging their support through wills, trusts, charitable gift annuities, or other planned gifts. By doing so, Circle members ensure future income to Vital Ground for projects that will enhance the survival of North America’s grizzly populations and biodiversity for generations to come.

Our Silvertip Legacy Circle charter members are: •Lynn Anderson •Stormy Barton Apgar •Dan and Loraine Barnes •Nazario and Sabina C’de Baca •Colleen Coghlan •Charlotte Heldstab •John C. Herklotz •Robert and Jan Koons •Melia Lewis •Mimi McMillen •M. Banu Qureshi •Doug and Lynne Seus •Amy and Israel Shapira •Stuart and Melissa Strahl •Robert and Rosanne Stocker •Gary and Rita Wolfe

Photo by demanczuk.com 19 DONORS AND PARTNERS 2006–2007

he Vital Ground Foundation gratefully acknowledges JAMES AND DIANA LEAHY ROBERT CORRINGTON DEBI L. AND RICHARD P. STRONG the many donors and partners who supported our TERESA H. MENG AND SIMON HOLDEN NANCY AND BILL COUGHLIN ROBIN TAWNEY-NICHOLS AND T MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE AND PARKS ARLYN CYPEN WILLIAM NICHOLS work to protect and restore North America’s grizzly bear BANU QURESHI AND MIKE JANSA NANCY DAVIS AND KARL HOERIG TEXAS COFFEE TRADERS populations by conserving wildlife habitat. Unfortunately, DOUG AND LYNNE SEUS GREGORY SCOTT ELDER RICK VAN ZEE AND SHARED EARTH FOUNDATION PEGGY ENSIGN AND MAGGIE HOPFFGARTEN ALEXANDRA ALLMAN-VAN ZEE, RN limited space prevents us from providing a complete listing of STUART AND MELISSA STRAHL FANWOOD FOUNDATION, THE S HERRI A. VAN ZUIDAM all donors. Listed donors contributed at least $100 during the FIRST INTERSTATE BANCSYSTEM KEVIN WAGNER $2500 - $4999 F OUNDATION VICTORIA AND RAY WALLICK 2006–2007 biennium. We regret any inadvertent omissions KERRY FOTH RUSS WESTLAKE PAULA ANDERSEN AND PETER AND HEIDI GATCH CHARLES WHEELER or errors, and ask that you bring these to our attention by F RANK GLISTA KENNETH AND DENISE GOEBEL PENELOPE WINKLER AND ROSS WALDROP ADAM DUNSBY calling 406-549-8650. MARY E. GOZA GARY AND RITA WOLFE SHARI ERWIN DAVID A. GRETH YELLOWSTONE TO YUKON DENNIS AND SHERRIE GARDNER GERALD W. AND BARBARA E. GUTHRIE CONSERVATION INITIATIVE JOHN HAHN TOM HART TAKASHI YUMIBE SHARON HIRSHORN CHRIS HERBERT AND NANCY WELCH JOHN ZIEGLER, MD ESTHER JAMES LAND AND $10,000 - $24,999 MECKI AND VICTORIA HEUSSEN E DWARD ZWICK AND LIBERTY GODSHALL ROBERT AND JAN KOONS EASEMENT DONORS NATHALIE ALBERTS JAMES R. AND MEGHAN HOLBROOK GARY D. LANDERS $500 - $999 MERTON AND CACKY BELL PATRICIA SHANNON HOPSON The following individuals CRAIG AND JODY MARON CINNABAR FOUNDATION, THE KIRK AND BETH HORN JOHN L. ANGNER generously donated land, NANCY MORGAN PAM HUIZENGA-ALEXANDER JESSICA L. BAATZ easements, or easement value to CLAYTON A. STRUVE