Ten Years of the Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust preservation matters
Steve Jester Executive Director The first 10 years of the Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust are full of diverse people and places as you will see in the following pages. This is not at all surprising given the diversity of the Guadalupe River itself. Like most rivers, it begins in the hills and winds it way down to the sea. But the river is unique in many ways. The Guadalupe River Basin begins and ends in Texas and forms part of an incredible landscape, both above and below ground that supports an astonishing array of fish and wildlife species and habitats. It is also home for a broad variety of families, including farmers, ranchers and landowners who are more interested in wildlife and nature rather than agricultural pursuits. Ultimately, the Guadalupe River Basin feeds an important estuary that, in turn, nourishes a coastal area that is critical to people, fish and wildlife. At the same time, it also provides an important source of water for an area that is experiencing rapid growth within the state. For all that it provides to both people and nature, the Guadalupe River Basin is important to all Texans even those who can not find it on a map. It is especially important to those individuals who worked tirelessly to establish, nurture and develop what became the first nationally accredited land trust in Texas. But even these tireless visionaries would agree that the real stars of this story are the landowners and their families who have made the decision to voluntarily and permanently preserve their special places and in doing so help to ensure that the Guadalupe River Basin is a special place for children yet unborn.
The mission of the Guadalupe- Blanco River Trust is to preserve the unique natural heritage of the Guadalupe River Watershed for future generations, by protecting open landscapes, working farms and ranches, and wildlife habitat through conservation easements, education, and outreach that connects people to the water and the land. - 3 -
Acknowledgements Roger Welder, President Over the past 10 years, the Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust (GBR Trust) has achieved many major milestones, including; Hiring its first full-time executive director to advance the organization s service to the region; Preserving more than 10,000 acres of land and purchasing a preserve located in the Guadalupe River Delta; Establishing partnerships with other organizations that have grown and developed in a way that positively affects water and land resources; Becoming the first accredited land trust in the State of Texas. As the GBR Trust progresses, the staff wants to provide outstanding assistance and service to landowners in the Guadalupe River Watershed who desire to preserve their land through the use of conservation easements. Ultimately, these arrangements are intended to help maintain a healthy and vibrant Guadalupe River Watershed for future generations of Texans. Voluntary limitations on property development have a variety of benefits for both landowners and the watershed. Some landowners want to preserve their family legacy and land their ancestors worked so hard to acquire. Others want to ensure the scenic views and native habitats are protected forever. Some may have financial reasons through tax incentives offered by the federal government. The role of the GBR Trust is to help them achieve their goals with respect to their land interests. - 2 -
Looking Back There were four forces behind the start of the GBR Trust: John P. Schneider, Jr., William Bill Blackwell, Pam Hodges, and William E. West, Jr., of the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA). Schneider recalled that the initial idea to create a land trust arose when a landowner below Canyon Reservoir had been considering donating some land along the Guadalupe River, however, the only land trust available was a national organization. As a result, the GBRA Board started thinking strategically about a vehicle to accept land gifts. It took about a year to educate the GBRA Board and staff on how a land trust would be a great mechanism to preserve the water quality and quantity in the Guadalupe River Watershed, Schneider said. The GBRA Board began discussions regarding the structure and type of an organization that could benefit the Guadalupe River Watershed. During that year, a number of GBRA Board members envisioned the population growth pressures that were developing within the watershed. The staff was instructed to begin the formal process of hiring an attorney to draft the necessary documents, Schneider explained. The group s forethought led to the creation of the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority Endowment in 2001 by GBRA. The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority Endowment was eventually renamed the Guadalupe- Blanco River Trust, which operates today with a voluntary Board of Trustees consisting of citizens from throughout the Guadalupe River Watershed. - 3 -
