The Vital Ground Foundation

Biennial Report Published October 2012

Vital Ground

Where the Grizzly Can Walk, The Earth is Healthy and Whole1 Vital Ground Board and Staff Welcome! (as of September 2012)

FOUNDERS TRUSTEE EMERITUS he Vital Ground Foundation prides itself in being a lean, yet highly effective organization dedicated to Doug and Lynne Seus Doug Seus T one mission—ensuring the recovery and long-term survival of grizzly bears, together with the many native Bart The Bear™ species that share their range, through the protection and restoration of core habitats and landscape linkages. Ex-Officio BOARD OF TRUSTEES Sou Barrett The past two years have been excellent ones for Vital Ground. With the assistance provided by some fortuitous Robert Koons Grizzly Council Chair Chair gifts and bequests, we made significant progress toward our mission. We acquired our fourth property at Stuart D. Strahl, Ph.D. ADVISORY BOARD Bismark Meadows, a key step in our long-term plan to permanently protect crucial core grizzly bear habitat Vice Chair Larry Aumiller in North Idaho; negotiated new conservation easement agreements to protect grizzlies and their habitat in Charlie Eiseman Lyle Gold Treasurer Montana’s Swan Valley; negotiated three Forest Legacy Program conservation easements protecting a 720- Keith Johnson David Wesley, Ph.D. acre wildlife corridor in the Bane Creek area of North Idaho; acquired our first property under the auspices Secretary Colleen Matt of the Right Place™ Campaign to protect a key grizzly movement corridor in the Cabinet-Yaak ecosystem of Sandy Becky Theresa McCall Jack Capp Nancy McLaughlin, J.D. northwest Montana; and launched the Gobi Bear Initiative to help save the last remaining Gobi grizzlies. While Douglas Chadwick Chris Morgan accomplishing all this for grizzlies and other wildlife, we were also able to build our capacity and increase our Carolyn E. Dobbs, Ph.D. Jack Noll net assets by 88 percent. Thomas Fey Michael Proctor, Ph.D. th Maureen Mayer Derek Reich One of the highlights of the 2010-2011 biennium was the celebration of Vital Ground’s 20 anniversary in Lynne Seus Penny Ronning September 2010 in Park City, Utah. The event was an inspiring gathering of 200-plus Vital Ground friends Sally O. Smyth and supporters from 23 states. The event raised more than $220,000 and helped cap Vital Ground’s Strength of STAFF Debi Strong Gary J. Wolfe, Ph.D. Connections Campaign™, allowing us to acquire the strategic 327-acre property at Bismark Meadows. John Swallow Executive Director Kelly Wilson To date, in cooperation with our conservation partners, Vital Ground has helped to conserve and restore nearly Ryan Lutey, J.D. Meggen Wilson Director of Lands 600,000 acres of crucial wildlife habitat in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, British Columbia and . Make Mark Brennan no mistake, however; grizzly bears (and most other large carnivores) are still at risk from human activities that HONORARY BOARD Director of Development Jennifer Aniston casually or intentionally threaten their survival. Kevin Rhoades Jeff Bridges Communications Director Vital Ground’s staff and trustees remain committed to operating a lean organization focused on enhancing and Susan Bridges Shannon Foley John Craighead, Ph.D. Office Manager preserving habitat and educating the public about threats and opportunities. Your continued support gives us Sir Shelly Wear the confidence to continue to reach for solutions that might otherwise be beyond our grasp. We pledge to put Jack Horner, Ph.D. Administrative Assistant every dollar to work as efficiently and effectively as possible. Thank you for your support! Thomas D. Mangelsen AMBASSADORS Yours in Conservation, Edward Zwick Bart The Bear 2™ Honey-Bump The Bear™ Tank The Bear™ Robert W. Koons Gary J. Wolfe Chair, Board of Trustees Executive Director Cover photo by Ray Rafiti

2 Our Vision

ital Ground works to ensure the recovery and long-term survival V of grizzly bears, together with the many native species that share their range, through the protection and restoration of core habitats and landscape linkages. Our mission is to protect and restore North America’s grizzly bear populations by conserving wildlife habitat for future generations. We protect crucial lands that grizzlies need to survive—not only for the great bears themselves, but for birds and butterflies, elk, lynx, trout and all the other creatures that share their world. Vital Ground believes the grizzly bear, as an umbrella species, is nature’s barometer of a healthy and complete ecosystem. Because a grizzly’s home range covers several hundred square miles—from alpine meadows to valley bottoms—protecting grizzly habitat benefits entire plant and animal communities in the wildest, most scenic places left on the continent. Grizzly and other brown bear populations carry on in some of the continent’s last wilderness ecosystems. But roads and rapid development on private lands both inside and near these ecosystems are fracturing many once-open landscapes. Habitat links between these wild grizzly sanctuaries—private lands that provide food, shelter and security for seasonal foraging and movement—are the focal point of grizzly survival and recovery. Today many of these lands still feature streamside willows and cottonwoods, pastures, grasslands, wet meadows, clear waters, and conifer forests—habitat for innumerable species. Tomorrow, if not protected, they could be peppered with homes, roads, and other developments that would put grizzlies at greater risk. This is where Vital Ground targets its resources and efforts. Acre by acre, we protect the jigsaw puzzle pieces of habitat that maintain the lifelines between grizzly ecosystems. Lifelines that will help sustain bears and everything else that would thrive in grizzly country. Background photo by Derek Reich 3 One Bear's Legacy

ital Ground evolved from a unique relationship between a V man and a bear. In 1977, 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 bear and trained him for work in the film business. Bart quickly became a beloved member of the Seus family and developed a lifelong bond of trust and loyalty with Doug. Bart loved the applause of film crews as much as his salmon and blueberries, and he eventually appeared in more than 35 films, including , The Edge and The Bear. “For 23 years he took us on grand adventures—from the majestic peaks of the Austrian Alps and the Alaska wilds, to the bejeweled backstage of the ,” recalls Lynne. Inspired to act on behalf of Bart’s wild relatives, in 1990 the Seuses launched The Vital Ground Foundation with an initial purchase of 240 acres of prime grizzly bear habitat in Montana— habitat that adjoins other protected land along the eastern

front of the Rocky Mountains. The Seuses felt that Bart, as a Photo by Derek Reich member of a species truly symbolic of wilderness, could deliver a powerful message in support of land conservation. Bart took 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 our rapidly Vital Ground will remain the finest thing diminishing natural areas, while promoting a message of hope we have ever done with our lives. that we might become better stewards of these great lands. —Doug and Lynne Seus, Founders of Vital Ground Over the past 22 years, Vital Ground has helped protect and enhance nearly 600,000 acres of wildlife habitat. Bart had no choice but to live his life in captivity but he left a legacy that allows many of his wild brothers and sisters to roam free.

