Annual Report 2017

Seven land protection projects Completed in one year

Many things made 2017 our biggest year to date: Great project partners, a staff and board that are ardently dedicated to conserving ’s special places, generous supporters, lots of patience, and WVLT’s availability to respond to multiple requests for assistance… which continue to increase with each month.

These lands are now permanently protected. Yes, permanently. As in…. forever. Signed, sealed, and recorded in deed books in their respective counties. A public park for climbing, family histories, a waterfall, wildlife habitat, hiking trails, beautiful forests and streams, agricultural land: All great places that will keep West Virginia wild and wonderful.

Good projects often take a long time to complete. One of 2017’s successes was in the works for five years! With conservation easements, we take our time to make sure that landowners’ wishes are clear, so that WVLT can honor them as we become stewards of the property. Properties we decide to purchase require funding sources, may involve government regulation, and sometimes need months of negotiation around boundaries, minerals, and family interests. Title exams, surveys, appraisals, maps, and environmental assessments are all part of the due diligence we undertake for every project, with full review conducted by staff, our legal team, a committee of our board of directors, and ultimately by our full Board.

But enough about the anatomy of a project. What really excites us is the way that WVLT can bring its land protection skills and knowledge to others, to make something positive and lasting happen. Land conservation is more than a nice idea; it’s a vital component of healthy communities, local economies, clean water, and public recreation opportunities. So, we work with municipalities, water utilities, other In This Issue non-profits, government agencies, and individuals, to conserve land in a way that ...... helps them.

Land Protection Projects And finally, our projects are “nested” in an overarching push to accelerate the pace of conservation in West Virginia, and to create awareness and momentum to protect Outreach more of the state’s special places. So we’ve connected with craft breweries (“Clean Water Makes Great Beer”), hosted river floats and hikes (a flotilla of 250 kayakers and canoeists met the with us in 2017), organized youth groups, Community Engagement university students and adult volunteers to build trails, spoken to numerous service organizations, sponsored gatherings, and called attention to opportunities to enjoy and protect the great outdoors that’s all around us through email blasts, Facebook Financials posts, website updates, and mailings.

I hope you enjoy this recap of last year. Thanks for your interest and support. Stay tuned: There’s more to come!

Brent Bailey, Ph.D. Executive Director Land Protection

Total Acres Total Acres Protected Protected

Partner Projects 3,315 Acres 8,654 Acres

Under Easment 2017 3,658 Acres Projects 1,677 Acres Lands in Fee 1,682 Acres

Together, we are proud to claim 8,654 acres of special places that are now conserved forever, thanks to our growing family of friends who envision a future in which West Virginia’s enduring beauty, diverse landscape, and abundant natural wealth are preserved.

In 2017, WVLT completed seven projects – nearly 1,700 acres of land. Many of these projects have been in the works for 5 years – three easements, four lands in fee, all include a diversity of projects. Hevener phase 2 Bill and Sue Hevener, and Bill’s sister, Patsy Cummings, know the value of a deep-rooted family history and chose to place an additional 528-acres of their family farm in Pocahontas County 528 under an agricultural easement. (The entire easement protects Acres 912 acres.) The Hevener farm protects Deer Creek of the , and adjoins the Monongahela National Forest.

Fife Darlene Fife and Robert Head chose to conserve a 111-acre 111 family forest in Greenbrier County by donating an easement. Acres This refuge for wildlife, includes three streams that feed into the headwaters of Muddy Creek in the Greenbrier Watershed. Family Legacy Family

Sweetwater Farm The Hansbarger family made the decision to protect their 398- acre family farm in Monroe County. This project, which is in the 398 Greenbrier Watershed, includes the very spring at the headwaters Acres of Second Creek way up on , two caves, and sinking streams and wetlands, and productive farm fields.

Needleseye Park In December, WVLT partnered with the City of Oak Hill to purchase a 283-acre community park in Fayette County. The future is exciting as Oak Hill prepares to open this “outdoor recreation 283 mecca” for climbing, hiking, and mountain biking that will add yet Acres another option for tourism in the New River Gorge Region. This property is packed with natural rock features, including a nearly 2-mile long rock wall, which makes this new destination worth the hike to visit.