History of the GBR Trust 2001 Inception of the GBR Trust. During the following three years, the organization created and fine-tuned the bylaws, articles of incorporation, policies and procedures. Todd Votteler, Ph.D. named Executive Director. 2003 DeWitt County Conservation Easement. 2004 Guadalupe County Conservation Easement and land donation. Hays County Conservation Easement. 2005 GBR Trust enters into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to partner with the Upper Guadalupe River Authority and GBRA for water and land preservation in Kerr County. MOU establishing a partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. MOU between the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, GBRA and the GBR Trust for a joint project to help meet the long-term water needs of the Myrtle-Foester Whitmire Unit near the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. GBR Trust held the first water lease on the San Marcos River. These senior water rights are some of the oldest in the Guadalupe River Basin and amount to 70 acre feet of water per year, equivalent to almost 23 million gallons of water a year. 2008 Hired GBR Trust s first full-time staff person, Janaé Reneaud as conservation specialist. Reneaud became Executive Director in 2009. Kendall County Conservation Easement. Calhoun County Conservation Easement. Traylors Cut project completed, restoring flow in the river channel near the mouth of the Guadalupe River. Cleared invasive vegetation at the mouth of the Guadalupe River. Wetland enhancement and restoration at the Myrtle-Foester Whitmire Unit of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. 2009 GBR Trust officials formally award and recognize The Dow Chemical Company as the first Guadalupe River Conservation Partner. Comal County Conservation Easement. Purchased first fee simple property, the GBR Trust Hog and Schwing Bayous Preserve, Calhoun County. Goliad County Conservation Easement. Hays County Conservation Easement. Wilson County Conservation Easement. Awarded grant funding for wetland enhancement projects at the Myrtle- Foester Whitmire Unit, Calhoun County. Awarded funding to purchase land expanding the GBR Trust Hog and Schwing Bayous Preserve. 2010 Completed board and staff strategic planning retreat, updated the GBR Trust mission, developed short and long term plans with the objective of increasing water and land preservation. Blanco County Conservation Easement. Hays County Conservation Easement. Wilson County Conservation Easement. Became the first accredited land trust in the State of Texas. - 4 -
Moving Forward The GBR Trust is the first of the 47 land trusts in the state of Texas to attain national accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. Being accredited lets the public know that the GBR Trust has undergone an extensive, external review of the governance and management of its organization and the systems and policies it uses to protect land explained GBR Trust Board member William Bill Blackwell. GBR Trust accreditation status demonstrates our commitment to ensure permanent land conservation. Our land trust is a stronger organization today having gone through the rigorous accreditation program. Another GBR Trust accomplishment has been the ability of the staff to develop working relationships with a number of government agencies and non-profit organizations. This has allowed the GBR Trust to accomplish more and have a greater impact preserving our natural resources. The relationship with GBRA has added stability and a strong foundation for the GBR Trust s future. Without GBRA s support, it would have taken much longer for the GBR Trust to get where it is today. Ultimately, the GBR Trust s many accomplishments over the past 10 years are a manifestation of the vision and passion of what GBRA envisioned for the preservation of the Guadalupe River Watershed, said Bill West, general manager of GBRA, who has been involved from the start of the GBR Trust. - 5 -
Completed Projects 1. Kendall County conservation easement preserves 620 acres of Texas Hill Country property. Conservation of this property protects land at the beginning of three local watersheds and two tributaries that flow into the Guadalupe River. The property features pristine natural areas, Guadalupe River frontage, large cypress trees and spectacular views. 2. Hays County conservation easement is located in an area that has seen tremendous growth. The property has recovered from misuse and overgrazing and serves as an example of how proper management can restore the lands natural resources. 3. Guadalupe County conservation easement is located on an active cattle ranch. This property has both Guadalupe River frontage and a healthy riparian area. 4. DeWitt County conservation easement has preserved a riparian area along the Guadalupe River that has large pecan trees and an abundance of wildlife habitat. The property is managed as a cattle ranch and family retreat. 5. Calhoun County conservation easement has 2.5 miles of Guadalupe River frontage located in one of the most biologically diverse and ecologically complex regions of Texas. This habitat attracts thousands of birds including migratory waterfowl and shorebirds, as well as threatened and endangered species. 6. Comal County conservation easement is near the Blanco- Comal County line. The juniper and oak woodlands along the canyons and uplands serve as golden-checked warbler habitat. The endangered songbird has been seen in the area on at least two separate occasions. 7. Wilson County conservation easement lies over the Carrizo- Wilcox aquifer recharge zone. The property has undeveloped post oak woods and native grasses. The Little Alum Creek flows into the Cibolo Creek then into the San Antonio River. 1 12 6 13 9 2 3 7-6 -