4 Making Connections: Conserving Vital Ground

ital Ground protects critical grizzly Vital Ground conducts all of its activities in Direct acquisition of land and conservation easements are Vbear habitat through cooperative accordance with the Land Trust Alliance’s becoming increasingly important tools for wildlife conservation in conservation partnerships. We focus Standards and Practices, the guiding principles North America, and Vital Ground plays an important role in this effort for grizzly bears. on strategically located lands where of the land trust community. Our strategy is conservation values transcend property directed by the best scientific information Michael Proctor, Ph.D. Canadian Project Leader boundaries. On private properties, we available concerning grizzly bear biology, Trans-border Grizzly Bear Project partner with willing landowners to habitat requirements and conservation protect vital habitat through conservation strategies. Vital Ground does not engage in easements and fee title acquisitions, either partisan politics. Rather, we seek practical, by purchase or donation. Vital Ground also local solutions that allow people, grizzlies, and participates in selected projects on public other wildlife to coexist. lands designed to reduce conflicts between bears and people, improve habitat quality, Partnerships are essential to our success. Rapidly protect or enhance resident populations, rising land values throughout grizzly country or increase the land’s carrying capacity for pose ever-greater fundraising challenges for grizzly bears. habitat conservation. We collaborate with landowners, state and federal agencies and Vital Ground works wherever there is an other nonprofit groups to leverage funds opportunity to protect habitat for grizzlies, and build cooperative conservation projects. but we direct particular attention to private Working with our many partners, Vital Ground lands that serve as connections between has so far helped conserve nearly 600,000 acres grizzly ecosystems, special foraging areas of wildlife habitat. or seasonal bear habitat—lifelines that As the pressures of rural development, resource grizzlies, and everything else in grizzly extraction, and climate change continue to country, depend upon. Much of our attention threaten wild places, Vital Ground remains is devoted to projects in the Rocky Mountain committed to securing habitat that the Great states of Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, yet Bear and other wildlife can rely upon. we have also made important contributions to habitat projects in Alaska and British If we can enable the long-term survival and Columbia. By directing Vital Ground’s growth of grizzly bear populations, we can resources toward protecting the crucial help sustain North America’s wild heritage for links that connect grizzly ecosystems, we our children and many future generations. hope to help sustain grizzly populations from Yellowstone to Canada and Alaska. Photo by Randy Stekly

5 Where Grizzlies Walk

efore European settlement, 50,000 grizzly was listed under the Endangered B to 100,000 grizzly bears ranged Species Act as “threatened” in the U.S. from Mexico to Alaska, across North south of Canada. The populations that America’s vast prairies, wetlands, forests remain survive in five distinct ecosystems, and mountainsides. Also known as the sustained by wild habitat in our national brown bear (Ursus arctos), the grizzly parks, national forests and wilderness is considered a keystone species that areas: influences the diversity of other species •Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem in the ecosystems it inhabits. As a top predator, the grizzly affects the number •Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and distribution of prey species and •Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem other predators. Foraging on berries and •Selkirk Ecosystem herbs, bears disperse seeds and therefore •Northern Cascades Ecosystem promote a variety of plant life. As grizzlies The Yellowstone and Northern Continental dig for tubers, insects and rodents, they Divide grizzly populations are currently loosen topsoil and help renew nutrients. the most robust of all the populations And where coastal grizzlies dine on in the lower 48, having grown steadily salmon, they spread nitrogen and other through the benefit of years of cooperative marine elements well beyond streams into agency management and investment in upland habitats. recovery. These two populations are slowly Due to the grizzly’s extensive home expanding their ranges out of protected range and need for wild land, undisturbed areas and increasingly into landscapes with denning habitat, and abundant native berry private lands. crops and prey—from grubs and ground The Yellowstone grizzly was briefly squirrels to deer and elk—the condition of removed from protection under the a grizzly population is nature’s barometer Endangered Species Act, having met all of a healthy and complete ecosystem. of the criteria for population recovery. Today, approximately 1,500 grizzlies However, controversy continues to remain in the lower 48 states, refugees simmer over threats to the Yellowstone of a long history of persecution and the population. Some conservationists have sweep of settlement and development that voiced concern over the status of grizzly consumed 98 percent of the bear’s historic food sources in the ecosystem, particularly range in the contiguous states. In 1975, the the widespread decline of whitebark pine Photo by Ray Rafiti 6 Where Grizzlies Walk

due to blister rust disease, which may be persistence of the grizzly depends on plenty Historic and Current linked to climate change. Subsequently, a of room to roam. Connections between Brown Bear Distribution federal judge reversed the U.S. Fish and these ecosystems and with populations in Wildlife Service’s delisting decision and Canada are vital to the bear’s survival. the population is once again listed as Today, some of the most important linkage threatened. areas and most productive seasonal feeding Regardless of legal status, the long-term habitats for grizzlies lie on private ground. survival of grizzlies in these ecosystems Lands along streams, valley bottoms, will depend on secure habitat outside and in lower elevations provide essential protected parks and wilderness areas spring and summer range and corridors as fluctuating habitat conditions and for movement. Yet people also love expanding populations push bears into these special places for their stunning historic ranges to seek landscapes with beauty, abundant wildlife and recreational HISTORICAL DISTIBUTION abundant food resources. CURRENT DISTRIBUTION opportunities. Development is consuming Straddling the Montana-Idaho border, the lowland wildlife habitats at a staggering Selway-Bitterroot Ecosystem is designated rate, isolating grizzly ecosystems from one as a sixth recovery zone. Although grizzlies another and jeopardizing the enduring were once widespread and abundant in the survival of these populations. Grizzly Recovery Ecosystems region, for 60 years there was no verified Historic Ranges Alaska remains the largest stronghold evidence of the Great Bear in the Selway- B R I T I S H for the Great Bear in the U.S., with an C O L U M B I A A L B E R T A SASKATCHEWAN Bitterroot. That changed in 2007 when a estimated 25,000 to 39,000 brown bears— Selkirk grizzly was mistakenly shot by a black Mountains about 95 percent of the U.S. population bear hunter in the northern Bitterroot North Cascades (Miller and Schoen 1999). Yet as the Cabinet- Mountains. DNA analysis revealed that W A S H I N G T O N Yaak MONTANA Northern state continues to develop, humans and Continental this bear had traveled from the Selkirk Divide bears come into increasing conflict over Mountains, more than 140 air miles Yellowstone

vital habitat. Even Alaska’s wilds are Selway- northwest of the Bitterroots, spotlighting Bitterroot not limitless, and habitat conservation is O R E G O N the potential for grizzlies to reclaim becoming ever more important for brown IDAHO WYOMING historic range and the urgent need to bears to continue to thrive in the land of protect habitat links between populations. the midnight sun. Despite a core of protected lands in each of these ecosystems, the long-term

7 Bear Tracks: Highlights of Our 2010-2011 Conservation Achievements

Vital Ground continued good work for wildlife in 2010 and 2011, keeping intact some important movement corridors for U.S. grizzly populations and other key species. During the 2010-2011 biennium, Vital Ground helped permanently protect 1,200 acres of habitat, while launching a new initiative to help a truly endangered desert bear. Here are some highlights.

Photo by Linda Lantzy Selkirk Grizzly Bear Habitat has purchased to date and consolidated Creek. Landowners had worked with the Conservation Initiative three previously purchased properties into USDA Natural Resource Conservation a contiguous holding of just over 492 acres. Service for several years to restore the 1 Protecting Bismark Meadows: A The land deal also included a conservation wetland to its former glory of lush meadows Spring Smorgasbord for Grizzlies covenant that limits subdivision and and native wildlife, including grizzlies, and development on an additional 20 acres at several rare and sensitive plant species. For In December 2010, Vital Ground scored the edge of the meadows to help protect more than a century 80 percent of the land a veritable grand slam for grizzlies when the safe haven that grizzlies seek here each had been used for agriculture and livestock it completed the purchase of its fourth spring. grazing. property at Bismark Meadows in northern Idaho, an important piece of Vital Ground’s Collectively, Vital Ground’s Bismark The Bismark Meadows floodplain is now Selkirk Grizzly Bear Habitat Conservation Meadows properties contain several stands dominated by grasses and sedges—a Initiative. This 327-acre acquisition was of wetland forest and an extensive wetland favorite food source for grizzlies when they the second-largest property Vital Ground meadow fed by nearly a mile of Reeder emerge from hibernation. Each spring, 8 Bear Tracks: Highlights of Our 2010-2011 Conservation Achievements

several grizzlies from the nearby Selkirk an investment that helped leverage more Foundation, First Interstate Bank, First Mountains find their way to the meadows than $1.04 million in habitat conservation Interstate BancSystem Foundation, Richard to graze the protein-rich greenery, then to create a lasting legacy for the Selkirk K. & Shirley S. Hemingway Foundation, move back into higher elevations as snows grizzlies. Johnson Family Foundation, Oberweiler retreat and mountain berries ripen. We wish to thank the following donors Foundation, Qureshi Family Foundation, Vital Ground is working with the U.S. for their generous gifts in support of Resources Legacy Fund, Shared Earth Fish and Wildlife Service to quell invasive Bismark Meadows: William H. Donner Foundation, Wiancko Charitable Trust and plants and restore and enhance the native Foundation, Doris Duke Charitable numerous individual donors. vegetation at Bismark Meadows as the Photo by Linda Lantzy two groups work toward the long-term protection of these lush meadows. Land purchases like Bismark Meadows include a combination of conscientious landowners, dedicated staff and various conservation stakeholders to complete a transaction to protect these important parcels of land. This purchase was made possible in large part by a three-year bridge loan from the Resources Legacy Fund (RLF)—a public charity focused on conserving key lands that possess exceptional biological and agricultural values and local community support for conservation. A generous bequest from the estate of Michael Downs allowed Vital Ground to repay a significant portion of the RLF loan. The initial success of the project hinged on a cornerstone grant by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation via The Nature Conservancy’s Northwest Wildlife Conservation Initiative, which directed nearly $200,000 to Vital Ground’s last three acquisitions at Bismark Meadows—

