SKAGIT UPDATE NEWSLETTER OF THE SKAGIT LAND TRUST

FALL 2005

Partnership Protects Two Miles of Skagit River Shoreline and Wildlife Habitat

the entire Skagit River system. By protecting this shorelinehabitat in perpetuity, we as a community can be assured

there will be nosubdivision anddevelopment onthis importantstretch of theriver. Now, theshoreline areasare beingrestored withnativevegetation witha grant toSeattle CityLight from theWA StateSalmonRecoveryFunding Board.The story ofprotecting thisland � the

circuitous routethe project took to completion � is a window into thecomplexity of land conservation in Skagit County, andillustrates the potency of good partnerships. So manypeople worked to make this project succeed that it�s notpossible to give all of the credit that is due.For several years, Skagit Land Trust worked with the USForest Service and the original landowner, Richard Hoy �now deceased � and later with his heirs to protect theirbeloved ranch. After an expected funding source fellthrough, the family had no choice but to list the property for

In September of this year Skagit Land Trust and SeattleCity Light partnered to permanently protect two miles ofSkagit Rivershoreline andfloodplain habitat.The Seattle CityCouncil approvedgranting aconservationeasement toSkagit LandTrust on its 236-acre IronMountain Ranchproperty locatedon the south bankof the SkagitRiver west ofConcrete. Theland waspurchased by theCity as part of itssalmon habitatprotection effortson the Skagit.Funding for the purchase was granted to the City by theNational Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the City�s �EarlyAction� Proposal. Extinguishment of development rightswas required by Skagit County in exchange for grantingpermission to subdivide the floodplain land from the ranchhouse, out-buildings and adjacent upland acreage, whichremain in private ownership.This reach of the river includes some of the mostproductive spawning habitat for native Chinook salmon in

Continued on page 3

�Skagit Land Trust was an invaluable partner in securing the IronMountain property for salmon habitat protection.� - Denise Krownbell, Seattle City Light

Iron Mountain Ranch Protected By Seattle City Light and Skagit Land Trust.

Bob Butterfield

StaffStaffStaffStaffStaff

Skagit UpdateSkagit UpdateSkagit UpdateSkagit UpdateSkagit Update

DirectorsDirectorsDirectorsDirectorsDirectorsJohn Milnor, PresidentMount Vernon

Marlene Moore, Vice-PresidentAnacortes

Jerry Haegele, SecretaryAnacortes

Glenn BordnerMount Vernon

Bob BoudinotMount Vernon

Ralph HeftBig Lake

Rusty KuntzeBay View

Patsy MartinAlger

Curtis MillerFir Island

John OsbornBow

Pat SneeringerMount Vernon

Ray TaipaleLaConner

Keith WiggersBurlington

Andrea XaverBig Lake

Molly DoranExecutive Director

Martha BrayConservation Director

Brenda CunninghamStewardship Director

Diane BednarzAdministrative Assistant

Skagit Land TrustPO Box 1017325 Pine Street, Suite BMount Vernon, WA 98273voice: (360)-428-7878fax: (360)-336-1079email: trustmv@fidalgo.netwebsite: www.skagitlandtrust.orgContributors: Diane Bednarz,Martha Bray, Brenda Cunningham,Molly DoranManaging Editor: Diane BednarzEditor: Molly Doran

Drawings by Brenda Cunningham

General CounselGeneral CounselGeneral CounselGeneral CounselGeneral CounselBradford E. Furlong, P.S.

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From the Executive Director

Fall in Skagit County � what a place of bounty andbeauty. For centuries this has been the season of plentywith salmon thick in the rivers and warm autumn days tocomplete a season of growth. How distressing it is tothink that we humans could so diminish the land and water that we seriouslyimperial this natural bounty. But some of the latest scientific indicators are that,particularly with marine species, we are at a tipping point. And the stark and saddamage caused by Hurricane Katrina, whose destructive power was elevated bythe severe wetlands loss in the region, is a reminder of how vital protecting naturallands and processes is to all of us.

As a concerned citizen I know most of you try to do your share to voluntarily helpour planet in ways that fit your life. As a community member, you are assistingimmeasurably by supporting Skagit Land Trust�s permanent protection of land,water, forests, shoreline and wildlife habitat through voluntary conservation. Thereis now no question that habitat protection is one of the vital legs of the stoolneeded to avert a spiral of loss. And voluntary land conservation is a tool that ishard to argue with.