Completed Projects 14 N W E S 4 8 10 5 11 8. Goliad County conservation easement inclues 6,200 acres of undeveloped land that has vistas, native grasses, wildlife habitat and seven miles of San Antonio River frontage. The landowners have been awarded the Lone Star Land Steward award from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for excellence in habitat management and wildlife conservation on their property. 9. Hays County conservation easement is unique, as the majority of the property has Brackett-Rock outcrop soils providing recharge to the Edwards-Trinity aquifer and Blanco River. The mix of habitats are home to many native species making the area desirable for a variety of wildlife. 10. Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust Hog and Schwing Bayous Preserve conserves multiple biological communities important to the San Antonio Bay ecosystem including wetlands and 4.35 miles of streams and riparian areas. A rich diversity of native vegetation found on this 646 acre preserve attracts thousands of birds that include migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and threatened and endangered species. 11. Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Myrtle-Foester Whitmire Unit project enhanced and restored wetland and prairie habitat. The Whitmire Unit provides an essential wintering area for waterfowl, breeding and nesting habitat for mottled ducks and black-bellied whistling ducks. Threatened and endangered species found on the Whitmire Unit include the whooping crane, peregrine falcon, aplomado falcon, wood stork and brown pelican. 12. Blanco and Comal Counies conservation easement aids in the recharge of the aquifer and surface water runoff into the Little Blanco River. 13. Hays County conservation easement preserved over 1,000 feet of the Blanco River frontage, and has a mixture of improved pastures and riparian woodlands. 14. Wilson County conservation easement includes small open pastures, with a nice mix of wooded areas with fresh water provided by a creek that runs along the back of the property. Photo by Chase A Fountain, TPWD - 7 -
2003 - DeWitt County The first conservation easement secured by the GBR Trust was completed in 2003. It was a learning experience for the organization, but was also an exciting time for the GBR Trust. The staff and trustees had worked diligently during the previous three years to create policies, bylaws, articles of incorporation, and procedures for the purpose of water and land preservation in the Guadalupe River Watershed. Little did the GBR Trust Board realize at the time, but this 100-acre conservation easement would grow to represent more than 10,000 acres in the Guadalupe River Basin and preserve nearly 20 miles of river frontage within 10 years. The first conservation easement completed by the GBR Trust is located in DeWitt County. The tract of land is approximately100 acres and is situated along the Guadalupe River. Vegetation and old trees found along the river bank provide plenty of shade and help to control erosion, particularly during flood events. The land in DeWitt County changed ownership in 2009. The new landowners were aware of the conservation easement and building restrictions when they purchased the land, but were not deterred by them. Since acquiring the land, they have worked hard at removing invasive plant species that are encroaching on the pastures and have reduced the number of cows to allow the range to recover from previous drought years. Both sets of landowners have been dedicated to ensuring the land provides quality wildlife habitat and is preserved in perpetuity. What I see happening is too much development eroding the land, driving out the wildlife and things that are natural. - Anonymous landowner - 8 -
2004 - Guadalupe County The ranch has cattle, pasture, and horses with an abundance of wildllife that includes butterflies and hummingbirds. The tract has 1,200 feet of wooded frontage along the Guadalupe River that as a child, the ranch s landowner swam, caught fish and camped along its banks with her parents. It was a wonderful experience, she said. My mom and dad were both outdoors people. That is why they bought this. It is about as rustic as you can find. This ranch is different from its neighbors, but you would not know it by looking at the land. The 100-acre ranch has a conservation easement placed on the land that limits its use and development. This ensures that generations of people will see this ranch in a similar state in perpetuity. The landowner has also fenced the riparian area along the river to keep cattle from grazing allowing the native vegetation and trees to filter runoff and minimize erosion. The owner, who asked to remain anonymous, signed the papers restricting the development rights on the property in 2004. As the holder of the conservation easement the GBR Trust is committed to preserve her land. Since placing the conservation easement in 2004, some of the nearby tracts have been divided and sold for new home sites. Change is coming to the area, but this landowner can be assured that her rustric tract will always be there. The retired nurse donating the conservation easement can remain on the land for the remainder of her life, after which she has donated the land to the GBR Trust. I m not married, and I have no children, she said. I wanted to make sure it would go to people I trusted to take care of it. I want it to be here for future generations to enjoy. Photo by Chase A Fountain, TPWD - 9 -