9 Bear Tracks

Montana’s Swan River Valley In addition to the landowners’ generous donations of the easements, the Cinnabar 2 Conservation Easements at Windfall Foundation and Montana Coffee Traders Creek Increase Grizzly Habitat Corridors provided funding for transactional costs and the long-term stewardship and monitoring Two conservation easements in northwest of the easements. Montana’s Swan River Valley will protect 80 acres of core grizzly habitat, as well as many sensitive species including the Columbia Cabinet-Purcell-Selkirk spotted frog and wild lady slipper orchid, Wildlife Linkage Initiative thanks to the generosity and foresight of the second- and third-generation owners 3 First Project Protects Priority Grizzly of two properties on Windfall Creek. Habitat on Yaak Mountain The properties sit adjacent to Flathead In July 2011, Vital Ground celebrated its National Forest lands and to other private first acquisition for the Cabinet-Purcell- lands that were protected previously by Selkirk Wildlife Linkage Initiative—the conservation easements. (A Vital Ground Yaak Mountain property, 71 acres of lush grant to the Montana Land Reliance meadows, hills and forest lands providing in 2004 helped secure a conservation important habitat for grizzlies and other easement on property adjacent to these wildlife near the Canada-U.S. border new easements.) The new projects—along northwest of Troy, Montana. Vital Ground with four other conservation easements and the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Vital Ground holds in the valley—all allow Initiative (Y2Y) launched this collaborative wildlife to more easily travel between effort in 2008, deeming the Yaak Mountain the Bob Marshall and Mission Mountain parcel the top priority for protection after Wilderness areas without the threat of focal species research and computer development to fragment it. modeling identified this area as significant These two Windfall Creek easements linkage habitat. The Cabinet-Purcell-Selkirk encompass numerous glacial potholes, Initiative is aimed at protecting dwindling as well as mixed forest and streamside habitat corridors between U.S. and Canada riparian areas along the creek, all of which grizzly bear populations. provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife The Yaak Mountain purchase ensures the from deer, elk and moose to pine martens, property will never be commercially or flying squirrels, waterfowl and songbirds. residentially developed and will connect Vital Ground staff photos 10 relatively unfragmented grizzly habitat The Yaak Mountain purchase is the Vital Ground’s work is focused, targeted, and in Canada to habitat in the Cabinet-Yaak cornerstone of The Right Place™ absolutely essential to achieving real solutions Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone—a 2,600 Campaign, a multi-year outreach and for wildlife in the Northern Rockies. By square-mile area delineated by the U.S. fundraising approach supporting the protecting key habitats that form essential linkages, they are delivering real conservation Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) where Cabinet-Purcell-Selkirk Wildlife Linkage outcomes for grizzly bears and other wide- the threatened grizzly bear population is Initiative. The campaign aims to protect the ranging species. estimated to be no more than 40 animals wildlife linkage areas that will allow grizzly Carly Vynne, Ph.D. south of the Canada border. The interchange bears and other wildlife to naturally move Director, Wildlife and Habitat Conservation with more genetically and demographically south from Canada into the uninhabited National Fish and Wildlife Foundation robust grizzly bear populations in Canada Bitterroot Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone in is essential for preserving the viability of Central Idaho. populations in the lower 48 states. Vital Ground wishes to thank the following Purchase of the Yaak Mountain property donors for their generous support of the is the result of several years of planning Cabinet-Purcell-Selkirk Wildlife Linkage and analysis by a partnership consisting Initiative and Yaak Mountain property of representatives from the USFWS’s acquisition: Y2Y, Wildlife Conservation Grizzly Bear Recovery Office, Y2Y, Trans- Society, National Fish and Wildlife border Grizzly Bear Project, Montana Fish, Foundation, William H. Donner Foundation, Wildlife and Parks, and Vital Ground. The Wilburforce Foundation via the Heart of property serves as an important safe link the Rockies Initiative, Qureshi Family for grizzlies traversing Yaak Mountain and Foundation, Johnson Family Foundation, across the river and highway into National Montana Coffee Traders, Forest lands. Additionally, the property Zoological Society, Brookfield Chapter of provides low-elevation, seasonal habitat for the American Association of Zookeepers, deer, elk, moose and other wildlife. Vital the Cinnabar Foundation and numerous Ground is now focusing on the stewardship individual contributors. and restoration of the parcel—such as noxious weed treatments, replanting native vegetation and removing abandoned structures—to benefit wildlife.

Vital Ground staff photo 11 Bear Tracks

administered in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and state governments to protect privately owned, environmentally important forests. “The greatest threat to wildlife is loss of habitat; large undeveloped tracts of their winter range in the valleys and benches are vital for their survival,” said Sam Testa, owner of one of the three Bane Creek properties that were protected. “This conservation easement will give the animals a safe haven forever.” The land’s blend of agricultural fields and timbered canyons are natural corridors for elk, white-tailed deer and moose to move from summer to winter range across the Photo by Sam Testa Kootenai Valley between the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges, while its low- Cabinet-Purcell-Selkirk in Bane Creek—contacted Vital Ground elevation habitat provides critical winter Wildlife Linkage Initiative with a desire to protect their properties’ range. The easements also secured scenic traditional forest uses and important benefits: the properties are located along 4 Paradise Not Lost: 720 Acres wildlife habitat amidst a rapidly growing the International Selkirk Loop, which is Permanently Protected in North Idaho’s rural community. designated as an All American Road under the National Scenic Byways Program. Bane Creek Vital Ground leveraged partnerships with A four-year project initiated by three the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) and Diverse support from several groups— landowners and supported by several groups the U.S. Forest Service to secure permanent including the Kootenai Valley Resources and individuals in North Idaho came to conservation easements on the three Initiative, Boundary County Commissioners, fruition in the fall of 2011 when Vital Ground adjacent properties—720 acres of prime Idaho Fish and Game, Kootenai Tribe of shepherded an effort to permanently protect agricultural and timber land between the Idaho and The Nature Conservancy of 720 acres with conservation easements. In Selkirk and Cabinet-Yaak Grizzly Bear Idaho—helped move the project to its late 2007, three families—Greg and Alicia Recovery Zones. The acquisition was positive conclusion. Thanks to the U.S. Johnson, Tom and Mary Mackey, and Sam finalized in September 2011 through Idaho’s Forest Service’s continued support, the and Carolyn Testa, adjoining property owners Forest Legacy Program (FLP), an effort (continued on page 14)

12 Calgary

B ritish ALASKA C olumbia saskatc A lberta

Detail Area Vancouver Fernie Project Key

4 1 Bismark Meadows 1 3 2 Windfall Creek Conservation Easements Kalispell 3 Yaak Mountain Acquisition Seattle Spokane 2 2 4 Bane Creek Neighbors Coeur d’ Alene FLP Conservation Easements

W ashington

Missoula M ontana Gulf of Alaska

Bozeman O regon

Vital Ground Project Locations Salmon Previous Projects # 2010−2011 Projects W yoming Grizzly Bear Recovery Ecosystems I daho Boise