FAMILY PAIGE RENSE NOLAND GALE ANNE HURD JEAN BARTELL Vital Ground. F OUNDATION JACK AND BARBARA NOLL PETER AND LINDSAY IANELLO ALICE AND BILL BIERER COLLEEN COGHLAN NORCROSS WILDLIFE FOUNDATION, THE G ANN AND PHIL JOHNSON JOHN S. BRACK EORGE AND EMILY BECK PATRICIA CORNWELL O WENS FOUNDATION FOR WILDLIFE ROBERT D. JONES CARRIN BUTTRICK DAVID AND TAMI HIRSCHFELD TOM AND LYNN FEY C ONSERVATION, INC CORY KELLER KAREN G. AND ROY BYINGTON LON AND DONNA MERRIFIELD LORI B. KIRK M ICHAEL R. POWELL GEORGE P. AND CAROLINE M. KINKLE PASCHA AND CRAIG CAMPBELL GENE AND PATRICIA TINGLE LYNN MORAN PENNY RONNING DONALD N. LEACH DANIELLE CASSELL WIANCKO CHARITABLE FOUNDATION WILDLIFE LAND TRUST LYNNETTE LINES CATOCTIN WILDLIFE PRESERVE & ZOO $100,000 - AND ABOVE WILBURFORCE FOUNDATION VIA HEART KELLY AND BERNARD WILSON MARION L. AND KURT J. MAGNUSSON SHELLY CATTERSON NAZARIO AND SABINA C’ DE BACA OF THE ROCKIES INITIATIVE PAULA AND W. MAHONEY COLEMAN STUDIOS, LLC WILLIAM H. DONNER FOUNDATION, THE BRIAN AND MEGGEN WILSON $1000 - $2499 TERRY AND DANIEL MARIN J EAN CRAIGHEAD GEORGE PETER C. AND CAROLINE C. GUYNN ERNIE AND LINDA ANDERSON JOHN P. AND ELLEN P. MCLEAN CAROLYN E. DOBBS AND RUSS FOX MISSOULA COUNTY OPEN SPACE BOND $5000 - $9,999 WILLIAM AUSTIN GREGORY AND SHENNON MURRAY NOELLE DOMANICO STORMY B. AND STEVE APGAR KELLY A. BALLIET, MD TOM PEARSON AND JACQUELYN SPRAKER PATTY AND GAYER DOMINICK $50,000 - $99,999 BARBARA BAZZONE AND B ILL AND JUDY BANNING PEEK FOUNDATION EL CAMINO HIGH SCHOOL J OSEPH SHUSTER EUGENE AND ESTELLE FERKAUF RICHARD BOUGHTON LEE POOLE “P AY IT FORWARD TO MOTHER F OUNDATION, THE ANDY BEERMAN AND KATHIE BROYLES MICHAEL J. AND CHRISTINE PUGSLEY N ATURE” CAMPAIGN T JOHNSON FAMILY FOUNDATION HEA LEONARD MOLLY BUNDY-TORAL RBS GREENWICH CAPITAL KIM D. ELM OBERWEILER FOUNDATION GEORGE BRIMHALL TOM AND JOAN CALDER FOUNDATION, INC. SARAH E. EVANS YVON CHOUINARD DAVID K. CAMPANILE M ATTHEW S. AND STACY A. RAGON SARA FAGER $25,000 - $49,999 PAT AND SHIRLEY DALY LAURA CARSTENSON JOE L. AND SUE N. REINA DIANNE M. FARRELL LON AND DONNA MERRIFIELD STEVE AND VALLI DURHAM CHICAGO ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY ABBY ROWLAND WEBB JACKIE L. FRY MONTANA COFFEE TRADERS CAROLE AND JOE GLADE EDWARD J. AND MARY F. CHISAK JOHN R. SCHLEPPEGRELL, JR. MAUREEN ELYSE GILBERT MOEEN AND LILO QURESHI CHRISTOPHER E. AND COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN OF P ETER BALDWIN SIKES JACK HANNA STEELE-REESE FOUNDATION, THE T HERESA HOUCK M ISSOULA, RAVALLI AND MINERAL FRAN SPECTOR MICHAEL HOLOMAKOFF JOHN SWALLOW AND LACY FOUNDATION, INC., THE C OUNTIES DAVID STAVOE LILLI INGRASCI L ORI WOLFORD-SWALLOW SHARON AND DONNY LAINHART MICHAEL F. CORCORAN HOPE B. STEVENS SCOTT AND KIMBERLY JENNINGS