2004 - Hays County Julie Johnson and her husband, Gordon, bought 100 acres in Kyle more than 10 years ago. When the Johnsons bought the land, they knew it was overgrazed by cattle and that it had been badly abused. After settling in their new home, Julie decided to take a Texas Master Naturalist class, which consisted of natural resource management training specific to Hays County. Through the class, she learned about conservation easements and decided they should donate a conservation easement on their land. Julie was inspired to preserve the land, located near Onion Creek, as a way to protect the natural beauty and water quality. Even though we re not very big, we hope that we can set an example for others, she said. Since placing a conservation easement on their land, they have seen surrounding lands change uses from ranching to home sites. But she is doing her best to share with others what one person can do to make a difference. In 2010 the GBR Trust hosted a hike at the ranch. Julie led a small group of landowners and nature lovers through their restored property. On the tour, the group was able to see native grasses that help rainwater soak deep into the soil. Julie has worked hard to restore the land by planting native seeds and conducting prescribed burns. You can now see a spectacular spread of big bluestem and other native grasses that have sprung up over the land since they have owned and managed it. Thanks to Gordon and Julie s dedication and hard work the land is restored and provides important habitat and recharge in an area that is losing these precious resources. I wanted a place for the wildlife, and to be able to continue ranching and hunting. I think my daddy and mother would be very proud. Peggy Dean The conservation easement has given me great peace of mind, knowing our land will be kept forever the way it is. Cynthia Guyon - 10 -
2008 - Kendall County There are 620 acres near the Texas Hill Country town of Sisterdale where the Guadalupe River winds its way downstream, rippling over rocks. Wildflowers can be seen along the banks of the river, views of the rugged landscape include fields of live oak trees, rocks, and grassland. It is preserved through a voluntary conservation easement. Sisters Peggy J. Dean and Cynthia A. Guyon grew up spending time on the ranch their father purchased in the 1950 s. Because of their deep love for the land and desire to preserve its natural landscape they began looking into options that would allow them to keep their property, but also ensure it would be managed and protected in accordance with their wishes. Through research, they learned about conservation easements and how they could continue to own and work the land while restricting development. The sisters, their heirs and the GBR Trust worked together for more than a year to determine what would be permitted and restricted in perpetuity. The ranch was named after their sister Linda Dean who was killed in an accident at the age of 13. Naming the ranch the Linda Dean Ranch was one way Peggy and Cynthia were able to keep their family name with the property. Guyon said, We have no children and we knew we needed to do something. I see the natural landscape eroding away, water disappearing, building big homes, and installing sprinkler systems to water lawns. The sisters have made arrangements to pass the land on and by placing the conservation easement on the property they have ensured it will always be managed in the manner they intended. - 11 -
2008 - Calhoun County More than 2.5 miles of Guadalupe River frontage in the Guadalupe Delta is protected in perpetuity through a conservation easement with the GBR Trust. Dr. Del Williams land is used for ranching and hunting, but he actively manages the land for wildlife, maintaining habitat for the thousands of migrating waterfowl and song birds that visit the property each year. Williams, a dedicated landowner, cares about the future uses of his land and the impact its use will have on the wildlife and his ranch. He has set an important example for other landowners in the area. The Guadalupe River Delta is one of the few fully intact deltas on the U.S. Gulf Coast. Williams action in conserving his land is a key element of the GBR Trust s work and its future efforts to work with landowners in the delta. As a result of this conservation easement, a partnership developed between the landowner, Ducks Unlimited and the GBR