13 Bear Tracks

multi-year effort was Vital Ground’s second 5 Vital Ground Launches Gobi minus 40 Fahrenheit in winter, and just 2 to project to secure funding originating from Bear Initiative 8 inches of rain falls annually. After all, in the USDA’s Forest Legacy Program. Mongolian, gobi means “waterless place.” “Protecting productive forestlands from There’s more to the story of grizzlies than Two Vital Ground volunteers, Douglas inappropriate subdivision and develop- most of us are aware, for populations of H. Chadwick, a wildlife biologist and ment prevents key wildlife habitat from this species—Ursus arctos, also commonly founding board member, and ecologist Mike disappearing entirely and helps reduce the called the brown bear—can be found Proctor, advisory board member, recently potential for wildlife to come into conflict outside North America from the northern accompanied scientists in Mongolia on an with people,” explained Ryan Lutey, Vital Japanese island of Hokkaido, west to expedition led by Harry Reynolds, a former Ground’s director of lands. Scandinavia and all the way south to India. Alaska Department of Fish and Game bear Some hold out in the mountains of Spain, biologist and two-term president of the Keeping the properties intact will further France, Iran, Syria, Pakistan, western International Bear Association. Vital Ground’s Cabinet-Purcell-Selkirk China, and a number of other countries Wildlife Habitat Linkage Initiative. Bane across Eurasia. “In addition to capturing two grizzlies and and Fleming Creek canyons represent one placing GPS satellite radio collars on them, of the few areas between Bonners Ferry It is a tribute to these bears’ toughness, the crew observed a free-roaming bear for and the Canadian border that provides intelligence, and adaptability that they hours and identified perhaps ten others contiguous forest cover between the have survived within such a wide array from the latest photos taken by automatic Purcell Mountain range and the Kootenai of landscapes and climates. Even so, few cameras set up at strategic sites,” observed River. Given the relatively small sizes of people would ever picture these animals in Chadwick. “These aren’t large numbers, the Selkirk and Cabinet-Yaak grizzly bear the Gobi Desert, a vast, unforgiving realm but they are important. You see, fewer than of stone and sand where temperatures hit populations and the limited size of their R u s s ia respective recovery zones, it is important 115 degrees Fahrenheit or more in summer, to protect all opportunities for genetic m o n g o l ia and demographic flow between the two populations. The Bane Creek neighbors’ Gobi Desert conservation easements will ensure that Fewer than 50 Gobi bears still the Cabinet-Yaak grizzlies have a little exist, and the actual number CHINA more space to roam freely for years to may be just two to three dozen. come. —Douglas H. Chadwick, Vital Ground founding board member

14 50 Gobi bears still exist, and the actual number may be just two to three dozen.” Now, researchers have established a new nonprofit organization, the Gobi Bear Fund, to make sure these hungry desert- dwelling bears on the outermost edge of existence are being fed, protected and studied. To help support the work of this new nonprofit, Vital Ground launched the Gobi Bear Initiative in the fall of 2011. “This is a departure from Vital Ground’s traditional mission of conserving and restoring grizzly bear habitat in North America,” said Vital Ground Executive Director Gary Wolfe. “But this is such a significant opportunity to make a Several generous contributors have contribution toward protecting an entire stepped forth to ensure a successful breed of grizzly—one virtually unknown to conservation program in Mongolia. In the world and at great risk of extinction— their usual enthusiastic manner, Doug and that we feel we must take action.” Lynne Seus made the inaugural donation establishing Vital Ground’s Gobi Bear The Gobi Bear Initiative will raise funds for Initiative. Wolverine study volunteer Dave four primary needs: 1) supplemental food Murray soon followed, as did generous with improved nutritional content for the contributions from several Vital Ground bears, 2) fuel for rangers to patrol, monitor trustees, individual donors, the Augustyn wildlife and distribute grain pellets to the Foundation, and the HSUS Wildlife Land oases, 3) satellite radio collars and other Trust. scientific equipment for tracking the bears and analyzing habitat and 4) university scholarships for ten students from five local communities for attending a natural resource program. The Gobi Bear Fund outlined an annual budget of $30,000 to finance these projects. Photos by Gobi Bear Project, Cori Lausen & Hunter J. Causey 15 Celebrating 20 Years

“ wenty years ago, Vital Ground was “Fast forward 20 years: Vital Ground now More than 200 Vital Ground friends from T one 240-acre property in grizzly boasts an amazingly brilliant staff, a world- 23 states—and one famous grizzly bear— country on the Rocky Mountain Front in class board of trustees, a real office in Old gathered in Park City, Utah, for a special Montana, an extra phone line in our front Fort Missoula and nearly 600,000 acres of day-long 20th anniversary celebration in room and a brown spiral notebook where protected habitat. Through tough times September 2010 to commemorate all that donations were recorded with a yellow no. Vital Ground has survived. Tough times has happened since that spiral-bound 2 pencil…” recalled co-founders Doug and don’t last—tough people do.” notebook and no. 2 pencil recorded its Lynne Seus. “No office, no paid staff, no first donation. After an informal social computers, little money and one property. As with many conservation organizations, designed for his two-legged supporters, We fell down six times and got up seven… Vital Ground started with a few dedicated Bart the Bear 2 (aka Little Bart) wowed the folks, a lot of passion and little else than a appreciative crowd with trainer and Vital vision of what they knew could be—what Ground co-founder Doug Seus to show should be; no, what must be done. And them what a goodwill ambassador and today the organization has two decades his human does to bring attention to the of everlasting conservation work behind needs of the grizzly and the other wildlife it and still more important work to do in that call grizzly country home. Throughout grizzly country. the day and evening and two different venues, guests were treated to a live and “If a countryside can still support grizzlies, silent auction, a Native American tribute it will be good and whole and rich and wild to the Great Bear, dinner, and a 20-year and free enough to support all the other retrospective of stories and photos. creatures struggling to hold on to a place in this world.” In a special tribute, Vital Ground honored founders Doug and Lynne Seus for their Those words, from Douglas H. Chadwick, vision and lifelong commitment to grizzly one of Vital Ground’s founding board conservation. Doug Chadwick presented members, capture the essence of Vital the Seuses with an original painting by Ground’s mission. Through the efforts of Montana artist Rocky Hawkins symbolically Vital Ground and the generous support of depicting Doug, Lynne and the Great Bear. thousands of like-minded conservationists, The couple’s children, Sausha and Jed, nearly 600,000 acres of wildlife habitat— who grew up knowing everything grizzly, an area equal to about half the size of made the evening extra special with their Glacier National Park—has been conserved own tribute to their parents, recapping the or restored in North America during this valuable lessons and values passed on to organization’s first 20 years. them—and all of us—from their parents. Photo by Jed Seus 16 “Mom and Dad,” Sausha said, “Twenty Personally, I view Vital Ground as a piece of mostly for marking an important milestone years ago, in order to start Vital Ground, history and as an extraordinary heritage…. in Vital Ground’s history and pausing you purchased the first piece of grizzly bear It has allowed me an exclusive window just long enough to take a deep breath to habitat with all your savings. In doing so, in which to observe why Vital Ground is recognize the continued importance of this you made the statement that fulfilling a so imperative, especially at this time. For small but mighty organization that has yet purpose higher than yourself should be the without nature and the animals, humanity to hit full stride. Indeed, our work has only biggest gem in your crown. Your action in will indeed become spiritually bankrupt.” scratched the surface, and with the help this first purchase taught me that to choose of our many present and future passionate The 20th anniversary celebration stood as something larger than yourself is the first supporters, we are poised to do even step in awareness one must take in order to a resounding success in raising funds for greater things in the next two decades. contribute in the greater whole of existence. more on-the-ground work ($220,000), but

Photos courtesy of Mike Flaherty, Jim and Shelly Moloney and Terry and Dan Marin.