20 DONORS AND PARTNERS 2006–2007

DWIGHT AND CHERYL JOHNSON $100 - $499 KEITH BRYANT BLEDSOE PHILIP S. CHIAVIELLO TOM COFFEE JOANN H. JOHNSON BILL BODE AND BEVERLY J. BERGER, PHD DORIS A. CHRISTIANS DOUGLAS COGAN AND SUSAN WILLIAMS INGRID AKERBLOM CLARISSA M. JONAS S USAN BOIVIN OLIVIA CHUBA ROBERT C. COHEN ROBERT J. ALSPECTOR ERIC JONES KENNETH C. BOMAR PATRICIA GAVIN CHUNG JAMES M. AND JAMES H. COLLADO LAURA V. ALVERSON ALAN AND TERRI KATZ ANDREA AND ROBERT BONETTE KAREN MARIE CHURCH JAYNE S. COLLINS NANCY AND TOM AMANDES JEANNE KLIMOWSKI JUDITH BOREN DONNA CLARK WILLIAM E. COLVIN ESTELLE ANDERSON JULIE D. AND STEVE W. KOHR GARY AND ANNE BORMAN BIBI AND MARTY CLARKE LYNN CONNAUGHTON KELLI D. ANGLIN CHERYL LAFFERTY SHERRY L. BORNT ROBERT G. CLEMENT BRIGITTE C. CONNER JOHN AND BARBARA H. ARMISTEAD MAVIS LORENZ CAITLIN BORUCH FRANK CLIFFORD AND MARY JO COOK BRENDA ARMSTRONG AND JIM AND MAUREEN LOVE JOHN BOTTOMLEY B ARBARA C. ANDERSON RALPH AND SHERYL COSTANZO S UZI SHEAFFER JACK DAVID MAERTZWEILER BENJIE BOWLIN LARRY CLITES ANN AND PAUL COURNOYER BRENNA ARNETT LOUIS E. AND ANN MARIE MARINACCIO WILLIAM BRABENDER KAREN COADY BETTY W. AND CHARLES M. COVINGTON ALVIS ARNOLD ANN MARINI AND ROBERT LIPSKY CHARLOTTE AND CHRIS BRADLEY JACK AND SHARON KALENE CODY PAMELA COX ANN GRIFFITH ASH ANDY C. MCKEY AND MARCIA R. ELY MICHAEL BRADLEY DAVID AVENAIM LINDA AND BLAKE MCKIBBIN KYM ROBERT BRADSHAW SARAH BABICEK MIMI MCMILLEN BRETT THUMA GALLERY ARILYN EYERS DAVID AND SHEPORA BALDWIN M B. M WALT AND CANDY BRETT JOHN NEVILLE DOREEN BALERIA JEFF AND SUSAN BRIDGES RICK AND PENNEY ONCKEN SUSAN R. BALES HELEN J. BRIGHTWELL CYNTHIA PETT-DANTE A. BAMBERGER STEPHEN BRIGHTWELL TIM RAINES DERRIA D. BANTA AND KAREN AND TED BRISTOL CRAIG REECE MATTHEW FARLING MATTHEW BRODEUR MARIANNE REESE STEPHANIE BREWER BARRETT FAYE LORRAINE BROMFIELD DEREK AND HEATHER REICH MARTHA BARTON ROBERT BROOKMAN CATHARINE A. ROBERTSON LINDSEY BATCHELDER CHRIS BROOKS KATHLEEN ROBINSON SHARLOT B. BATTIN BARRY M. BROOKSTEIN DENISE ROCHETTE DONNALEE BAUDRY JOSEPH AND DAWN E. BROWN JOAN ROLLENDER EMILY SUZANNE BEACHEM THOMAS W. BROWN LEE AND DINA ROTHMAN BRUCE S. BEASLEY JAMES BRUBAKER AND MARCY KELLY KRISTIN AND LAWRENCE RUSK SCOTT BEAVERS RICK BRYAN MYRNA J. SALMINEN CHERYL L. BECK BRETT THOMAS BURCH KIRSTEN SCHAEFER TOM AND MARILYN BEERMAN JOHN A. BURKE SHANE AND LESLEY SCHIEFFER SUSAN BEGLEY CATHERINE A. BURNETTE SHEILA SHIOZAKI SARA L. BEIN CAMILLE L. BUSBEE GREGORY SOBEL JENNIFER BELL MARILYN H. BUSHNO DEREK SOLOMON KRISTEN RENEE AND IGNATIUS BELL GAY D. AND JOHN B. BUTTS JAMES G. AND JORETTA J. STEWART JEFF BENGFORD DAWN CADWELL JUDITH A. STROM GEORGE BERGMAN CAROL JEAN CAMBRIDGE THE MAWHINNEY ENTERPRISES, INC. BRENT BERKMAN DAVE CAMPBELL R ICHARD E. AND RUTH WALTMAN MARK BICKFORD LARA CAMPBELL RITA WEBER JOSEPH BIEKSZA JOHN C. CAPP JIM AND SALLY WHITE HELEN AND PAUL BIGGS JAY H. AND LINDA K. CASSELBERRY BARTON D. AND BARBARA J. WHITMAN DENISE BINDAS SUSAN AND ROLAND CATENACCI JILL WILEN DIANE BINDAS DEBBIE CESIO MARCIA H. WOLFE ERIC JEROME BINDSEIL MARK D. CHAFFEE AND DIANE J. LYNCH CHARLES E. AND JIM AND MICHELLE BINGHAM DEBORAH T. CHANDLER L ORI A. WOLFERSBERGER SUSAN BISTLINE BEVERLY A. CHANEY ANNIE YACKSHAW HELEN BLACKEBY RYAN CHAPMAN GERAL BLANCHARD Photo by jamiescarrow.com 21 DONORS AND PARTNERS 2006–2007