Trust. Consequently, the partners have submitted two grant applications to the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. The first grant of $1 million, awarded in 2009 provides for 3,200 acres of private land wetland restoration throughout the Texas Coast via the Texas Prairie Wetlands Project as well as wetland enhancement at Mad Island Wildlife Management Area in Matagorda County and the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge in Cameron County. A second grant for $1 million, approved in 2010, provides for 3,000 acres of private wetland restoration, a topographical survey and 25 acres of wetland enhancement on the GBR Trust Preserve in Calhoun County. This partnership united 13 conservation partners and more than 7,600 acres of conservation work throughout the Texas Coast. I preserved the land for my children and grandchildren so they could see it the way it is today and this was the only way to do it. Del Williams - 12 -
2009 - Comal County Approximately 200 acres of property along the Edwards Plateau in Comal County were preserved through a conservation easement with the Berkefelt family and the GBR Trust. The easement was executed at the end of August in 2009. Stan Berkefelt and his family own the 208-acre tract of land situated in the eastern Edwards Plateau and bordered by Rocky Creek. The land is on a gradient that provides a stunning view of the surrounding Texas Hill Country. It also features limestone outcroppings that contain fossils that are relics of the million year old reef that thrived in the shallow ocean that once covered Texas. After several years and many conversations, it was determined that there were common ties between the Berkefelts vision for their land and the mission of the GBR Trust. This allowed the Berkefelts and the GBR Trust to work together and place a conservation easement on the property. We felt the need to preserve our property from future development and my family s goals align well with the GBR Trust, Berkefelt said, adding that In the great scheme of things, this tract of land may be small, but it is very meaningful to me and my family and we wanted to maintain the integrity of this special piece of property. It is in the interest of the GBR Trust to see the riparian zone maintained to ensure future water quality in the river, for wildlife and for the protection of the beautiful vistas in the Texas Hill Country. Photo by Janet Thome - 13 -
2009 - Hays County Known by the locals as the Old Glory Ranch is located on the Blanco River near Wimberley. The landowners, Suzanne B. and Charles T. McCord III had considered placing a conservation easement on 665 acres of their 2,000 acre ranch for a few years. As they were considering this option they met with multiple land trusts and decided that GBR Trust was the best fit for their objectives. Throughout the entire process, the McCords discussed their intentions for the land with their two children. Having them read the final conservation easement documents in order for them to understand the restrictions they would be inheriting as part of the property. The focus of the conservation easement by the McCords is the preservation of wildlife habitat, scenic views, and water conservation. The McCord s property is a perfect example of how a conservation easement can be used. The easement is preserving in perpetuity part of Shelton Hollow, the winding creek through the property, and Blanco River frontage, as well as the beautiful vista of the Devil s Backbone. You can see high cones and other bluffs as you travel across this scenic landscape and then come upon two beautiful waterfalls. The scenic view of this property is spectacular. said Janaé Reneaud, former GBR Trust Executive Director. Preservation of this property fits the mission of the GBR Trust through the preservation of the riparian zone that is being maintained. This gift will also help ensure future water quality in the Blanco River, recharge into the Edwards Aquifer, and quality habitat for wildlife. - 14 - Photo by Janet Thome
All of us love the ranch, and our sons are environmentally conscious and concerned about keeping the property in tact preserving it for future generations. This easement will help us do that. Mary Fuller 2009 - Goliad County A 6,200 acre ranch located along the San Antonio River in Goliad County has been preserved through a conservation easement with the Fuller family and the GBR Trust in December 2009. At the date of signing, the conservation easement became the largest tract of property secured by the GBR Trust since its inception in 2001. Dr. James Fuller, his wife Mary and his family own the 6,201-acre tract that features seven miles of San Antonio River frontage and diverse topography. The Fullers plan to pass the land on to their three sons who are actively involved with management of the land. We wanted to see this beautiful property preserved for our sons and their families, rather than being fragmented and developed, Fuller said. Over the years, the family had considered entering into a conservation easement, only recently deciding it was time to move forward with the easement to protect the land from future development. All of us love the ranch, and our sons are environmentally conscious and concerned about keeping the property intact. This easement will help us do that, Mary explained. The GBR Trust worked with the Fullers to create an agreement that allows the family to have flexibility for five future home sites and use of the land as needed for ranching and wildlife management. The Fullers work with the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to manage their land for wildlife, raise cattle and have natural gas production on the ranch. They also participate in the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program with the Natural Resource Conservation Service. - 15 -