Bickle Knob Last summer, 123 acres in the Bickle Knob scenic view shed in Randolph County was put on the auction block and WVLT 123 stepped in to ensure its permanent protection. This property has Acres unique limestone, caves, rare species, and perfect terrain for mountain biking. A fundraising campaign has launched and we need your support. Updates will be posted at www.buybickle.org. Community Impact

Tom’s Run Preserve expanding • 2 projects In 1995, WVLT received its first nature preserve donation – Elizabeth’s Woods. Over the last year, staff worked tirelessly to purchase two adjacent properties, expanding a public nature preserve to 320 acres in Monongalia County. This project helps 234 protect Morgantown’s drinking water supply, as Tom’s Run is a Acres critical concern located upstream, and will also provide excellent new opportunities for outdoor recreation. Outreach

Part of our mission is to catalyze a vibrant conservation movement in our state. Through various partnerships, we are fulfilling this goal. Engaging People in Conservation – a WVLT program which hosts outdoor activities, encouraging folks to get outside to enjoy the wild and wonderful. Many activities take place at WVLT properties, so this is a great opportunity to see our projects up close!

2017 Epic Events

2017 Events

Meet the Cheat Ancient Forest Celebration Camp Bartow Meet the Cheat is an annual river float The Marie Hall Jones Ancient Forest WVLT owns a historic 14-acre Civil War trip held in June, co-hosted with Friends Preserve is a 190-acre tract in Doddridge site in Pocahontas County, known as of the Cheat and welcomes over 250 County, which will be open to the public Camp Bartow, scene of the Battle of participants of all ages. Participants as a nature preserve in the near future. Greenbrier River in October 1861. The float 8 miles on the Cheat River Water The property features a 15-acre patch battle proved instrumental in the creation Trail, ending at Blackwater Outdoor of old-growth trees. WVLT hosted a of West Virginia in 1863. This tour, Adventures for a paddling after-party celebration and hike last June welcoming complete with reenactors, brought history which includes local food, beverages, live over 100 participants. to life for more than 100 guests. music, and plenty of friends to share big fish stories with around a campfire. Hope to see you next year!

Exploring Camp Bartow This historic tour was led by West Virginia Author & Historian, Hunter Lesser. WVLT staff are happy to give guided tours of our properties. Please call our office at (304) 413-0945 to schedule. Community Engagement

Bickle Knob campaign WVLT purchased a 123-acre tract at auction, surrounded by the Monongahela National Forest. Knowing its scenic importance near Elkins, the viewshed below the Bickle Knob observation tower, and its recreation potential, the Land Trust made a winning bid to prevent it from being developed. We borrowed funds to secure this site, and now are asking our supporters to help us ensure its permanent protection. Estimated need: $100,000. Community events are occurring, so check your email and follow us on Facebook!

Guyandotte Water Trail WVLT staff have supported the development of the Guyandotte Volunteers Water Trail and identified access points along the river for outdoor recreation. Volunteers help with events, trail building, and spreading the word about conservation. From youth groups to university students to corporate partners to individuals, the Land Trust benefits from the Fencing energy and commitment from a variety of groups. A leading cause of impairment of West Virginia streams is contamination from livestock, along with storm water run-off Fundraising Events and failing septic tanks. Working with five partners, WVLT has reduced livestock impact with fencing projects on some of our Our annual fundraising events include the Blue Jean Ball in easement properties. Many thanks to our partners who have Morgantown and the Special Places Celebration in Charleston. helped make this a reality – USDA Farm Service Agency, USDA These events not only help raise the funds to support our work, Natural Resources Conservation Service, WV Conservation they also give people the opportunity to meet others interested in Agency – Greenbrier District, and USFWS Partners for Fish and conservation. Wildlife.

Save the View: Bickle Knob Campaign Learn more at www.buybickle.com

y I’m Donating M Support Us in a New Way... Birthday to The West Virginia Land Trust Utilizing Facebook, our friend Barb Sargent donated her birthday to fundraise for the West Virginia Land Trust and together her

t friends raised $700 in support of our Bickle Knob 2 Weeks Lef campaign. She called this Barbuary! Thanks, Barb!

Barbara reached her birthday goal! You can still donatet to show your suppor You too can create a fundraising campaign to show your support. After logging into your Facebook account, type “create fundraiser” in your search bar. Then click on “fundraiser” and follow the steps. It’s easy!