$100 - $499 (continued) PEG FLETCHER KRISTIN HAHN STRINGER AND MICHAEL F. FOLEY CHARLES M. STRINGER PAMELA SCHICK CRISER SHANNON AND WILLIE FOLEY BRIAN SCOTT AND HEATHER D. HALL BRENDAN RAYMOND AND KIM W. CROSS JOHN WILLIAM FORD, II STEPHEN J. AND CAROL E. HANKARD MARYLOU V. CROUCH K RISTEN FRAME AND GRAHAM CAMPBELL STEPHEN M. AND SUZANNE HANKARD BETTY CSOROSZ CHUCK FRANK JODY LEE HANSON GARY S. CUMMINS ALISON AND PAUL FRIBERG BARRY AND LISA HARDEN JUDITH DAMMEL E. ELIZABETH FRIESS ROBERT G. AND CHERYL A. HARKIN ROBERT R. DANCES JEAN FROST MARILYN L. HARMAN LYNN DANIELS AND JOHN MATTHEWS JEFFRY AND TERRILYN FRY JERILYNN HART NANCY DAUGHERTY MARY FRYER TOM HARTMAN JON DAVISON & SALLY CRUIKSHANK MIKE AND J. ANNE FULLERTON LARRY DALE AND VIVIAN HARVEY HELEN DE PASQUALE JERRY W. FUQUA ROCKY HAWKINS AND KAT SPOSITA CHAR DEMOTTE GFWC STEVENS POINT MARTHA HAYDEN MELISSA A. DEMOTTE JUNIOR WOMAN’S CLUB KEVIN HAYES CHRISTOPHER AND COURTNEY DETEMPLE LIDIA GALLUZZO DUANE B. HELLUMS MISHA DEFONSECA JOHN GAMBLE ANTHONY HERNANDEZ LYDIA F. DELMAN BRENT AND ALLISON GARDNER TRACY MAUREEN HESSE CAROLYN M. DERR ROBERT GARDNER GAIL HETTENBACH CHRISTINE DICURTI OLIVIER GARNIER THOMAS M. HEWITT JULIE A. DIGGS HELEN GAUCHER MARK HIGGINS ALEKSANDRA DINEVA GLENDA R. AND RICHARD GEHRI FRANKLIN J. HILDY HEATHER DING ANNE GIANSIRACUSA DIANNE HOBBIE KATHLEEN DOUCETTE LAUREN GILLESPIE LORETTA P. HOBBIE JAMIE DOWDY TERRI GILLESPIE NANCE R. HOELKER DORRIT DRBAL LYLE AND SUSAN GOLD SALLY HOFFMANN THOMAS DUDNYK CHUCK AND PATTY GORMAN FRED HOFSTETTER LES DUNBAR HORACE P. AND MARY GORMLEY JULIAN C. HOLMES JO EARLIWINE ADAM GOROVE AND PRUDENCE A. AND JOHN R. HOLMES GLENN EASTER MICHELLE HEATH MARTHA S. HOPE MARY ALISON EBERT TANI GRAHAM TARA AND TROY HOPWOOD DANA EDWARDS LAUREN J. GRAMLICH RAY AND BARBARA HORN CAMILLE ELHASSANI TRACY GRANT BARB J. AND ROBERT K. HORTON KAREN MARIE ELLER GLENN GRAVES CATHERINE ELAINE HOSS JUDITH EMBRY CINDY GRAY SHARON HOWARD AND MIKE ROSEN LARRY ENO RANDALL H GRAY ELIZABETH HOYT ROSALIE ERMAN ALWIN AND MYRTLE GREEN JAMES J. HUBRICH AND KENDRA R. UHE SHARI L. ERWIN CYNTHIA L. GREEN LISA AND MIKE HUSAR CHRISTINA EVANOFF GARY GREEN BETSY HUTCHESON MARK FAKHOURI CELESTE E. GREENE VALERIE HUVAERE DEANNA G. FALCK MG GREGORY CECI IRWIN SUSAN COLLEEN FERGUSON AMY J. GROSSMAN BOGIE AND CYNTHIA ISON MICHELLE FERNDELLI DAN GROTEWOHL ROBERT JACKSON AND LIZ LAWSON JENNIFER FERRARA KORTNEY GROVES BRIAN JENNINGS LINDA D. AND MIKE E. FERREIRA MEGAN GRUBER MATTHEW P. JENNINGS HARRY AND KAREN S. FIALKOV LAUREN GUESS MICHAEL AND KELLY JINDRICH ROSS FIALKOV BILLIE GUTGSELL EVA JOHANSSON CHUCK AND KAREN FINNEY THOMAS F. HAENSLY LINDA JOHNS JAMES J. AND JUDY L. FLANIGAN ELINOR HAFFKE LAURA E. AND JAMES M. JOHNSON Photo by lanceschelvan.com 22 DONORS AND PARTNERS 2006–2007