Thus we are very pleased when we can announce protecting a property largeenough that it can be seen from space. Hats off to Seattle City Light and theSeattle City Council for purchasing and then granting a permanent conservationeasement to Skagit Land Trust on two miles of the Skagit River. Creativepartnerships such as this are increasingly an economical way to get sizeable chunksof natural resource land and habitat protected permanently.

In this issue you will also find our 2004-05 annual report. Our goal is to keep youupdated on our accomplishments and on our financial ability to keep up anaggressive pace of land conservation. I encourage you to look at our website,www.skagitlandtrust.org for additional information, maps and photos. Finally, Iwelcome questions, calls and visits. Only by working together will we accomplish

the vision of passing on a healthy, bountiful, natural world to future generations.

There is now no question that habitat protectionis one of the vital legs of the stool needed toavert a spiral of loss. And voluntary landconservation is a tool that is hard to argue with.

Whimbrel

Phil

Gre

en

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Iron Mountain Land - Continued from front pagepublic sale. The Trust then suggested the project to SeattleCity Light, and they managed to put the funding togetherquickly. Several City Light staff members worked very hardto complete the acquisition including Tom Meyer, DeniseKrownbell and Ed Connor.This is also a story of perseverance. There were many pointsover a period of four years when this project seemeddoomed. Once listed on the real estate market, the property

could have easily been subdivided into six private�ranchettes� diminishing the habitat value of such a largeintact property. Through the hard work and cooperationof many hands, including the original landowner and hisheirs, conservation succeeded. Now the real work begins� to protect and restore this magnificent piece of landfor fish and wildlife and future generations.

�Skagit Land Trust was an invaluable partner in securing the Iron Mountain property for salmon habitatprotection. The Trust�s conservation director, Martha Bray, was instrumental in helping City Light secure theproperty. At several critical junctures the Trust acted swiftly and expertly in working with us to navigate throughthis complicated transaction. This is a significant acquisition; the alternative to our success would likely havechanged this portion of the middle Skagit forever. Seattle City Light is grateful for Skagit Land Trust�s assistanceand looks forward to our continued partnership with the Trust in protecting the Iron Mountain property.� -Tom Meyer and Denise Krownbell, Seattle City Light

At Iron Ranch, two milesof Skagit River shorelineare forever protected witha landowner preservationagreement (conservationeasement) granted toSkagit Land Trust byThe City of Seattle.

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Save the Trees, Pull the Ivy!!!!The following is a quick primer on why we should controlEnglish ivy and tips for accomplishing that.

Ivy kills trees.Ivy adds substantial weight to a tree, causing limbs tobreak or the tree to fall over. It can also cover the bark,blocking the tree from air and beneficial microorganisms.Ivy in a tree shades out other plants and provides verylittle food for native wildlife.

Ivy can stop a forest.By shading the ground, ivycan prevent germination ofnative tree species. As theolder trees in a forest arecovered with ivy and falldown, there are few youngtrees to replace them.

Ivy does not help controlerosion.Ivy can cover the groundquickly, leading people tobelieve it will hold theground on steep slopes. Butin fact, ivy has a veryshallow root system, makingit a poor choice for holdinga slope in place.

Chemicals have not been found to be effective againstivy. The most effective ivy control method is to pull the ivyaway from the trees and off the ground. Please weargloves while doing this, as the sap can cause a reaction insome people. If the stems are too big to pull off the trees,cut them at least several feet off the ground and pull thelower part of the plant away from the tree. The vines up inthe tree will die in a few months. Pull the plants on theground away from the tree, clearing a �lifesaver� ringaround the tree.

Ball up the pulled plants and leave them on site. If you canlimit the amount of area that is touching the ground, youwill limit how much the ivy is able to resprout. Eventuallythe ivy ball will decompose, but until it does, it is a goodidea to periodically rotate the ball of ivy to prevent it fromrooting. Some people find sturdy bushes to prop the ivyball on � preventing it from touching the ground andgrowing roots. Within a few weeks the ivy balls will havewilted and lost the ability to resprout.

Thank you to our members who returned the SkagitUpdate survey and gave us their input in developingthe newsletter to better serve our member interests.

A highlight of the results shows that:• As a result of receiving the newsletter, 87%

make a contribution to the Trust and 81% tellothers about the Trust.

• The four top ranked areas members are mostconcerned about protecting right now are: fish& wildlife habitat; lakes, streams, rivershoreline and wetlands; forests and ag. land.