Our Projects

Income $1,407,265

Annual % Grants % Events % $690,214 $63,264 15 Giving 49 4 $217,544

Legal % Settlement % Investments 24 Funds 7 $103,352 $332,891

Expenses $1,468,053

Protecting Special Places

The West Virginia Land Trust works with private land owners and Rural lands: Scenic views, family farms & forests, and wildlife communities to voluntarily protect “special places.” We do this habitat are permanently protected. through land acquisitions, land donations, and/or conservation easements. We focus on the following areas: Outdoor recreational access: WVLT manages eight nature preserves around the state, which we are working to get open to Land Outreach & Water quality. Protecting land that borders rivers and streams the public. (Parking lots and trails need time and money.) These % % Monitoring % is a great way to protect our drinking water. We have projects are lands that have either been donated to the WVLT or lands Protection $106,879 Education 60 $884,604 7 19 $275,864 with various communities / utilities to safeguard their drinking that we have purchased. water supplies.

% Administrative % Fundraising 8 $119,294 6 $81,412 2017 Financials Connect with us!

Our Staff

Income Brent Bailey, Ph.D. Executive Director • [email protected] $1,407,265 Ashton Berdine Lands Program Manager • [email protected] Debby Berry Administrative Assistant • [email protected] Jesse Cecil Operations Coordinator • [email protected] Amy Cimarolli Land Protection Specialist • [email protected] Terrell Ellis Annual Organizational Consultant • [email protected] % Grants % Events % 49 $690,214 4 $63,264 15 Giving Rick Landenberger, Ph.D. $217,544 Science & Management Specialist [email protected] Jessica Spatafore Legal Investments Director of Development & Communications % Settlement % [email protected] 24 Funds 7 $103,352 $332,891 Adam Webster Conservation & Communication Coordinator [email protected]

Our Board

Jonathan R Marshall Rod Graves President Vice President Skip Harless Jackie Hallinan Treasurer Secretary Expenses Calvert Armbrecht Nathan Fetty $1,468,053 Ted Armbrecht Charles “Larry” Harris Stacy Boggess Bren Pomponio David Clark, AICP Craig Slaughter Richard C. (Chap) Donovan

Land Outreach & % % Monitoring % Protection $106,879 Education 60 $884,604 7 19 $275,864 Please Recycle Me!

Help us reduce our carbon footprint! Share this newsletter with your friends to spread the word and be sure to recycle it when you’re done reading! % Administrative % Fundraising 8 $119,294 6 $81,412 In addition to our event sponsors and generous donors, the WVLT is grateful for our major Our Supporters* support from Appalachian Mountain Advocates, Sierra Club, WV Highlands Conservancy, Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, Coal River Mountain Watch, and West Virginia Rivers Coalition!