SUZI JOLICOEUR ELISE E. LEBLANC MONTANA SHARES EDWIN AND SHERRY PRATOR CHERYL SCOTT CAMMIE E. JONES ELEANOR S. LEO JAMES E. MOORE EVA LOUISE PRIEST MELISSA AND RONNY SCOTT STALEY T. AND PAM JONES JONATHAN LEPSELTER VERNE F. AND DEBORAH L. MORROW TIMOTHY A. AND BETTINA M. PRIEST STEVEN J. SCOTT JAKE KAAUWAI TOM AND MAUREEN LESHENDOK SHANE MORTENSEN DONNA M. PROSZYNSKI LYNNE AND KEVIN SEACHRIST JOHN KANE JENNIFER LESSER DANYELLE MOTTRAM JOANNA PRUKOP SEMNANI FOUNDATION JULIE KANE WALTON W. AND JULIE A. LEVI HARLAN L. MUMMA J. DAVID AND SUSAN B. PUETT TERRY SEREK AND DUANE H. THORKILDSEN THOMAS KANYAK SCOTT AND DIANNE LEWIS LISA ANN AND RICHARD J. MUSGRAVE ANDREA PURVIS L.M. SERET HADRIAN R. KATZ JOANNE LIPSIG NANCY L. MYERS JERRY QUEEN SAUSHA SEUS SHER KEENE YOLANDA LLOYD SHERI MYERS CARL RACCHINI CHARLES B. SEYMOUR LAURA ELIZABETH KEETER CHRISTINE LORENTZ O’BEIRNE CAMERON NACE JEANINE RACHAU GAIL SHACKEL AND DARRELL ANDERSON ELIZABETH A. KELLER WILLIAM H. AND BENITA L. LOVE URS NACHBUR JOANN RANDALL ANNE SHAHI LAWRENCE AND FLORAN KEPIC EDWARD LUNNEY DAVID AND LENORA NASH JEFF L. RANKIN AMY AND ISRAEL SHAPIRA JOHN KESSLER AND JODY AJIMURA-KESSLER MICHAEL GARY LUSHING NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR PHILANTHROPY JOHN STETSON RAWLINGS VIRGINIA SHELLORNE JAMES B. KIEFABER RYAN A. AND JENNIFER LUTEY GREG NEGRA MONDA RAY DONNA SHEPHARD ANITA KINGSBAUER JACK AND NATALIE LYON CRAIG E. AND SYLVIA A. NELSON MELANIE REGNIER PATRICK SHIELDS RICK KINGSLEY EDEN ISBELL MACINNIS MICHAEL AND MARGARET NEWTON BRUCE REYNOLDS ROXANNE AND ROBERT E. SHOUSE LAURENCE AND RUTH BARNES KINSOLVING HEATHER MACDONALD OLIVIA NEWTON MARGARET M. RICK FRED J. AND KELLY R. SHUEY DARRYL AND JUDY KISSINGER SID MACKIE MICHAEL D. NICHOLS HOWARD N. RIGBY, JR. DIANE CLARK SIBURT KAREN KLAGES BERNICE C. MAERTZ JOSHUA AND CHRISTINE NOBLE T RINA RIGGLE ALLISON M. SILVERMAN JENNIFER KLIMKIEWICZ NANCY MAHAFFEY MARIE-LOUISE G. NORDLUND NANCY RITTER JED AND JANA SIMMONS MELISSA A. KLING-NEWBERRY LESLIE ANN MAHR MICHAEL AND DAWN NORTON KATHLEEN R. ROBERTS GENNY SMITH JACK KLOCK TERENCE J. AND JULIE MALIDA TERRY AND RONDA O’BRIEN ARTIST ROBINSON HADLEY SMITH RON KNAUFF BRUCE MARGOLIUS AYLA O’CONNOR JILL ROHRET KAY LYNN AND G.F. SMITH KATHRYN H. AND LARRY R. KOELSCH KATHRYN E. MARINO JAMES OLMES PATRICIA E. ROMANO KERRY M. SMITH HOLLY AND JEREMY KOPPEL SUSAN MARSH CASSANDRA OLMSTEAD GRANT R. ROSE LINDA L. SMITH ROBERT KORENBERG AND BARBARA BAKER KELLY MARTIN HAROLD AND JEAN OLSON RONALD ROSENKRANZ RICHARD L. SMITH AND HEATHER A. CROSS SHIRLEY AND WILLIAM KOVAR JANIE G. MARTINEZ PATTY ORLOWSKI JOHN ROSLOOT SCOTT AND BRENDA SMITH SUSAN AND JIM KOWALCZIK TRACEY A. MATHEWS KELLY RENEE OWEN JOSH AND JENNA RUBENSTEIN SALLY O. SMYTH DICK AND PAMELA KRAKOWSKI JOY MAYES CHRISTINE PAIGE AND DAVE RUBINI JEROME SNIVELY LARRY KRAMER THOMAS J. MAZZARISI T OBIN KELLEY MICHAEL W. RUE DONNA SNOW LYNNE M. KRAMER DENNIS MCAVOY PAJWELL FOUNDATION ASHLEY AND BURT RUIZ MARY ELIZABETH SNYDER LOREN KRECK TIM MCBRIDE WILLIAM H. PALMER CHRISTOPHE RUMPH JAMES SOARES SHAUNA KRON CAROL MCCALLUM PAMELA PARKS SHELLEY L. AND JASON RYAN HAROLD AND KATHLEEN SOO HOO MICHELLE KRUPNA ASTRID MCCLEAN SANDY PARR SUSAN M. SABALA-FOREMAN GARY SOREN KIRK T. KUPPIG B. HOPE MCCORMACK LORETTA AND GEORGE PAULUS SALMON PUBLISHING, LTD. GLENN SORENSON AND LYNN PERKINS LISA LADORE JOHN R. AND MARY MCKIBBIN PAUL PAWENSKI T IM J. AND CASSANDRA SALVATI LINCOLN SOTTONG ALAN AND CINDRA LADD ELAINE MCKINNEY KIMBERLY G. PAYNE COURTNEY E. SAMUELS JILL SOUSA TRACI AND MICHAEL LAMBERT-CWERENZ JANET H. MCLAUGHLIN PAULA H. PEARL CAROL A. SANFORD-TAYLOR SOUTHWOOD PROPERTIES, INC. JONATHAN W. LANDERS NANCY A. AND JAMES MCLAUGHLIN ROB AND CAT PEDINI TOM M. SAVAGE W ILLIAM L. AND STACEY SPEROW ROGER LANG SALLY R. MCSTRAVICK WILLIAM L. PELKEY MATTHEW SCANLON TENA SPIER DAVID L. LANGENBRUNNER PAUL MEDLOCK JAN PERKINS DEBORAH SCHAEFFER MARGARET L. SPILKER RICK LANHAM GEORGE D. AND NANCY MELLING PAOLA PEROLFI ELIN FRANSISCA MARIA SCHEFFERS JOYCE LORRAINE SPRECACE STEVEN LANUM LLOYD J. MERCER ARTHUR G. AND MARCIA A. PETERSON RICHARD V. SCHNEIDER JEFF SQUIRES TARA E. LARSEN DOUG METZGER AND JONELLE ANDERSON STEVEN W. PFETTSCHER LESLIE SCHOMER ELIZABETH J. AND TODD S. ST. THOMAS A.D. LARSON PATRICIA MINNICK FARIANNE M. PHILLIPS KIMBERLY SCHOPPE MILTON R. STARK CARMEN LASAR MARK E. MIRONOV GORDON PHILLIPS ELISABETH SCHORR KYLIE AND PETER STATHIS ANN LATHAM ALEXIS MITCHELL BETH PIBURN LYLE AND JILL SCHUMACHER JOHN STEARNS STEPHEN E. LAUBACH MIKE AND CONNIE MITCHELL ROBERT E. PIZZURRO CYNDI SCHWANDT GARY STEELE DAYLE LAUGHLIN ANNE B. MIZE LYNDA A. AND JOHN V. POTTHOFF JOHN C. SCIBEK LONNIE STEELE AND STEVE BELL