17 The Right Place™ Campaign

n the United States we are fortunate to have millions of Iacres of public lands under relatively good conservation protections. In the northern Rockies these areas provide Priority Linkage Areas strongholds for grizzlies and other wildlife. But separating these core habitats are strips of privately-owned lands containing homes, ranches, businesses and transportation corridors. The increased development and traffic in these areas, which are often along rivers and valleys, disrupt wildlife movement across the landscape. In 2011, Vital Ground launched The Right Place™ Campaign to draw attention to the crucial role that small, strategically-located parcels of private land play in conserving grizzly bear habitat. By focusing on the manageable goal of securing smaller key parcels of land in the right places, Vital Ground and our donors can make a huge impact on landscape-scale wildlife conservation efforts.

The Right Place™ Campaign likens our work to putting together a puzzle—of grizzly habitat. Putting the right puzzle pieces in place links together vital ground— sections of land critical to allowing grizzlies free range. We use the puzzle graphic at right to convey the image of those acres that are in exactly the right place. One of the early successes of the Campaign was to provide significant funding for the acquisition of the 71-acre Yaak Mountain property in northwest Montana. A webinar for Grizzly Council members in connection with the Campaign provided a thorough overview of the property’s significance; they in turn, provided the last bundle of funds needed to complete the Yaak Mountain purchase. The Right Place™ Campaign will continue to be a priority in 2012 and beyond as Vital Ground identifies and protects additional strategically- located habitats. Bear photo by Jamie Scarrow 18 The Silvertip Legacy Circle

he Silvertip Legacy Circle recognizes those T 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 members are: Laura V. and Michael E. Alverson Lynn Anderson E. Stormy Apgar Dan and Loraine Barnes Richard Boughton Larry Burke Nazario and Sabina C’de Baca Douglas A. Cluff (deceased) Colleen Coghlan Michael Downs (deceased) Patricia Falabella Charlotte Heldstab John Herklotz Robert and Jan Koons Melia Lewis Jack David Maertzweiler (deceased) Mimi McMillen Banu Qureshi and Mike Jansa Robert Reinke (deceased) Doug and Lynne Seus Amy and Israel Shapira Suzi Sheaffer and Brenda Armstrong Robert and Rosanne Stocker Stuart and Melissa Strahl Debi Strong Steve and Shari Sutherland Cheryl L. Taleff (deceased) Steve Thompson Gary J. and Rita Wolfe

Photo by Ray Rafiti 19 Planned Giving

ital Ground received some special gifts during this other planned gifts. We are often blessed beyond words as well V biennium that help continue the organization’s long-term by the sizeable nature of such gifts. Giving back to the land and mission to protect grizzly bear habitat. For us, there is no greater landscapes that have inspired all of us throughout our lives is compliment than being deemed worthy enough to be included the ultimate legacy one can leave on this Earth, and we want to in the legacy of special donors through their wills, trusts and share two special bequests with you.

Michael Downs [1947–2009] Jack D. Maertzweiler [1944– may have played the role of a 2010] loved the outdoors— “gruff trucker guy” according to hunting, fishing and camping. his cousin Kate Dernocoeur, but From the time he was a Cub underneath it all lay a kind, soft Scout, up through Boy Scouts heart. The only child of Barbara and until he passed away at “Barbie” Mickey, a single age 65, Jack never missed an parent, Mike was raised in opportunity to inhale the fresh Blue, a tiny hamlet in extreme scent of the outdoors and make eastern Arizona, and through friends along the way. Married the years he lived in several for a number of years, Jack western states, including divorced and set out to travel Alaska. Before he died, he had begun “snowbirding” in northern in his RV through the southwest and up through Utah and Idaho! Wherever he went, he was devoted to his mother, and Montana, where state and national park campgrounds lent together they were passionate about animals. One of his favorite themselves to lots of fishing, campfires and camaraderie. And, jobs was hauling straw for the Iditerod, and on every road trip never far from his heart was the inspiration left by Doug Seus Mike had his beloved schipperke dogs—and often horses—in and Bart the Bear. Jack’s love of the outdoors and nature is tow. “I often thought Mike was a very big man for taking care of living on through his bequest to Vital Ground to further support Barbie the way he did,” his cousin Kate wrote. “The greatness grizzly bear survival, and we at Vital Ground are honored to of an unselfish heart is one lesson he left behind.” When Mike carry out his final wishes. Downs died in August 2009, his unselfishness showed in a big way. He left the great majority of his estate to various charities, including Vital Ground. It’s sweet irony that the place Mike chose as his last homestead was in northern Idaho, not far from Photo of Jack Maertzweiler courtesy of Michael Maertzweiler. Photo of Michael Downs courtesy of Kate Dernocoeur. Vital Ground's Bismark Meadows—a project Mike’s legacy is Background photo by Richard Palmer slated to help complete.

20 Donors and Partners 2010–2011

he Vital Ground Foundation gratefully acknowledges the many Christopher E. and Theresa Houck Teresa H. Meng and Simon Holden Janet Beatty Nathan and Elizabeth Johnson Microsoft Giving Campaign Sandra Berrens T donors and partners who supported our work to protect and restore Land Trust Alliance David M. Mock Big Prints Plus North America’s grizzly bear populations by conserving wildlife habitat. Elizabeth A. Lendrum Lynn Moran Richard Boughton John McLean Dave and Connie Murray BP America Inc./The Fabric of Unfortunately, limited space prevents us from providing a complete listing Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc. Gregory A. Murray America Fund of all donors. Listed donors contributed at least $100 during the 2010–2011 Norcross Wildlife Foundation Archie J. Newell BP Fabric of America Fund Michael and Susan Powell Paige Rense Noland John S. Brack biennium. We regret any inadvertent omissions or errors, and ask that you Matthew Ragon Jack Noll and Barbara Walker Charlotte and Chris Bradley bring these to our attention by calling 406-549-8650. Susan Roos Michael and Dawn Norton Robert Brookman Debi L. and Richard P. Strong Michael J. and Christine Pugsley Mark Chaffee Texas Coffee Traders Jeanette Augusta Rashti Edward J. and Mary F. Chisak $100,000 - And Above Joe and Mary Matza Gene and Patricia Tingle Thomas Rechlin Robert C. Cohen Phil Minsky Marianne Reese Joey Colleran and Andy Sable Douglas A. Cluff (deceased) Qureshi Family Foundation $1,000 - $2,499 John R. Schleppegrell, Jr. Kathy Comfort-Hamilton Michael Downs (deceased) Ten Spoon Vineyard + Winery Robert Attenborough Terry Serek and Duane H. Thorkildsen Pamela Cox Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Sam Testa Bill and Judy Banning Doug and Lynne Seus Jon Davison and Sally Cruikshank Jenkins Family LLC Wiancko Charitable Foundation Barbara Bazzone and Joseph Shuster Sheila Shiozaki Richard and Deborah Davis Yellowstone to Yukon Wilburforce Foundation Angus and Frances Beal Peter Sikes Noelle Domanico Conservation Initiative Wildlife Land Trust/HSUS Boyd Foundation Genny Smith Richard Fabian $50,000 - $99,999 Joseph and Dawn E. Brown Glenn Sorenson and Lynn Perkins Dianne M. Farrell $5,000 - $9,999 Thomas W. Brown Fran Spector James J. and Judy L. Flanigan The William H. Donner Foundation Wally and Sandy Becky Kathie Broyles Hope B. Stevens Kerry Fott Ken and Julie Jenkins Merton and Bonnie Bell Rick Bryan Kevin D. Stevens Shannon Foley Johnson Family Foundation Molly Bundy-Toral David K. Campanile Peter Stevens Kristen Frame and Graham Campbell National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Yvon Chouinard Jack Capp James G. and Joretta J. Stewart Brent and Allison Gardner Sally O. Smyth and Tom Demarco Clayton A. Struve Family Foundation Danielle Cassell Vincent and Sandra Streech Peter and Heidi Gatch $25,000 - $49,999 Dept. of Fish Wildlife & Parks Shelly Catterson Robin Tawney-Nichols and William Nichols Tracey Gerber Patty Dominick (deceased) Frank Clifford and Barbara C. Anderson The India Blake Foundation Kenneth Goebel Laura V. and Michael E. Alverson Lyle Gold Nancy Davis and Karl Hoerig The Lacy Foundation, Inc. Alwin C. Green, Ph.D. Jack David Maertzweiler (deceased) Jack and Maria Langer Adam Dunsby Richard E. and Ruth Waltman Zeki Gunay Montana Coffee Traders Tom and Mary Mackey Dana Edwards Hansjörg and Anita Weisskopf Brian and Heather Hall Oberweiler Foundation Jack D. and Jan C. Massimino Jeffrey and Leigh Ehrenkrantz David and Mary Dale Wesley Jack Hanna c/o Columbus Zoo Thom and Maureen Mayer Charlie and Mary Lynn Eiseman Tom and Arlene Weyl Charlotte Heldstab $10,000 - $24,999 Banu Qureshi and Mike Jansa First Interstate Bank Jim and Sally White Barbara Horn Jennifer Aniston Chicago Zoological Society Daniel McPhun and Kristen Fletcher Jonna and Doug Whitman Steven B. Ingle The Augustyn Foundation Trust Stuart and Melissa Strahl The William Wishnick Foundation Kelly and Bernard Wilson Catherine Ives Jeff and Debi Augustyn John Swallow and Lori Wolford-Swallow Barbara L. Harris-West Gary J. and Rita Wolfe Roy and Anne Jespersen John and Sou Barrett Travelers For Open Land Michelle Heath Marcia H. Wolfe Ann and Phil Johnson George and Brenda Brimhall Treasure Mountain Inn Dan and Diane Henry Inga Yandell Jodi Johnson Brookfield AAZK Chapter Victoria and Ray Wallick Kirk and Beth Horn John and Olivia Ziegler Walter Kirn Cinnabar Foundation Brian and Meggen Wilson Laura and Jim Johnson Edward Zwick and Liberty Godshall Karen Klages Carolyn E. Dobbs and Russ Fox Clarissa M. Jonas Laurie and Rick Kline Eugene and Estelle Ferkauf Foundation $2,500 - $4,999 Cory Keller $500 - $999 Robert W. and Jan Koons Tom and Lynn Fey Colleen Coghlan John & Ciara Kennedy Advanced Litho Printing Scott and Dianne Lewis Jim and Norma Fosgate Dennis and Sherrie Gardner Donald N. Leach Nathalie Alberts Christine Lorentz O'Beirne Peter C. and Caroline C. Guynn Terri Gillespie Lynnette Lines John Angner Jack and Natalie Lyon Greg and Alicia Johnson Mary E. Goza Jim and Linda Meece Eric Bagelmann Leslie Ann Mahr Gary and Kellie Landers Jack Horner George D and Nancy Melling Kevin D. and Anna M. Barrowclough Kelly Martin