Organizational Partners: General donations to the areas of greatest need: Bailey & Glasser, LLP Laurie and Christiaan Abildso Hope and Thomas Covey Coca-Cola Consolidated Nancy L. Abrams Crystal Cramer Wells Fargo Foundation Noel Acuff Virginia and Kenneth Cronenberger West Virginia American Water Carolina Aguilera Pamela Cubberly Ellis S Allen Steve and Laura Cunningham Blue Jean Ball sponsors: Hope and Andrew Altman Pamela Cutright and Roger Hunter Animal Medical Center Sunya Anderson Olivia D’Amato Betsy and Michael A Breiding Ted Armbrecht and Heather Hill Sheila Daugherty Laura G. Davis Calvert and Ted Armbrecht Frederica and Hornor Davis MedExpress Urgent Care Inc Jamez Arnold Jeremy Davis Morgantown North Rotary Club Paul Atkins Mary E Davis Mountaineer Audubon Bill Austin Laura G. Davis MVB Bank, Inc. Matthew and Erin Bailey William M. Davis Penelope and Robert Bailey Ms. Suzannah Bailey Craig Dean Penelope and Robert Bailey Martha DoByns The West Virginia Botanic Garden Michael Bailey Tacy and Chap Donovan Jamie Bailey Sara and Brian Doughty Special Places Sarah and Benjamin Bailey Diana Druga Celebration sponsors: Brent Bailey and Liz Cohen Laura Ellis Andi and Bob Allen Robin and Dave Barnett Brandi and Sied Ettehadieh Appalachian Stewardship Foundation Rodney Bartgis & Debra Auble Dingess Rum Properties Appalachian Power Cassidy Bayes Robert Fala Calvert and Ted Armbrecht Rosalyn Becker Chris Felton Brent Bailey and Liz Cohen Larry and Ilene Beckett Martha and Donald Ferguson BB&T Robert Belcher FirstEnergy Foundation Berthold Law Firm PLLC Ella Belling Mike Flanagan Stacy Boggess Debby and Ashton Berdine Andrea Fleming Broun Properties, LLC Ann Bailey Berry Gary Foster Elsie and Bill Carter Stacy Berry Dawn and Thomas Fox Charleston Gazette-Mail Patricia and Charles Bibbee Paige and Heath Frazier William M. Davis Debra Blum Dana Friend Tacy and Chap Donovan Pamela Boll Renee and Todd Frymyer DOW Chemical Company Rebecca Bowers David N. Fuerst ENTRUST Securities LLC Elaine and James Boyd Theresa and Don Gain Kathy and Daniel Foster Betsy and Michael A Breiding Mary Gainer & Peter Wentzel Gat Creek Sally and Michael Brenton Jada Gale GoldenTree Asset Management William G. Brewer Ann Garcelon Goldman Associates, Inc. Bronson Brown Jessica and Harper Gardner Helen and Rodney Graves Patricia and James F. Brown, IV David Gardner Jackie Hallinan and Robert Wilson Susan and Albert Buckelew Katherine Garvey and Derrick Shank Joanna and Skip Harless Elizabeth James Bullard Don Garvin Kanawha-Roxalana Company Mary Burleson Gat Creek Adrianna and Jonathan Marshall Pamela Byrne Jenna and Marc Glass Britt and Judy McJunkin Jennifer Calabrese Cynthia Godsey and Fred Gottlieb Antoinette and J. Holmes Morrison Stephen Capaldo Kathleen and Christopher Gorski MVB Bank, Inc. Victoria Casey Ghee and Jon Gossard National Parks Conservation Association Kathleen Cash and John Goldwasser Helen Ann and LeJay Graffious Payne Gallatin Inc. H. Stanley Cavendish Mary Anne Graham Nina Peyton Joseph Cernelli Phyllis and Karl Gray Margaret and Bren Pomponio Chestnut Woods Trace, LLC Vanguard Charitable Potesta & Associates, Inc. Elizabeth Early Chilton Kristie and John Gregory PrayWorks, LLC Ian Ciamarra Larry Groce Lisa and Rod Smith Amy Cimarolli Pamela and William Guice Suttle & Stalnaker CPA’s Dave Clark Jeanne and Joe Hagan Terrell Ellis & Associates, Inc Richard Cobb Linda and William Hagerty The Wine Shop Myrna Coffey Jackie Hallinan and Robert Wilson The Conservation Fund Jessica and Jason Coffman Arianna Hall-Reinhard WVU Land Use and Sustainable Amanda and Rob Cole Joseph Hankins Development Law Clinic Sarah and Stanley Corwin-Roach Bill Hannabass Joel Hannah Bob Martinez Anne Selinger and Nyles Charon Maryellen Hannah Kent Mason Mary Shaw Evan Hansen Kristen Matak and Timothy Bleech Paul Sheridan and Kathleen Fitzgerald Robert and Susan Courtney Harpold Gary Maxwell Carrie and Matthew Showalter Brian Harr James McClintock Beverly and Robert C. Shumaker Larry Harris and Cindy O’Brien