23 DONORS AND PARTNERS 2006–2007

$100 - $499 (continued) IVANOV B. VIVAS AND BEGONA SUAREZ BART LEGACY SOCIETY BUSINESS PARTNERS RATTLESNAKE GARDENS WILLIAM W. WAKEFIELD REI JOE STEGNER AND CRISTIN MCMURRAY DAVID H. AND VICTORIA WALLACE The following individuals made The following businesses and DEREK AND HEATHER REICH WILLIAM M. AND LINDA A. STEPHENSON JACK WALLER AND LAURIE GAISER a ﬁ ve year pledge to Vital Ground individuals donated products, CURTIS RICHTER of at least $1000 per annum. services, rights for use, artwork, COLLEEN M. STEVENS BRIAN T. WALSH ROCK 36 PHOTOGRAPHY photography, or sale proceeds MIKE STEVENSON CYNTHIA WANECK K LANCE SCHELVAN PHOTOGRAPHY ELLY BALLIET, MD to Vital Ground. DAVID STEWART M. DAVID WANNER M OLLY BUNDY-TORAL DOUG AND LYNNE SEUS GLENN STEWART LAUREN WARD BILL AND NANCY COUGHLIN ALL AMERICAN DOG E-SCHOOL AMY SHAPIRA LINDA STEWART STEPHANIE K. WARD TOM AND LYNN FEY AMERICANA STUDIES COLLECTORS TOM SMART RICK STEWART ELIZABETH WAY DENNIS AND SHERRIE GARDNER S HOWROOM AND DESIGN SCOTT “SMITTY” SMITH ROBERT W. AND ROSANNE STOCKER BRUCE WEBER JAMES R. HOLBROOK ARDEN ENTERTAINMENT JOHN SWALLOW PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHEN AND ROBYN STODDARD ANDREW WEIGEL SHANNON HOPSON JENNIFER ANISTON TEN SPOON VINEYARD+WINERY CARRIE STORY SHARON WEINSTEIN, MD LORI KIRK BAER BRONZE TEXAS COFFEE TRADERS EBEN STRONG K AREN WEIR PINYOUN ROBERT AND JAN KOONS CAROL BAILEY TREASURE MOUNTAIN INN USAN TROSS S P. S AND NICHOLAS PINYOUN BANU QURESHI AND MIKE JANSA B.C. IMAGES WASATCH ROCKY MOUNTAIN WILDLIFE JOHN D. SUITER PAUL AND BONNIE WEISS DOUG AND LYNNE SEUS BIG PRINTS PLUS WATERMARK ADVERTISING CORPORATION PEGGY TAGESEN D OLFF ELLEN R. AND FRED WEMYSS STUART AND MELISSA STRAHL BIG SKY BREWING E W SYDNEY TAO XMISSION INTERNET DAVID AND MARY DALE WESLEY DEBI STRONG BROOKFIELD ZOO GUY TATGENHORST ZÖOPRAX PRODUCTIONS WESTMONT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL JOHN AND LORI SWALLOW DAVE CAMPBELL NICOLA WENDY TAW JENNIFER R. AND JASON S. WHIPPLE DAVID AND MARY DALE WESLEY DOUGLAS H. CHADWICK IVAN C. AND LAURIE K. TAYLOR CONSERVATION PARTNERS DAVID M. WHITACRE KELLY AND BERNARD WILSON COLEMAN STUDIOS STEPHANIE TAYLOR EDDY WHITE GARY AND RITA WOLFE PHILIP DEMANCZUK PHOTOGRAPHY The following organizations and CURT TEBBUTT LEE ANDREW WHITE MONTE DOLACK agencies collaborated with Vital JOHN FREDERICK TERRY CORPORATE MATCHING GIFTS LORNIE WHITE EMERSON VALUATION Ground on wildlife and habitat TESSERACT SCHOOL conservation projects. CHERYL AND HAYDEN WHITTINGTON The following companies supported GALUSHA, HIGGINS & GALUSHA, PC “K IDS WHO CARE” CAMPAIGN W ILLIAM GAMRADT TIFFANY AYN WIGHT Vital Ground by matching their CLIFTY VIEW NURSERY JEFF THOMAS GB S KINCARE, LLC WILD ACRES employees’ contributions. IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF LANDS DOUGLAS E. AND BARBARA B. THOMPSON B ILL GEER CAROL WILLIAMS A MISSOULA COUNTY RURAL INITIATIVES JAMES L. AND BEVERLY ANN THOMPSON MERICAN EXPRESS GHOST WOLF PUBLISHING CINDY WILLIAMS MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE & PARKS MATTHEW J. THOMPSON AMGEN GOODSEARCH JOE AND LESLIE WILLIAMS NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION SHERYL THOMPSON BP FOUNDATION GOOGLE NANCY WILLIAMS NATURE CONSERVANCY OF MONTANA, THE THOMAS AND HEIDI E. TIERNEY CENTENNIAL VENTURES GRIZZLY