21 Donors and Partners 2010–2011

Robert J. Alspector John A. Brubaker Scott and Kathie Amann John A. Burke Dr. Ravel F. Ammerman Robert Buys Paula Andersen and Frank Glista Karen Byington Leonard Jalbert and Sue Anderson Robert Caccavale E. Stormy Apgar Dr. Carol T. Cady Dana M. Archey Joanne Campbell Arden Entertainment Pascha and Craig Campbell John Armistead Lynn Carlson Daphne T. Armour Daniel W Carney Roy Ault Todd and Mishe'le Carroll David Auman Laura Carstenson Larry Aumiller and Colleen Matt Jay H. and Linda K. Casselberry Jessica L. Baatz Nazario and Sabina C'de Baca Sarah Babicek Philip S. and Jackie Chiaviello David and Shepora Baldwin Olivia Chuba Doreen Baleria Karen Marie Church Bobbi Ball Donna Clark Derria D. Banta and Matthew Farling Michael Clark Jean Bartell Bibi and Marty Clarke Janine and Tom Bastian Tom Coffee Sharlot B. Battin Jayne S. Collins Tom and Marilyn Beerman John Collins Susan Begley Even T. Collinsworth, III Brad and Jennifer Bennett Combined Federal Campaign Kristyne Berg Commission Junction, Inc. Helen Biggs Patrick E. Considine and Susan Blifeld Sheryl Billeaudeaux Mark and Sharon Cormican Biomimicry Institute Robert Corrington Mark Birsinger Ralph and Sheryl Costanzo Diane Bode Nancy and Bill Coughlin Photo by Robert Scriba Andrea Bonette Ann and Paul Cournoyer Tia Matza-Didden Joe L. and Sue N. Reina Kevin Wagner Karen L. Boone Sid Cox, Jr. Mike and Connie Mitchell Debra Rice and Pamela Parks Andrew Weigel Judith Boren Kim Crandall Anne B. Mize Kirsten Schaefer Sig and Anne L. Weiler Judith Bowker Dan Crockett and Liz Bradley Montana Association of Land Trusts Jed and Melanie Seus Mary Frances Weinert Benjie Bowlin Kevin M. Culp Montana Shares Lenore M. Sivulich Donald and Deborah Weule William Brabender Dorothea Curran Gorden and Cynthia Montana Gregory Sobel Annie Yackshaw Kym Robert Bradshaw Judy and John Cushing Diane Morison Jill Sousa Krister Bragstad Alan Dahl Jim Morse Rick Stewart $100 - $499 Katharine Brant Judith Dammel Kelly Nace-Jindrich and Michael Jindrich Robert and Rosanne Stocker Ethan Bregman Robert R. and Teresa Dances Kim Pickering Deanna Summerly Ingrid Akerblom Debra Potts Peggy A. Tagesen John and Jennifer Akers Jan Brocci & Michael Williams Kate Davis Susan L. Powell Shelli Tobis Daniela and George Aleco-Sima Matthew Brodeur Erzsi Deak Tim Raines Tom Tomlinson Kevin Allman Nancy Elaine Broskie Clare Dean