• Our newsletter is well read! 65% ofrespondents read all of the newsletter.

• All agreed our newsletter content wasinformative. 75% thought there was enoughbackground information to understand theissues and actions. 25% wanted moreinformation on how to visit protectedproperties and 25% wanted a guest writeroffering added points of view.

• Regarding the layout: 87% found the font easyto read, 77% thought the layout attractive and74% thought the use of high content recycledpaper was important. 51% of the respondentswanted to see more maps and photos.

• Everyone who responded thought the lengthand number of issues was just right.

NEWSLETTER SURVEY

Bob

Butte

rfie

ld

Wildlife on the Skagit River

Beachcombing on landsprotected by Skagit Land Trust.

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Annual Report 2005Saving Land for Tomorrow

SKAGIT LAND TRUSTApril 1, 2004 - March 31, 2005

Anacortes Community Forest Lands werealmost halfway to being protectedby March 2005.

Gene Kahn protected an additional 29 acresof forest at Cascadian Farm.

Lands Protected 2004 - 2005

Stewardship Committee membersRalph Heft and Kari Oddendiscussing a forest management plan.

People of all ages helpedsteward our land in 2005.

Newly protected Lyman Slough Conservation Area.

Minkler Lake Conservation Areapurchased in 2005

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Financial Statements 2004 - 2005Comparative Financial Statements

FOR THE YEARS ENDING MARCH 31, 2005 AND MARCH 31, 2004

To accurately maintain and reportthe financial statements of SkagitLand Trust, the board of directorscontracts for an outside annualfinancial review or audit of theTrust�s financial records. For FY2004 the board of directorsselected an audit. For FY 2005the board of directors selected touse a financial review and willreturn to an audit in 2006.

This abbreviated financialstatement is a summary of theReview Report submitted to yourBoard of Directors by LarsonGross, Certified PublicAccountants, who, based on theirreview, were not aware of anymaterial modifications thatshould be made to the financialstatements for them to be inconformity with accountingprinciples generally accepted inthe USA, as of March 31, 2005.The March 31, 2005 financialstatement and independent revieware on file in the offices of SkagitLand Trust. Also available forreview is the IRS 990 tax returnfor this year.

At year-end March 2005 the Trustheld 40 Conservation Easementsand owned 20 parcels in fee.Total area under Truststewardship was 3,708 acresthroughout Skagit County. Trustmembership totaled 534households and businesses.

ABBREVIATED SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIESFor the Years Ending March 31

2005 2004

Support and Revenue

Contributions (cash and in-kind) $103,665 93,513Grant and fee income 331,259 364,413Rental income 5,320 4,533Investment income 1,287 10,154Net gain on land sales 36,128 330,857

Restricted contributions for land acquisition and stewardship 112,500 104,000

Total Support and Revenue $590,159 $907,470

Expenses and Acquisitions

Land and stewardship programs 187,418 213,999Administration and fundraising 101,367 74,194Subtotal $288,785 $288,193Land acquisitions 268,000 341,000

Total Expenses and Acquisitions $556,785 $629,193

Net result $33,374 $278,277

ABBREVIATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITIONAs of March 31

Assets 2005 2004

Cash $279,183 681,625Pledges and other receivables 42,388 61,211Investments (land & stewardship funds) 638,725 26,987Money on deposit 0 230,831Conservation land 1,749,048 1,600,277Other 11,817 14,898

Total Assets $2,721,161 $2,615,829

Liabilities $8,698 $204,740

Net Assets $2,712,463 $2,411,089

Total Liabilities & Net Assets $2,721,161 $2,615,829

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Revenue & Expenses2005

April 1, 2004 - March 31, 2005Revenue - 2005

6% Property Sale 1% Other

56% Grant& Fee Income

37% Contributions

FY 2005 HighlightsApril 1, 2004 - March 31, 2005

CONSERVATION107 acres of important lake shoreline, wetlands andsalmon habitat were added to the Trust�s ownership atMinkler Lake with help from our members, the SalmonRecovery Funding Board and the Skagit WatershedCouncil.

We added conservation easements on 75 acres of theAnacortes Community Forest Lands in partnershipwith Friends of the Forest and the City of Anacortes.

We received a generous conservation easementdonation from Gene Kahn who protected 29 acres ofnative forest outside of Marblemount.