COVE GREETINGS BARB WILLIAMS-GOLDMAN NATURE TRUST OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, THE JANE TINSLEY DUN AND BRADSTREET CORPORATION DAN GROTEWOHL CONNIE WILSON SWAN ECOSYSTEM CENTER SHELLI TOBIS GE FOUNDATION THOMAS HAENSLEY NANCY A. WIMER USDA FOREST SERVICE- TOM TOMLINSON MICROSOFT CORPORATION ROCKY HAWKINS BONNIE WINSOR F OREST LEGACY PROGRAM NICHOLAS TOTH SCHWAB FUND FOR CHARITABLE GIVING HOUSE OF FINE ART MARK WITHROW US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE ALBERT TSCHANETT UNITED AIRLINES MATCHING GIFT PROGRAM S IR ANTHONY HOPKINS KATHELEEN AND SIMON WOOD WILDLIFE LAND TRUST E.W. MARSHALL TUCKER WELLPOINT ASSOCIATE GIVING CAMPAIGN IMAGES OF NATURE AIGE AND OBERT OODALL YELLOWSTONE TO YUKON MARGARET O. TUNNELL P B. R W CHUCK JONKEL C ONSERVATION INITIATIVE WAINO TUOMINEN KATHY WOOLCOCK KNIGHT INLET LODGE ERICH AND SHELBY TUPPER INGA YANDELL TOM MANGELSEN DONA UPSON STEVEN GERARD YARDMAN MANITOU MOTION PICTURE COMPANY RICHARD VAN SCHELVEN COLLEEN YOUNG MERRILL LYNCH - GREAT NORTHERN GROUP DOUG VANCE GARY AND CHRISTINE YOUNGER MONTANA COFFEE TRADERS MAGGIE M. VAWTERS DAVID J. ZADER MOUNTAIN LIGHT MARK VEALE PALMYRE ZELE NETWORK FOR GOOD COURTNEY B. VELASQUEZ CHARLES A. ZELONIS, JR. JACK NOLL JOSEPH AND JOANN VERGA M ARJORIE AND MANNY ZIEGLER JAN PERKINS GLORIA M. VICTOR RONALD AND ANDREA ZYSK BRAD PITT

24 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW 2006–2007

The Vital Ground Foundation’s public support and revenues totaled $2,893,105 during the 2006–2007 biennium. Of that amount, $1,141,800 was attributed to the value of the SOURCE OF FUNDS - $2,893,105 donated portions of three bargain-purchase conservation easements. During this period, $2,276,218 (86.5% of all expenditures) was spent on Vital Ground’s Grants conservation mission, plus an additional multi-million dollar conservation easement was 14.8% Special Events facilitated and secured for the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program. The value of 1.5% the Forest Legacy easement was not recorded on Vital Ground’s fi nancial statements. Merchandise Vital Ground’s 86.5% program expense ratio exceeds the Better Business Bureau’s Wise 0.5% Donated Goods & Services Giving Alliance Standards for Charity Accountability, which suggests that charitable 2.0% organizations should spend at least 65% of total expenses on program activities. Donations Other 77.5% 3.7% The organization’s Total Net Assets on December 31, 2007 were $1,018,278 representing a 34.4% increase from December 31, 2005. Vital Ground depends upon private contributions to fi nance our wildlife habitat conservation work. As a charitable nonprofi t organization, our success depends upon the generous support of our many individual donors, foundations, and business partners. Donations to Vital Ground qualify as charitable contributions and may be tax-deductible. There are USE OF FUNDS - $2,631,988 many ways to support our mission. A few of these are: Individuals Businesses Foundations •Cash Contributions •Business Partnerships •General Operations and Project Grants •Gifts of Securities or Real Estate •Sponsorships •Matching Gift Support •Donated Conservation Easements •Employer Matching Gifts •Endowment Funding Programs 86.5%* •Bequests •Charitable Remainder Trusts •Charitable Gift Annuities Management & Administration 6.5%