22 Lydia F. Delman Chuck and Patty Gorman Kathleen and Harold Soo Hoo James Klich Les and Rita Marcum Donald W. Depoto, MD Horace Gormley Martha S. Hope Dr. Melissa A. Kling-Newberry Wayne and Tanya Marhefka Carolyn M. Derr David C. Greb Tara and Troy Hopwood Kathryn H. and Larry R. Koelsch Terry and Daniel Marin George Dersch Gary Green Martin Hornstein Anne Koivisto Ann Marie Marinaccio Christopher and Courtney DeTemple Kortney Groves Catherine Hoss Helena Kosilla Marika Martinez Denise Devore Mark Grupe Rob van Hout Shirley Kovar Tracey A. Mathews Christine DiCurti Ann E. Haber Jennifer Howe Susan and Jim Kowalczik The Mawhinney Enterprises Inc Deborah Diehl Gary Hagen Lynn H. Howe Dick and Pamela Krakowski Joanne Mayo Julie A. Diggs Chris and Kathleen Hallsey Karl Hrenko Lynne M. Kramer Thomas J. Mazzarisi Terry L. Disharoon Elizabeth Hamann Paula Hughes Sandy and Steve Kratville Dennis McAvoy Susan Dolan Linda S. Hamann Susie and Elliot Hulet Donald F. Krause Craig M. McBeath Anne K. Dougherty Joe Hamlin Michael Hurley Oliver Kroll Scott and Theresa McCall Les Dunbar Donald J. Hammerlindl Betsy Hutcheson Ruth Labarge Ian and Anne McCarthy Francoise Dupuis Susan L. Haney Donna M. Hutchinson Molly Lambert Astrid McClean Steve and Valli Durham Stephen M. and Suzanne Hankard Janice Hyland Traci and Michael Lambert-Cwerenz Martin McClean Carol A. Dvorak Luanne Hansen Constance Irwin Roger and Sue Lang Winton McKibben Conley and Pat Dykes Jody and Bob Hanson Nao Ishibashi Rick Lanham Linda and Blake McKibbin Dustin Eaton Michael Hanson Scott Jennings Steven Lanum Janet H. McLaughlin Mary Alison Ebert Marilyn L. Harman Lisa Jessup Tara E. Larsen Nancy A. and James McLaughlin Eric Eibe Joanne Harris Linda Johns Christopher Larson Mimi McMillen John and Marilyn Erickson Karen Harszy Jan Johnson Ann Latham Sally E. Mechels Mark Fakhouri Jerilynn Hart Alice Mae Johnson Dayle Laughlin Doug and Joni Meigs Patricia Falabella Tom Hartman Brian Johnson and Laurie Greenlee Linda Jo and Ed Lautar Doug Metzger Linda Feeney Bob and Nell Harvey Brianne Johnson Jim Laybourn Marilyn B Meyers Maria Ferrer Larry and Vivian Harvey Chuck Johnson Elise E. LeBlanc Linda Miles Harry and Karen S. Fialkov Alex Hasson Dwight and Cheryl Johnson Kathleen D. LeFauve Kevin Mitchell Christina Fleming Charles and Patty Hawker Gina Johnson Maureen Leshendok James and Shelly Moloney Michael F. Foley Rocky and Kat Hawkins Sally Johnson Terri Lindgren Sherry and Adam More Kathie J. Foote Ken R. Hayes Eric Jones Joanne Lipsig Victoria Morrison Sally Foster John Hechtel Mark and Travis Jones Bill and Bonnie Love Deborah L. Morrow Gerald and Toots Foth Michael J. Hehir Michael and Rosemary Joslin Jim and Maureen Love Pari Morse Geri Fraijo John Herklotz John Kane Christopher Scot Lowry Jimmy D Mount Chuck Frank Raul Rodriguez Hernandez Thomas Kanyak Anne K. Lucas Vicki L. Muir Allison Friberg Barbara and Hanspeter Hertner Hadrian R. Katz Ben Luety and Treena Wong Harlan L. Mumma Mike Fullerton Lavernna Hess Georgina Kazan-Rowe Leonard and Carol Lutey Nathaniel Mundy Don and Mary Garner Gail Hettenbach Sher Keene Ryan and Jennifer Lutey The Muralt Family Foundation William J. Garrity Randal Hicks Lawrence and Floran Kepic James Macleod Cynthia B. Murphy Glenda and Richard Gehri Thomas Hilley John Kessler John Maddocks Nancy L. Myers Nik and Kate Geranios Linda Hirsh Gary & Anita Kingsbauer Terry L. Maderak Cameron Nace Anne Giansiracusa Sharon R. Hirshorn Rick Kingsley Bernice C. Maertz David Nead Judy Good Dianne M. Hobbie George Kinkle Karen Magill Greg Negra Goodsearch Nance R. Hoelker Laurence and Ruth Kinsolving Drs. Paula and Walt Mahoney Judith L. and Hector Nielsen Athena Van Gorder Erin Hofmann Darryl and Judy Kissinger Dub and Linda Maitland Robert Nixon L. Stuart Gordon Marcia Hogan and Karl Englund John M. Kittross Terence J. and Julie Malida Bob Nordstrum

23 Donors and Partners 2010–2011

Stan Noren Peter and Susan Rayls Lyle and Jill Schumacher Patricia Stokes Cynthia Waneck Chris Nunnally Ted Rechlin John C. Scibek Susan Storcel Rebekah Wanger NYSE Euronext Foundation, Inc. Craig Reece Cheryl Scott Carrie Story Lauren Ward Terry and Ronda O'Brien James and Linda Regnier Steven J. Scott Scott Strasser Watermark Advertising Lora B. O'Connor and Melanie Regnier Joyce Seebaum Kenneth Stratton John Weaver Timothy P. Provow Celese Rei John Seets Stephen Street Paul and Bonnie Weiss Mike Oehler Bruce Reynolds Glenn Seiler Judith A. Strom Mary-Jane Wengranowski James Olmes Nancy Reynolds Robert Sellars John D. Suiter David M. Whitacre Richard Olsson Mary Beth Richardson Daphne Herling and Stephen Seninger Shari and Steve Sutherland Lornie White Rick and Penney Oncken Dane Richman Sharon Sharratt Linda Swanberg Barton D. Whitman Meche Ortega Howard N. Rigby, Jr. Suzi Sheaffer and Brenda Armstrong Susan K. Swearingen Kal Wilde Christine Paige and Tobin Kelley Louise Riley Donna Shephard John and Holly Swezey Billy Williams Laura M. Parrott Martha Riter Renu Doshi and Jason Shuemaker Bruce Tannehill and Gail Cleveland Len and Robin Williams Tad L. and Diane Parvin Kathleen R. Roberts Ramona G. Sierra Nicola Wendy Taw Connie Wilson and Bob Travis John Patterson Marion S. Roberts, Jr. Ann Silvers Ivan C. and Laurie K. Taylor Janet Wilson Paul Pawenski Kathleen and Randy Robinson David Simpson John Taylor Kai and Renate Winkler Kimberly Payne Denise Rochette Kevin Sizer Kelley M. Tees Bonnie Winsor Ken Perske Daniel and Cindy Rogers Darryl R Slavin Donald Terrell Cathy Wise Walter and Peggy Peschel Penny Ronning Susan Slotnick Ralph and Bette Thisted Tatjana Woitynek Arthur G. and Marcia A. Peterson Grant R. Rose Mary Smith Jeff and Linda Thomas Robin Woods David Pettit Robert E. Rose Rhona Smith James L. Thompson Keith Wright Steven W. Pfettscher Lee Roseberry Richard L. Smith and Heather A. Cross Matthew J. Thompson Pam Wright Farianne M. Phillips Christopher N. Rowley Cynthia Smoot Steve Thompson Richard Yarnell Gordon Phillips Sylvia Rozell Donna Snow Julie Thornburg Lucia Young Beth Piburn Josh and Jenna Rubenstein Derek Solomon Kelly and Pete Travers Gary and Christine Younger Heidi Pinkerton David A. Rubini Tena Spier Meg Tronquet Bernice L. Youtz Cleve and Marty Pinnix Ray & Louise Ruggiero Margaret L. Spilker Sharon Trotta Takashi Yumibe Karen Pinyoun Richard and Cheryl Runstedler Peggy Spilker Truist J.K. Zimmerman, MD Bob Pizzurro John Rust Clark Spoden Albert Tschanett Zions First National Bank Stephen Pollard Jason, Shelley and Mariah Ryan Sportsman & Ski Haus E.W. Marshall Tucker PostNet Susan M. Sabala-Foreman Elizabeth St. Thomas Waino Tuominen James Powers and Erica Johanson John Salisbury Mrs. Patti Jo and Mr. Charles Staples United Way of Central New Mexico Edwin and Sherry Prator Myrna J. Salminen Kylie and Peter Stathis United Way of Lewis & Clark County Joanna Prukop Jerry and Carole Sanders Albert and Helen Stauderman United Way of Massachusetts Bay Inc. J. David and Susan B. Puett Deborah Schaeffer David Stavoe Dona Upson Douglas C. and Betty L. Purl Donald Scherzi Lonnie Steele and Steve Bell Cigdem Usekes Andrea Purvis Geralyn A. Schiffler Phil and Karen Stefanini Sara van Valkenburg Sandi Quinn and Andrew Adamian Arne L. Schmidt and Laurel Moore Susan Steffens Villa Maria Elementary Tom and Teresa Quinn David Schmidt and Heather Scott William Stephenson Barbara Wade Carl Racchini Steven and Marilyn Schmidt David Stewart Debra Wagner Mary Ann Radley Richard Schneider Gary and Connie Stewart Barbara Walker Elisabeth Ralston Rick Schoenfield Glenn Stewart Michelle Walker Gina Rawson Leslie Schomer Noeleen Stewart David H. and Victoria Wallace Monda Ray Joan Schumacher Robyn Stoddard Guy Wallace