The Trust protected 19 acres of shoreline near the cityof Lyman. This land is comprised of large gravel barsand shady backwaters and connects to Skagit RiverWild and Scenic River lands.

With Whatcom Land Trust we completed anassessment of the most important lands to protect inthe Chuckanut-to-Cascade corridor.

The Trust assisted Seattle City Light to purchase, forprotection, two miles of Skagit River shoreline at IronMountain Ranch (along the South Skagit Highway).

LAND MANAGEMENT AND STEWARDSHIPOver 11,500 person-hours of time was given by Trustvolunteers to steward and maintain Trust-protectedproperties. Thank you!

The Trust continued its successful reforestation of rivershoreline and sloughs on our Tope Ryan and HurnField properties, with assistance from theConservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)and the Skagit County Conservation District.

MANAGING THE TRUSTThe Trust�s Strategic Plan was up-dated through 2007and we developed a Strategic Funding Plan. The vastmajority of our expenses go directly to land protectionor property management. However, the funding of day-to-day operations is also critical. Funding ouroperations makes the difference between having thecapacity to take on the necessary work to protectthreatened land or not. The Strategic Funding Planaddresses our urgent need to raise more generaloperating funds so we can protect Skagit County�sspecial places before it is too late.

As the Trust has grown, the Board of Directors hasacknowledged the need to place Trust investmentsunder professional management. In December 2004the board selected UBS Financial Services as itsfinancial investment manager.

5% Fundraising17% Management & General

46% LandPurchases

32% Land &Stewardship Program

Expenses - 2005

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FINANCIAL NOTES

Skagit Land Trust completed the followingland purchases:The Trust purchased 107 acres at Minkler Lake for$228,000 in April 2004. The Salmon Recovery FundingBoard contributed grant funding of $193,800.The Trust purchased 19 acres at Lyman Slough for$40,000. The Salmon Recovery Funding Boardcontributed grant funding of $34,000.

Land sales and donationsSkagit Land Trust donated a conservation easement on88 acres of farmland on Francis Road to SkagitCounty�s Farmland Legacy Program. The conservationeasement extinguished all development rights andensured the land was permanently protected. The Trustthen sold the property to a farmer at farmland prices.Skagit Land Trust donated $5,000 to San JuanPreservation Trust�s Sares Bluff Campaign.

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Skagit Land Trust Members and PartnersApril 1, 2004 - March 31, 2005

We are grateful to the Individuals, Businesses,We are grateful to the Individuals, Businesses,We are grateful to the Individuals, Businesses,We are grateful to the Individuals, Businesses,We are grateful to the Individuals, Businesses,Organizations and Foundations, listed below whose donations wereOrganizations and Foundations, listed below whose donations wereOrganizations and Foundations, listed below whose donations wereOrganizations and Foundations, listed below whose donations wereOrganizations and Foundations, listed below whose donations were

received between April 1, 2004 and March 31, 2005.received between April 1, 2004 and March 31, 2005.received between April 1, 2004 and March 31, 2005.received between April 1, 2004 and March 31, 2005.received between April 1, 2004 and March 31, 2005.Corporate MembersCorporate MembersCorporate MembersCorporate MembersCorporate MembersBusiness Benefactor ($500 - $999)Printwise, Inc.Sea-Land Development CorporationShell Oil Products USSkagit State BankTimmers Appraisal Services

Business Patron ($250-$499)First American TitleLeonard, Boudinot & Skodje, Inc.MacGregor Publishing Co.Miller ConsultingShorebird Properties

Business Sponsor ($100-$249)Art by ThaisConcrete Nor�WestDunton�s Auto Body ShopGraham-Bunting & AssociatesHoekstra & HoekstraPuget Sound EnergySkagit River Steel & Recycling,Inc.Skagit Valley Healing ArtsSkagit Wild Bird SupplySoto McNett Construction, Inc.Woody�s Car Wash

Business Supporters ($50-$99)A1 BuildersChristianson Nursery, LTDEarthbound Used BooksFran Little LLCMcGregor Insurance Agency, Inc.Meyer Sign & Advertising Co.Preview Properties Skagit, LLCSauk Mountain Pottery

Organizat ionsOrganizat ionsOrganizat ionsOrganizat ionsOrganizat ionsEvergreen IslandsFidalgo Fly FishersFriends of the Anacortes Community Forest LandsSkagit Conservation DistrictSkagitonians to Preserve FarmlandThe Nature Conservancy

Matching GiftsMatching GiftsMatching GiftsMatching GiftsMatching GiftsSafecoPuget Sound Energy

Granting OrganizationsGranting OrganizationsGranting OrganizationsGranting OrganizationsGranting Organizations& Foundations& Foundations& Foundations& Foundations& FoundationsThe Burning FoundationThe Dudley FoundationHorizons FoundationLinnemann Family FoundationSalmon Recovery Funding BoardTemcov Foundation

Pro-Bono ServicesPro-Bono ServicesPro-Bono ServicesPro-Bono ServicesPro-Bono ServicesBradford E. Furlong P.S.