2009/2010 - Wilson County In 2009 Clay Lorenz and Betty Bird, owners of the WH/Jim King Estate Ranch preserved 786 acres with the use of a conservation easement. The property lies over the Carrizo-Wilcox recharge zone in Wilson County. Crossed by Little Alum Creek, the land provides a thick tree canopy for wildlife and habitat for native grasses such as little bluestem. The land is leased for grazing and hunting, as well as an active wildlife management plan developed with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Determining there were common interests after many conversations between the landowners and the GBR Trust the process of developing the conservation easement began. Just about all of the restrictions and limitations imposed by terms of the easement are conservation practices we had wanted enforced anyway, so there were not many downsides, said Clay Lorenz. I would be less than honest to say that the potential tax preferences did not factor into the final decision, but I do believe that the conservation easement is a great model of individuals, institutions and government working together to do something positive for the environment. The following year, Lorenz asked if the GBR Trust would consider holding an easement on 170 acres of land he owns near Stockdale. This property is mostly wooded, surrounded by farms and has a creek along the back boundary. Today the family has preserved almost 1,000 acres of land that will be protected in perpetuity. - 16 -
Our intention is to leave this property in as close to its present condition as possible. We feel that having the ongoing stewardship of an interested party such as GBR Trust will help guarantee this. - Clay Lorenz 2010 Guadalupe-Blanco - CountyTrust Hog The Wallaces and decided Schwing the summer Bayous of 2010 that they wanted to place 400 acres of their land in a Preserve - Calhoun County conservation easement to be held by the GBR Trust. The GBR Trust also holds a conservation easement on the Wallaces neighboring property in Comal County Janaé Reneaud, former Executive Director, worked with the Wallaces on the terms of the easement. The Wallaces wanted to ensure there was a small area left out of the conservation easement for their children to have space to build. Otherwise the property would remain pristine and undisturbed. The Wallaces do an outstanding job managing the land with help from a few ranch hands and a management plan from Plateau Land and Wildlife Management. The area has a unique diversity of plants and animals in addition to its long history of human settlement. The property is located over the Trinity Aquifer and has a beautiful hilltop view known as Easter Mountain. The placement of a conservation easement on the land has aided in the recharge of the aquifer and surface water runoff into the Little Blanco River. The fact that the land is next to an existing 208-acre conservation easement further strengthens its value. The increase in land preserved results in better water quality and quantity, and wildlife habitat. Photo by Janet Thome - 17 -
2010 - Hays County In December 2010, the James Braniff family, through the GBR Trust, placed a conservation easement on a tract of land situated along the Blanco River three miles from Wimberley, Texas. The property has been used for grazing and also has an active wildlife management plan that was implemented in 2008, when the property was purchased by the Braniff family. The Blanco River frontage on the property provides both active recreation and passive aesthetic enjoyment to the landowners. Wildlife management and family-oriented activities are the primary uses for their property. The Braniff property is comprised of riparian woodlands and a mixture of improved pastures and juniper brush land along the flood plain paralleling the river. The woodland provides roosting sites for wild turkey and the open grass and brush land supports habitat for mourning dove and white-tailed deer. The Braniff properties conservation easement complimented an existing easement of 664 acres on the Old Glory Ranch, also held by the GBR Trust. The combination of the Braniff and Old Glory Ranch easements conserve a half mile of Blanco River frontage, said Janaé Reneaud. It is so exciting to work with two neighboring landowners who both have an appreciation for the importance of wildlife and land management, habitat conservation and preservation of water quality. - 18 -