Vital Ground is audited annually. To receive a copy of Vital Ground’s most recent Fund Raising audited ﬁ nancial statements or IRS Form 990, please visit our website or contact our ofﬁ ce. 7%

Vital Ground is a 501(c)(3) organization. Our federal tax ID number is 87-0483446. *The Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance Standards for Charity Accountability suggest that a charity should spend at least 65% of its total expenses on program activities.

25 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION December 31, 2007

ASSETS Cash 457,683 Investments 37,894 Inventories 21,083 Receivables 291,825 Prepaid Expenses 8,389 Property, Plant and Equipment 20,138 Conservation Land 554,931 TOTAL ASSETS $1,391,943 LIABILITIES Current 131,854 Long-term Debt 241,811 TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 373,665 NET ASSETS Unrestricted 562,191 Temporarily Restricted 280,768 Permanently Restricted 175,319 TOTAL NET ASSETS $1,018,278

VITAL GROUND ONLINE

n late September, 2007, Vital Ground video library. Visitors to the site can access I launched a new website to better reach current announcements, regularly updated our supporters and wildlife enthusiasts grizzly news, Vital Ground newsletters and worldwide. Our website offers detailed other publications. Visitors can also shop information on the organization, current our online store—Bear Mart—for nature- project updates, and interactive project related merchandise and artwork, or learn maps. There are educational pages on the about the many avenues for individuals and natural history and conservation of grizzlies businesses to contribute to Vital Ground. and other bear species, and links to our Please visit us at www.vitalground.org. Photo by jamiescarrow.com 26 VITAL GROUND BOARD AND STAFF

FOUNDERS HONORARY BOARD DOUG AND LYNNE SEUS JENNIFER ANISTON BART THE BEAR™ JEFF BRIDGES SUSAN BRIDGES BOARD OF TRUSTEES JOHN CRAIGHEAD, PH.D. DOUGLAS H. CHADWICK JEAN CRAIGHEAD GEORGE THOMAS H. FEY SIR ANTHONY HOPKINS ROBERT W. KOONS, Chair JACK HORNER, PH.D. JONATHAN W. LANDERS, Treasurer THOMAS D. MANGELSEN M. BANU QURESHI BRAD PITT LYNNE SEUS EDWARD ZWICK STUART D. STRAHL, PH.D JOHN E. SWALLOW, Vice Chair DAVID E.WESLEY, PH.D ADVISORY BOARD KELLY A. WILSON, Secretary LARRY AUMILLER KEITH JOHNSON COLLEEN MATT TRUSTEE EMERITUS NANCY MCLAUGHLIN, J.D. DOUG SEUS CHRIS MORGAN STAFF JACK NOLL GARY J. WOLFE, PH.D. DEREK REICH Executive Director PENNY RONNING RYAN LUTEY, J.D. Director of Lands AMBASSADORS SARAH CANEPA Land Conservation Specialist BART THE BEAR 2™ KIFFIN HOPE HONEY-BUMP THE BEAR™ Development and Outreach Coordinator TANK THE BEAR™ SHANNON FOLEY Ofﬁ ce Manager SHELLY WEAR Administrative Assistant

BIENNIAL REPORT Author and Editor, Christine Paige, Ravenworks Ecology Layout & Design, Randy Stekly, Double Click Design Photo by lanceschelvan.com 27 he Vital Ground Foundation’s mission is to Tprotect and restore North America’s grizzly bear populations by conserving wildlife habitat. In support of this mission, we: • Protect lands that grizzlies need to survive, not only for bears but for all other species that share their world; • Work where human impacts encroach on some of the wildest places left on the continent; • Target projects that sustain habitat connections, conserve critical lands, and reduce conﬂ icts between bears and people; • Ground our projects on current science and strong partnerships.

Please join us! As a 501(c)(3) charitable nonproﬁ t, our success depends on you!

VITAL GROUND

Bldg. T-2, Fort Missoula Road C ONNECTING LANDSCAPES, Missoula, MT 59804 Telephone: (406) 549-8650 C ONNECTING WILDLIFE, Email: [email protected] Website: www.vitalground.org C ONNECTING PEOPLE™ Fax: (406) 549-8787

Photo by jamiescarrow.com

28 Printed with soy inks on recycled and recyclable paper.