Stewardship FundStewardship FundStewardship FundStewardship FundStewardship FundCity of AnacortesBrenda Cunningham & Tim MannsRalph & Ruth HeftGene KahnJames C. Squires, Jr.

Trust BuildersTrust BuildersTrust BuildersTrust BuildersTrust BuildersMajor Donors ($5000 & up)Robert Brown & Patricia Hegg Brown

Steward ($2500-$4999)Anonymous

Conservator ($1000-$2499)AnonymousHarold & Shirley ChristensonAnn & Bob DurschLin FolsomDr. Jay Ham & Jan HerseyJohn & Linda HuntBeau MacGregorMarlene & James MooreMark NysetherKeith & Jan WiggersRich & Beth WilliamsonBen Winkes & Sloane PolilloAndrea Xaver

Sustaining MembersSustaining MembersSustaining MembersSustaining MembersSustaining MembersBenefactor ($500-$999)AnonymousJoanne Abelson & Chris GoelzLloyd & Wendy BrownJane ClappBrenda Cunningham & Tim MannsTom & Catherine DostartDavid DuskinDonald J. FinsenElsa Gruber & Charles PruettJerald & Sheila HaegeleGene KahnRae KozloffRusty Kuntze & Libby MillsJanice Martin & Doug RobinsonSue & George MehlerGene & Ginny MurphyDennis Stanchfield & Susan RadkinsErynn E.M. StephanRichard & Sharon StewartJohn & Doris TursiKen & Anne WinkesMargaret Yeoman

Patron ($250-$499)AnonymousRuth & Harry Adamitz

Robert L. Apter, MDMary Kay Barbieri & Linda JordonDiane Bednarz & Peter JepsonJim Bishop IIGlenn & Theda BordnerMartha Bray & John DayNadine Burrington & Robert FoistBob Carey and Kari OddenLaura DeasonBill & Holly DietrichMolly Doran & Andrew ClineNick Fahey & Deborah MartinRon Feld and Lorna KlemanskiKristine & Roger GoodanPhil and Kathy GreenLarry and Josie HedgpethBill & Susan HenryRobert MD, & Judith HigginsMarcia HuntPatricia Karlberg & Robert KellerSean KellySheila Klein & Ries NiemiDick & Doris KohlerPatricia Botsford-Martin & Daniel MartinCynthia McGuinessKenneth & Enid OatesH. Donald Parry & Vicki Soderberg ParryBob & Barb RockKathleen H. RootWilliam & Kris RoweJim & Levy ScheltensDavid & Eddylee ScottPat SneeringerLinda Speck & Ken WillisKate Stewart & Deborah DeWolfe

Sponsor ($100-$249)Astrid AamotFrances Ambrose & Steve HunterBruce & Joanne AultBob & Pat BellClaudia BiermannJ.E. BishopPaul & Patty CalverCathy Carmody & David DeffenbaughJohn A. Carr, MDTom, Beth & Christine ClelandDebbie & Darrell CorneliusTom & Barbara CorriganPatricia A. CowgillBarbara & Lyle CranerLarry & Lorry D�ArienzoAllison DeetsJoyce & Cecil DillardPaul Dinnel & Vicki McNeilHarold & Diane EieslandCorwin FergusJim & Frances FordBrad Furlong & Eileen ButlerJames GallupCarolyn & Ed GastellumWarren & Marilyn Gilbert