24 Bart Legacy Society List Global Giving Goodsearch Jennifer Aniston Grizzly Cove Greetings Kelly A. Balliet, MD Idaho Scenic Images Molly Bundy-Toral Knight Inlet Grizzly Tours Ltd. Nancy and Bill Coughlin Montana Coffee Traders Dana Edwards Natural Balance Pet Food Tom and Lynn Fey Polebridge Mercantile Dennis and Sherrie Gardner Ray Rafiti James R. and Meghan Holbrook REI Patricia Shannon Hopson Jamie Scarrow Photography Lori B. Kirk Lance Schelvan Photography Robert and Jan Koons Robert Scriba, Photographer Banu Qureshi and Mike Jansa John Swallow Photography Photos by Terry and Dan Marin Doug and Lynne Seus Ten Spoon Vineyard + Winery Stuart and Melissa Strahl Doug and Lynne Seus presenting "The Protector of Vital Ground" bronzes to Grizzly Council Texas Coffee Traders Debi L. and Richard P. Strong members (from left: John Herklotz, John and Sou Barrett, Gene Tingle). Treasure Mountain Inn John Swallow and Wasatch Rocky Mountain Wildlife Lori Wolford-Swallow Watermark Advertising David and Mary Dale Wesley Grizzly Council John Herklotz Robert Reinke (deceased) Zöoprax Productions Kelly and Bernard Wilson Jennifer Aniston David and Tami Hirschfeld Steven Segal Gary J. and Rita Wolfe Conservation Partners Anonymous Jenkins Family LLC Doug and Lynne Seus Edward Zwick and Liberty Godshall The Augustyn Foundation Trust Ken and Julie Jenkins Sally O. Smyth and Tom Demarco BEARTREK/Wildlife Media Keith A. Johnson The Steele-Reese Foundation Blackfoot Challenge Jeff and Debi Augustyn Corporate Matching Gifts John and Sou Barrett Lori B. Kirk Stuart and Melissa Strahl Chicago Zoological Society Ed Levert Clayton A. Struve Family Foundation American Express Foundation Heart of the Rockies Initiative George and Emily Beck Jack David Maertzweiler (deceased) John Swallow and BP America Inc./The Fabric of Idaho Department of Lands Jeff and Susan Bridges America Fund Idaho Fish and Game George and Brenda Brimhall Tom Mangelsen Lori Wolford-Swallow Costco Land Trust Alliance Nazario and Sabina C’de Baca Joe and Mary Matza Sam Testa GE Foundation Montana Association of Land Trusts Cinnabar Foundation Lon and Donna Merrifield Gene and Patricia Tingle Global Giving Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Douglas A. Cluff (deceased) Montana Coffee Traders Treasure Mountain Inn Microsoft Giving Campaign The Nature Conservancy of Idaho Dave Cutler Bud Moore (deceased) Sig and Anne L. Weiler NYSE Matching Gifts Program The Nature Conservancy of Montana Catherine Deans-Barrett National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Wiancko Charitable Foundation Truist The Nature Trust of British Columbia Michael Downs (deceased) Nature Conservancy of Canada Wilburforce Foundation Northwest Connections Oberweiler Foundation Wildlife Conservation Society Business Partners Carolyn E. Dobbs and Russ Fox Resources Legacy Fund The William H. Donner Foundation Owens Foundation for Wildlife Land Trust/HSUS All American Dog E-School Swan Ecosystem Center Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Wildlife Conservation, Inc. Brian and Meggen Wilson Americana Studies Collection Trans-border Grizzly Bear Project Eugene and Estelle Ferkauf Foundation Brad Pitt Yellowstone to Yukon Showroom and Design Trust for Public Lands Tom and Lynn Fey Qureshi Family Foundation Conservation Initiative Baer Bronze, LLC US Fish and Wildlife Service Peter C. and Caroline C. Guynn Banu Qureshi and Mike Jansa Bare Essentials, Online Magazine USDA Forest Service - Forest Douglas Chadwick, Author Legacy Program Mark Cormican, Musician Wildlife Conservation Society Cutthroat Communications Wildlife Land Trust Philip DeManczuk Photography Yellowstone to Yukon Monte Dolack Gallery Conservation Initiative

25 Financial Overview 2010–2011

he Vital Ground Foundation’s public support and revenues totaled $3,491,484 during the 2010–2011 T biennium. Of that amount, $284,650 was attributed to the value of the donated portions of two conservation easements and one fee simple property acquisition. Source of Funds - $3,491,484 During this period, $1,755,967 (81.1 percent of all expenditures) was spent on Vital Ground’s conservation Donated Goods & Services and education programs. Additionally, Vital Ground acquired conservation land valued at $1,047,000. 26.9% The purchase price of this land is not included in the program expenses reported in the graph, bottom Special Events right, but is recorded as an asset (conservation land) on the Statement of Financial Position (page 27). 0.8% Vital Ground’s 81.1 percent program expense ratio exceeds the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Other Alliance Standards for Charity Accountability, which suggests that charitable organizations should 0.3% spend at least 65 percent of total expenses on program activities. Grants 18.6% Vital Ground also facilitated $1,862,091 of federal funding awarded via the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Donations Legacy Program for acquisition of three conservation easements valued at $2,249,000. These Forest 53.4% Legacy Program grants and the corresponding values of the easements were not recorded in Vital Ground’s financial statements. The organization’s total net assets on December 31, 2011 were $2,834,929, representing an 88 percent increase from December 31, 2009. Vital Ground depends upon private contributions to finance our wildlife habitat conservation work. As a charitable nonprofit 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 many ways to support our mission. A few of these use of Funds - $2,165,110 are:

Individuals Businesses Foundations •Cash Contributions •Cash Contributions •General Operations and Project Grants •Gifts of Securities or Real Estate •Business Partnerships •Matching Gift Support Management & •Donated Conservation Easements •Sponsorships •Endowment Funding Administration Programs 8.5% •Donated Conservation Land •Employer Matching Gifts 81.1%* •Bequests •Charitable Remainder Trusts Fund Raising •Charitable Gift Annuities 10.4%

Vital Ground is audited annually. To receive a copy of Vital Ground’s most recent audited financial

statements or IRS Form 990, please visit our Web site, vitalground.org, or contact our office (406) 549-8650. *The Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance Standards for Charity Accountability Vital Ground is a 501(c)(3) organization. Our federal tax ID number is 87-0483446. suggest that a charity should spend at least 65% of its total expenses on program activities.

26 Statement of Financial Position December 31, 2011

Assets Cash 648,003 Stewardship/Legal Defense Fund 188,697 Investments 335,148 Inventories 15,267 Receivables 155,900 Prepaid Expenses 3,398 Property, Plant and Equipment 26,780 Conservation Land $1,917,403 TOTAL ASSETS $3,290,596

Liabilities Current 20,718 Long-term 434,949 TOTAL LIABILITIES $455,667

Net Assets Unrestricted 2,324,161 Unrestricted – Board Designated 75,000 Temporarily Restricted 251,841 Permanently Restricted 183,927 TOTAL NET ASSETS $2,834,929

Photo by Julie Cowan/WordCritterCreative.com 27 he Vital Ground Foundation’s mission is to T protect and restore North America’s grizzly bear populations by conserving wildlife habitat for future generations. 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 conflicts between bears and people; • Ground our projects on current science and strong partnerships.

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

Vital Ground

T-2 Fort Missoula • Missoula, MT 59804 Telephone: (406) 549-8650 • Email: [email protected] Website: www.vitalground.org Fax: (406) 549-8787

P r o t e c t i n g H a b i t a t C o n n e c t i n g L a n d s c a p e s C o n s e r v i n g W i l d l i f e

Compiled/Edited: Julie Cowan, WordCritterCreative.com Design/Layout: Randy Stekly, Double Click Design Printed with soy inks on recycled and recyclable paper. Photo by Jamie Scarrow

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