Habitat Guadalupe-Blanco for Waterfowl Trust - Calhoun Hog and County Schwing Bayous Preserve The construction - of Calhoun a 2.6 mile canal and County the installation of nine water control structures at the Myrtle Foester-Whitmire Unit (Unit) of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Aransas National Wildlife Refuge allow for an efficient and reliable method to deliver freshwater to wetland impoundments that directly benefits migratory waterfowl, wading birds and shorebirds. The Unit lies within the coastal wetlands of Texas, which are the primary wintering site for ducks using the Central Flyway. In addition to being a critical wintering waterfowl habitat, the area serves as an important estuary that provides food, water and shelter for over 300 species of migratory birds, including threatened and endangered species, which spend part of the year on the Texas Gulf Coast. The Unit is located in Calhoun County on lands that were once part of the historic Indianola port area. That port was an important point of entry for European immigrants in the 19th century, but was destroyed by devastating hurricanes in the 1880s. Additional project partners and contributors that made this project successful include Conoco Phillips SPIRIT of Conservation Migratory Bird Program, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Coastal Coordination Council of Texas Coastal Management Program, Friends of Aransas Wildlife Refuge, Formosa Environmental Trust Fund, ALCOA and Tetra-Tech. Today, the GBR Trust is working with the USFWS and Ducks Unlimited to complete additional work to improve wetlands and habitat for all species that frequent the Texas coastline. Photo by Earl Nottingham, TPWD - 19 -
Guadalupe-Blanco Trust Hog and Schwing Bayous Preserve - Calhoun County The GBR Trust acquired more than 640 acres of wetlands that are being managed for key breeding, stop-over and wintering habitats for migratory birds in the Guadalupe River Delta. This property is called the Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust Hog and Schwing Bayous Preserve (Preserve). The Preserve permanently protects 4.35 miles of streams and riparian areas in addition to being located in an area where 147,377 total acres of land are conserved. The addition of the Preserve helped create a corridor of conserved lands and will continue to promote future environmental partnerships. The surrounding preserved lands are held by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), private landowners, and a GBR Trust conservation easement. The GBR Trust received a USFWS grant of $398,637, leveraged by GBRA partner funding to acquire the land. Another project partner that made the land acquisition possible was Union Carbide Corporation (a fully-owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company). Working with others to accomplish landscape conservation is one of the Service s highest priorities, said John Huffman, coastal program coordinator for the USFWS. This project is a good example of collaborative conservation, people working together to accomplish perpetual conservation of fish and wildlife habitats. The award of the National Coastal Wetland Grant to this project could not have been made possible without the willing participation of the TPWD, he added. This is just another one of the many projects The partners felt this was a significant land acquisition in a sensitive area of wetlands that needed to be protected. - W.E. West GBRA General Manager - 20 -
Guadalupe-Blanco Trust Hog and and Schwing Bayous Preserve Preserve - - Calhoun Calhoun County County of the GBR Trust with which GBRA is proud to be associated, said Bill West, Jr., GBRA General Manager. The project partners felt this was a significant land acquisition in a sensitive area of wetlands that needed to be protected. The GBR Trust is working to acquire an additional tract of land that connects the Preserve, the TPWD Guadalupe Management Area and property with a GBR Trust Conservation Easement. Other efforts in the region to assist in private land management and conservation are underway as well. - 21 -
Financial Statement and Accountability The GBR Trust has seen a high level of conservation activity and diverse donor support over the past 10 years. Significant support is provided by contributions from non-profit organizations, federal grants, foundations, and the Guadalupe- Blanco River Authority. Conservation easements and real estate holdings make up the largest part of the GBR Trust assets. The GBR Trust is working to diversify its revenue sources to better protect important natural places and working lands forever. Each year, the GBR Trust submits its statements of financial activities for an annual, independent audit. This past years audit was completed by Holtman, Wagner and Company, LLP of New Braunfels, Texas. If you would like to see a copy of the audit, please contact the GBR Trust. - 22 - Photo by Janet Thome
