Date post: | 05-Aug-2015 |
Category: |
Environment |
Upload: | newtownforest |
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Newtown Forest Association
(Connecticut's Oldest Private Land Trust)
Holcombe Hill Looking North
About the NFAAbout the NFA
View of Holcombe Hill from the Parking Area
NFA MISSIONNFA MISSIONThe NFA is dedicated to
accumulating and preserving open space and natural resources for
public enjoyment within the Town of Newtown, Connecticut and to
help maintain our the rural character of our community.
Non-Profit OrganizationNon-Profit OrganizationThe NFA is a 501(c)3 non-profit
charitable organizationDonations are tax-deductible (1)
We are exempt from income taxesWe are exempt from property taxes
(1) Consult your tax accountant to see if this is applicable for your individual circumstances.
INDEPENDENTINDEPENDENT The NFA is in no way associated with the
Town of Newtown The NFA does not receive taxpayer dollars The NFA is fiscally independent The NFA is managed by an all volunteer
Board of Directors that are residents of Newtown and are not subject to the changes in the political sediment; accordingly, we can maintain our mission generation after generation.
Membership Based OrganizationMembership Based Organization
Annually, a meeting is convened to for the Board of Directors to present to its Membership a summary of the prior year activities and current year plan
The Membership elects the Board of Directors
Sunset from Holcombe Hill
SOURCE OF FUNDSSOURCE OF FUNDSPrimary Source of Revenue is
Investment Earnings, but we are dependent on Donations, Grants and Bequests to Fund Special projects and increase our Endowment
Spending Cap established to hedge inflation for the future
Governed by UPMIFA and have to track donor restricted funds to ensure they are only spent as the donor dictates
LAND ACQUISITION SINKING FUND
• Objectives will to maintain a sustainable fundraising campaign to solicit donations to be use only related to
land acquisition activities.
• This will provide funds that can be made available quickly to respond to market driven or bargain sale
opportunities that may be identified.
• This will also provide funds that can be uses to satisfy matching requirements related to grant stipulations.
• Will prepare us better for when another “Castle Hill” type matter arises.
USE OF FUNDSUSE OF FUNDS Property Stewardship Costs are our biggest
expense. – Recurring, such as mowing and haying– Contingent, such as storm damage– Special projects, such as invasive removal and
surveying– Interns
Largest Single Cost is Insurance Office and Caretaker Utilities No paid administrative personnel Caretaker works for residency
Highest PointHighest PointJO
Holcombe Hill – Looking North
Newtown’s Largest Newtown’s Largest Private Landowner (July Private Landowner (July
2014)2014)The NFA owns 1,076 Acres This is from 108± individual parcelsClustered, create 70 separate preservesSeveral abut Town or State open space Most acquired by donationsMost are deed restricted NFA also preserves 91 Acres under
Conservation Easements
From Holcombe Hill – Sun Directly Over the Former Gretch Property on
Castle Hill
Owned LandOwned Land Most of the land we own outright is
subject to deed restrictions placed on them by the donors.
As owners:– Responsible for maintenance– Responsible to honor deed conditions– Responsible to enforce deed restrictions– Responsible to monitor boundaries– Responsible to enforce our rights – Define permitted use and monitor them– Goal is inspect every property annually
EncroachmentEncroachmentss
Vehemently protecting our
boundaries from
encroachment
Just because no one lives on the
adjacent property does not give you the right to dump, expand your lawn or build structures
Conservation EasementsConservation EasementsOwner holds title to the propertyNFA holds the development rightsLoss in value may be tax deductibleNFA not responsible for maintenanceNFA must enforce rights and ensure
property owner (and successors) do not violate easement restrictions
Often not open to the public
Sunrise from Nettleton Preserve
WHAT ELSE DO WE DOWHAT ELSE DO WE DO• Preserve and Improve Ecological Diversity: Assess Conservation Values Address Invasives/Encroachments Evaluate Expansion/Connectivity Opportunities Develop preserve specific management plans• Evaluate Proposed & Future Preservation Properties:The Newtown Forest Association will be the pre-eminent
organization for facilitating the preservation of open space in Newtown
• Community Advocacy & Outreach Earth Day, Duck Race, Annual Meetings Maintain Trails & Conduct Guided Hikes Comment on Ecological Issues Raised by Proposed Developments Comment on Proposed State Legislative Matters Eagle Scout and Other Community Service Projects• Partner & Contribute to Regional Preservation Efforts
Greenleaf PreserveGreenleaf Preserve Detailed Studies of Our Properties Help Guide our Property
Management Plans
Eagle Scout Project - DockEagle Scout Project - Dock
Hattertown Pond/Strauss Preserve
Eagle Scout Project - BridgeEagle Scout Project - Bridge
GREENLEAF PRESERVE
Brunot PreserveBrunot PreserveTrails, Guided Hikes and Geocaching – Fun for All
Wasserman – Rocky GlenWasserman – Rocky GlenGuided Hike Reveals
Quite the View
Maintaining Meadows Into the Fall to Provide Habitat for Ground Nesting Birds and Butterflies
Managing Beaver Habitats