John C. and Peggy McDevit Susan and Trip Shumate Ashley Harris Kemp and Charles McElwee Gale Simplicio and Jorge Flores Leasa Hart Callen McJunkin Carla and Craig Slaughter Bill Hartman Becky and Carl McLaughlin Barbara and Frank Slider Evelyn Hartman Mark A. McRoberts Stuart and Ike Smith Adam Webster and Kendra Hatcher Jim Meckley Barbara and James Smith Lynette Helmick Patty and John Merinar Jessica and Matthew Spatafore Victoria Hensley Kelly and Troy Metz The Spencer & Hamblen Family Trust Sue and William Hevener Mary Anne Michael Margaret Anne Staggers and Robert Ronald R. Hight Todd Miller and Katherine Somers Underwood Amy Hill Bill Mills and Tom Gillooly Phoebe and Hal Stanley Michael Hoeft Rachel Mohr Mary Stanley Kara and Michael Hurst Monongahela Garden Club Ron Stollings Linda and Art Jacknowitz Wolfgang Mueller Susan Studlar Jodie Jackson and Strat Douglas Eliza Newland Krista Swager Emilie and Bill Johnson Ann Newman and Robert Goewert April Swain Matthew Johnson and Sheena Murphy Caroline and Paul Noonan Lucinda and Steve Swartz Christie Jones Beverly and John Nuzum Phillip Sweaingen Grace and William Jordan Wendy Olsson Linda and Stanard Swihart Heidi and Thomas Kammer Sue Overman Bonnie Swyter Bill Kawecki Sam Parker Tandy Jones Consulting Cynthia Keane Graham Parks Annette Tanner Elizabeth D. Keightley Shelly and Chet Parsons Rachael Taylor Meredith Kiger Katherine Payne Terrell Ellis & Associates, Inc Molly Klimas Charles Peck Nancy and Newton Thomas, Jr. Andrea and Steven Knudsen Tolly Peuleche Danielle Thomas Mark Koepke and Denise Knoebel Billy Joe Peyton and Christine Jones Judith and Ron Thompson Mary and Larry Kopelman Peggy Pings Robert Thompson Matt Korosi and Clare Flanagan Steven Poe Brian Thorniley Land Trust Alliance Cindy Pratt Patricia Tourney Rick Landenberger and Nektaria Adaktilou Robert M. Pratt J. M. Trach and C. T. Trach Shannon and Thomas Lane Linda Pratt Lilly Mark Turner Helen Lang Leanna and Bret Preston Robert Vagnetti Marcia and Richard Laska Sarah Proffitt Verizon Foundation Priscilla Lawson Jane and Richard Rashid Sandy and Charlie Walbridge Mary LeCloux Clorinda Reed Amy Walker Dee and Robert Leggett Kathryn Rehberg Linda and Shawn Walker Janet Lenox Rebecca Rehberg Mary Walker Walter Lesser Donald Reinke Amy Wallace Marge and Steve Lewellen Amy Reynolds Rebecca and Jason Walls John Lichter and Ann Lawson John A. Reynolds Beth Warnick David Lillard Samuel Richardson Lizzie Watts Mavis and George Lilley Robert Rine Amanda Webster Patterson Michael Linger Beth and Randy Ritter Cindy and Roger Webster Chris Linger Connie Ritter and Barbara Kuhns Lindsay Weglinski Christine Linton Emily and Forest Roles Laura and Stephen Wehrle Jessica Lipscomb Angie Rosser Stephen and Tresa Davis- Weir Richard Little Beth Rota Scottie and Jim Wiest Heather Lukacs Lindsay and Christopher Rotella Judith and Ron Wilkinson Mary Lu and John MacCorkle Darby Rouzee Jennifer Williams David Maher Claire Rozdilski Mary Wimmer Connie and John Manchester Steven Ruby Petra and John Wood Jennifer Mandeville Steven Runfola Pennie Wotring Edward Maguire and Diana Green Janice Runyan and Bill Beatty April Wright Brent Markwood John Sandor Helen Wylie Juliet Marlier Susan and Don Sauter Mary Beth and William J. Yaeger Gary Marlin Tara and Chuck Scatterday Linda and Erik Yoder David Marshall Eileenand Stanley Schmidt Sera and Nicolas Zegre Adrianna and Jonathan Marshall Chris Schultheiss John F. Ziebold Laura and Luke Martin Jennifer and Steven Selin *This listing includes gifts received between the dates of 1/1/2017 - 12/31/2017...... PO Box 11823 Charleston, West Virginia 25339-1823

www.wvlandtrust.org

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Gear Up! $25 WVLT Long Sleeve WvLandTrust.org/SHOP $20 Clean Water/Great Beer T-shirt Show your support by sporting some WV Land Trust gear. From $4 WVLT Can Coozie t-shirts to Coozies, key chains, and bumper stickers, we’ve got you $2 covered! Check out our swag page on our website. WVLT Keychain $1 Bumper Stickers