Use of Funds Operations and overhead are the main expense of the GBR Trust, but with one staff person and the generous support of the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, the organization applied 100 percent of its donations toward programs and projects. Conservation easements are the GBR Trust s largest cost after operations. This is due to the fact that the GBR Trust strives to keep the expenses incurred by a landowner donating a conservation easement to a minimum. The GBR Trust covers a number of the expenses associated with the easement donation and is responsible for monitoring the easement annually, in perpetuity to ensure compliance, once the easement is in place. To stay fiscally responsible and protect the GBR Trust, an outside firm is hired to conduct an annual audit and to complete IRS form 990. The GBR Trust s other expenditures include maintaining required insurance, education and outreach, publications, mailings and landowner workshops. Sources of Funding (Figures are based on available budget information from fiscal years 2001-2009). Total Corporate Grants $625,833 10.00% Total Federal Grants $1,298,991 20.00% Total State Grants $35,500 0.58% Total Foundation Grants $168,000 3.00% Total Non-Profit Grants $2,057,600 34.00% Total Individual and Board Donations $175,174 3.00% Fee Simple $646,000 10.00% GBRA $1,135,184 19.00% - 23 -
Board of Trustees Roger Welder, President John P. Schneider, Jr., Vice-President William A. Blackwell, Treasurer Jack Jones, Secretary Oscar H. Fogle Grace G. Kunde Chris A. Hale Todd Merendino, Ph.D. Claudell S. Kercheville Denis Mueller Past Trustees William Block* Lana Edwards Pam Hodges* Catherine McHaney Anne Holt Michael D. Schultz A.L. Curg Starkey Toby Summers* Robert Thornton* Staff Steve Jester Executive Director - 2011 Janaé Reneaud Executive Director - 2009-2011 Todd Votteler Executive Director - 2001-2009 Janet Thome Grants and Projects Specialist - 2001-2009 Art Direction and Design Janet Thome Projects and Publications Specialist The GBR Trust appreciates the many volunteers and interns who have assisted with projects and services throughout its 10-year history. *Served as President - 24 -
Partnerships Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA), a conservation and reclamation district created in 1933 by the Texas Legislature founded the GBR Trust in 2001. GBRA has since dedicated staff, office space and operational support to assist in the success of the GBR Trust. Ducks Unlimited and GBR Trust collaborate on habitat restoration at the Guadalupe Delta and landowner workshops. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with the GBR Trust to restore and enhance habitat of the Myrtle-Foester Whitmire Unit. Partners constructed a freshwater delivery system during critical times to benefit hundreds of thousands migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Upper Guadalupe River Authority has an MOU with GBRA and the GBR Trust for the conservation of important natural resources at the headwaters of the Guadalupe River. Earth Share of Texas works with GBR Trust to engage individuals and organizations in creating a healthy and sustainable environment through workplace payroll contribution campaigns. Texas Land Trust Council and GBR Trust collaborate on education and outreach. Land Trust Alliance has created a captive insurance program and an accreditation commission both of which GBR Trust support and participate in. Texas Parks and Wildlife and GBR Trust work to restore and preserve lands throughout the Guadalupe River Watershed. United States Department of Agriculture collaborates with the GBR Trust on education and outreach. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality works with the GBR Trust, GBRA and USGS on a real-time water quality monitoring network. Benefactors The Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust has been supported by generous donations provided by: Individual Donors, The Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust Board of Trustees, The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, Ducks Unlimited, Formosa, Alcoa Corporation, Tetratech, Dow Chemical, North American Wetlands Conservtion Act, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Conoco Phillips-Spirit of Conservation Migratory Bird Program, Coastal Coordination Council-Texas Coastal Management Program, Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act, Coastal Impact Assistance Program, Supplemental Environmental Program, The Meadows Foundation, The Holt Foundation, Wells Fargo Bank and Foundation, Friends of Aransas and Matagorda Island National Wildlife Refuges, Earth Share of Texas, The Trull Foundation, Coypu Foundation, and the Shield-Ayers Foundation. - 3 -
preservation matters Gen-Tru-FYR/TWG1500
Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust Yes, I have enclosed my taxdeductible gift to the GBR Trust in the amount of $. Donation Mailer Please make checks payable to the Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust Credit card donations can be made online at: www.gbrtrust.org Name: Address: Phone: Email: The Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust is a 501(c)3 non-profit land trust. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please send me information about: Conservation Easements How I can make a difference? Volunteer Opportunities Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust 933 East Court Street Seguin, Texas 78155 preservation matters 933 East Court Street Seguin, Texas 78155 www.gbrtrust.org Code: 001GBRT