Herb & Theresa GoldstonErnie & Joan HandelmannDaniel & Marilyn HanesworthMary Mae Hardt & Scott AndrewsLief & Monica HazeletRalph & Ruth HeftMark & Alison HitchcockBill & Ruth HoodHal & Claris HyattJean & Brad ImusClayton & Barbara JamesRyan & Christina JeppersonStephen & Nancy JohnsonJames KaufmanRobert & Carol KnowlesFayette KrauseRobin LaRueGeorge LawsonMr. & Mrs. Gordon LisserCandace L LowerAnn MagnanoRobert & Marie MartinezWilliam & Diana McGawMalcolm & Michelle McPheeJohn Merrell IIJim & Harlyn Meyer Anne Brooks Middleton & Jack MiddletonGary & Betty MilesSusan & Fred F. MillerJohn and Marjorie MilnorTom & Mary MoodyDavid C. MorelandDiane Morton & Wendy CobbDick & Joyce NelsonGeorge & Mary NewburyKathleen Walsh PackardRobert G. PersoniusFred PoppeMaragaret PotterEd & Linda PysherDenny & Laurie QuirkRichard & Karen RaislerCarl & Jane RandolphPeggy RatermannGary A. RichardsonRichard & Nancy RobbleeValerie & Gary RobinsonAndrew Ross & Laura CaillouxCyd and Herb SanbornHerb & Christine SargoRobert & Emma SchroderCharles Schultz & Terri Bakke-SchultzTerence & Lois SlotemakerHarriet SpanelMary Augusta StappCharles StavigTerry & Kathy StevensTamara Stevens & Todd RubanoDennis & Mary Ann TaylorBill & Sally TurnerGary & Ruby VallatJames W. Van HornTim & Alice Volwiler

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Thank You For Your Support

Jane Wagner & Bruce BollertSarah Welch & Jon RiedelJames WellsDon WickRobert & Anne Marie WillisTodd Wood & Judy GambleRobert C. WoolleyAnnette Woolsey & Jim ShiflettMs. G. O. WrightRobert & Kay WuerthSara Young & Wade MeltonJane Zillig & Paul IngallsStan Zyskowski

Contributing MembersContributing MembersContributing MembersContributing MembersContributing MembersSupporter ($60-$99)David Adams & Greta MovassaghiDick Anderson & Lynn ReedArthur & Maryann ArndtCharles AyersScott & Jennifer AylorLiz & Michael BartAl & Sue BergerRichard BergnerRick & Laura BethkeRich & Feryll BlancJohn & Gail BoggsCarol BohmbachJon & Ann BowmanDoyle & Gloria BowzerKaren & Jonathan BriggsWilliam & Joan ColvinJoan CrossLynne DarnellDaniel & Charlotte DeckerGene & Marilyn DerigCarol & Jon EngelsDoug & Cheryl EverhartNancy & Scott FultonPeter & Dorothy HaaseHelen HeneksGeorge JayPaul JohnsonBeth Kraig & Suzanne KlingerLogan & Allison KnowlesEric & Laura KraigVon & Elizabeth KuehnAnne & Bob KuntzJere LaFollette & Wende SandersonKaren A. Lewis-Hart & Derek HartMeredith & Rick MachinDr. Jennifer McCoyMark & Alison MillerW.M. MohundroTarn MowerEdward K. NewboldNicholas NigroDeborah North & Robert CoffeyMike & Bonnie OlpinMark PearsonPeter RemickSusan RichardsonMarilyn Ross & Robert SchwartzbergEric & Jenny SandboRobert E. ScottPaul Schissler & Sue WillisJonathan & Scottie SchneiderMargaret M. SchulzAnne Schwartz & Mike BrondiDon & Margaret Semrau

Maurice & Virginia ShankLiz SmithBob & Connie SnellJane E. StephensJack Stephens & Ellen O�Neill StephensJaye StoverJim & Dorothy StoverSteve & Frederica SulzbacherNancy SwallingAnn & William TannerGina Van HessBill & Laurie WallaceVirginia WalshDederick Ward & Susan ParkePhilip & Carolynne WrightDavid & Pat Young

Partner ($40-$59)Norman AinslieAnonymousArbor Pacific ForestryNancy AshenfelterMark & Ruth BacklundGraydon & Joyce BakerJudy BakerJohn & Nancy BarnardTom & Helen BasslerDr. Bruce BerkowskyPaul Blum & Alison ZakRic & Janet BogeRobert & Victoria BournsJohn & Mary Louise BrownKelly Bush & Russ DaltonFerdi BusingerDaniel F. Casey & Sally Weakley CaseyJoan CaseyJohn & Cindy CusterChris Danilson & Jenny BakerPatricia & Richard de La ChapelleJack & Sonjia de YongeIvar Dolph & Phyllis DolphJudith Dudley & Thomas SlocumTom & Stacy FawellAlix Foster & Rick ShortenSue & John FreetoHellmut & Marcy GoldeBarbara & Dean GregoryRamona HammerlyAnne HillardSteve & Katie HintonDavid & Kathy HirdlerBill & Gail HlavacekClara HoggSteve & Andrea HoodEdward & Valerie JensenAlfred R. KraigKathy & Mark LarsonFather Paul MagnanoDonald & Mary MagnessMichael MakiWilliam & Laurel MalcomsonMichael & Suellen MancerIngrid & Bruce McBaneTodd McNett & Liz McNett CrowlJoe & Judy MenishScott Mennella & Anne SidburyAnita Meyer & Josh GreenbergSteve & Betty MillerMichael MonroeGordon & Joanne Odegaard

Paula A. Ogden-Muse & Jeff MuseJudy & David OlsonHelen M. OvenellJames OwensRobert & Maureen RatfieldRobert Raymond & Dorothy DownesKathy & Robert ReimLauren RichHarold & Irene RichardsonBob RoseKim SagerJo-an & Bill ScottJohn & Julie SemrauSue & Richard SigmenRobert & Joan SkeeleGail R. SmithJohn Smith & Cheryl HarrisonRichard StaplesRichard & Daphene StorwickMargaret StuderLinda & Stephen SummersMary & Bob TaylorRichard & Carol TrestonLynette Trucco-Baier & Doug BaierKathryn Van Alstyne & Edmund MarmolNatalie & Steve WeatherbyJune WheelerBrian & Dyani WetcherLouise WillisRobert & Polly WinkelmanStedem Wood

Friend ($30 - $39)Evelyn AdamsKathryn AlexandraJohn AllenHelen AndersenJim & Joyce AndersonSteve & Gail AslanianRobert T. BaileyCathy Baker & Rich FeldmanMs. Barbara BashawHazel BlakesleeGary & Heidi BletschKalman Brauner & Amy CarlsonRone & Marcella BrewerDr. Gary & Sue BrownPhil BurtonCraig E. CammockCarol CarnahanHoward ChristofersenDorris CivilleEileen Coan & Ross Mc ConaheyBarbara CooperAllen CraneyLee & Mary Sue DallasEunice W. DarvillFred & Virginia DarvillJohn & Ramona DouglassGene & Mayo EarnestAnn EissingerPhyllis L. EnnesJohn & Marie ErbstoeszerJay & DeAnn FindlayHarriet FollmanBarbara FrenchMary FroderbergKaren Gardiner & Philip BrownKarla GareyMs. Dianne Gaughan

Barbara GeraghtyDan GouldFrank GrahamLouise HarrisJudith HartfordCarol Havens & Vince StreanoRon Haywood & Leanne Lunsford HaywoodAlbert HeathRi & Sally HillHolley HoagLillian HoekstraBernetta HoffRon HolmesLoren Huggins & Marie LordSarah HuntingtonElmer & Jean JohansenJanette JohnsonRobert & Cecilia JohnsonThomas V. & Lane JohnsonVic & Marlene JonesMatthias & Bonnie KerschbaumBojan KuureAmy & Pierre LaBargeJeannie LennonDianne Lindsay & Cordia SammethMr. & Mrs. William V. LucicDr. Malcolm Madenwald & Wendy GrayClarice R. MartinJeff & Ann MayJanet McKinneyDick & Bettie McNeelyDuane & Joan MelcherBob Mierendorf & Lisa BroxsonGrace NovickyMelinda Olswang & Bruce RacineAllane OnkstLorna & Dennis ParentHoward & Carol PellettLoretta PenrodDaniel PenttilaHazel PilkintonAndrea & Lyle PoolmanClarence & Virginia RankinScott & Martha RhodesJack & Cynthia RichardsonTeresa L. & Scott A. RinklerJim RobertsShane & Susan SandersonMike SatoMary SchachtDonna Schram, PhDEdward & Carol SchwabeDan SenourHoward & Kathy ShapiroHoward ShumanShirley SmithSharon StapletonRosemary StevensKen & Liz StewartSherri StitesCarol StrandbergJames & Mary Jo StrohCecil & June ThomasMr. & Mrs. Richard TjerslandJulia & William ToomeyPatty Wasson & Bob ShellyRowena Watson & Paul TrokaKen Berg & Jan WeydemeyerJennifer & William WoyskiPatricia Youngman

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AssociatesOtto AllisonDan & Donna BrauerEllen BynumJohn & Merydee CarlsonBarb & Terry DoranJohn FreemanDee GibsonEllen GrayAnthony G. HamerskiKathryn HeronMarji HoffJanene KenastonKonrad KurpKaren MacDonaldPhilip & Anne McCrackenJim MurphyDavid & Sydney OlausenSuzanne PerlmutterJohn & Elizabeth PerrinRuth Elfstrom RigglesAlice RoyerLinda SanfordJay Smith & Susan WoodLaura SmithChester WoodRosann Wuebbels & George Reeves

Thank You ForYour Support

Special GiftsSpecial GiftsSpecial GiftsSpecial GiftsSpecial GiftsIn Honor ofChristine Bergner & Jeffrey BergnerRichard Bergner

Eleanor Gandy MemorialMary Augusta Stapp

Karen MacDonald MemorialDr. Gary & Robbie HolzRobert & Norma MarisMr. & Mrs. William MorningredJudi MunnGene & Ginny MurphyBetty Rockwell

In Honor of Floydene Myers & Ester ZimmermanSusan Richardson

In KindIn KindIn KindIn KindIn Kind

Volunteer Jim Owens helpsremove ivy and holly

from a Little Mountainconservation easement.

Catherine & Tom DostartEl Gitano RestaurantBrad E. Furlong, P.S.Phil GreenJosh GreenburgLarry & Ginny GroesbeckGene HallPeter JepsonKenmore CameraBob KnowlesTrevor KylePatty LavretteLee MannPatsy MartinJohn Milnor

Marlene & Jim MooreGene & Ginny MurphyEd NewboldNitty Gritty Garden ClubNOLSJohn OsbornLavone & Dick ReimS&H NurserySakuma Brothers Farm, Inc.Dave ShawSkagit Conservation DistrictSkagit Fisheries Enhancement GroupSkagit River System CooperativeSkagit Watershed CouncilSky NurseryTerry StevensRichard StewartStratum GroupSummersun NurseryWells NurseryBrian Wetcher/Fidalgo LandscapeKeith & Jan WiggersAndrea Xaver

All American Master LocksmithApplebee�s RestaurantArt by ThaisJim Bishop IIBlue Heron Farm - Ann SchwartzGlenn BordnerBob ButterfieldCarpenter Creek WineryCatapult Heavy ConstructionCheesecake CreationsChinook ExpeditionsChristianson NurseryConcrete Nor�WestBrenda CunninghamCrown PacificPamela DavidMolly Doran & Andrew Cline

City of AnacortesDucks Unlimited

Farm Service AgencyFriends of the Anacortes Community

Forest LandsNatural Resources

Conservation ServiceThe Nature Conservancy

Salmon Fisheries Enhancement GroupSalmon Recovery Funding Board

San Juan Preservation TrustSkagit Conservation District

Skagit County FarmlandLegacy Program

Skagit River System CooperativeSkagit Watershed Council

US Forest ServiceSeattle City Light

Whatcom Land Trust

PARTNERS - 2005

Sometimes visitingour protected

properties requiresrowing.

�Saving land for future generations�

11

Land Acquisition in Partnership with Ducks UnlimitedProtects More of Minkler Lake

This summer the Trust purchased another 21 acres on the eastern end of Minkler Lake adding to the existing 107-acreMinkler Lake Conservation Area. The acquisition was made possible through a partnership with Ducks Unlimited(DU). The Trust and DU have entered into an agreement to provide grant funds to the Trust from the North AmericanWetland Conservation Act to acquire and protect important wetland habitat in Skagit County. The Trust will be workingwith DU in the next year to identify additional wetlands for Trust purchase.

The new purchase includes high quality waterfowlhabitat and creates a total of more than 125 acres ofcontiguous protected habitat on Minkler Lake

In Memory of Robert V. Brown, Founder of Benson-Hegg Opportunity Fund

One of Skagit�s great conservationists, Robert V �Bob� Brown died August 26th in Palo Alto California.He was 79 years old.

Fifty years ago Bob met his life partner and wife, Pat Hegg, at Stanford. Pat grew up outside of Sedro-Woolley, near Skiyou Island. Both sides of Pat�s family, the Bensons and the Heggs, are pioneeringSkagit families. Although Bob and Pat resided in California, they never forgot the Skagit.

In the past ten years Bob and Pat�s belief in the importance of preserving land while it is still available,led them to start and fund the Benson-Hegg Opportunity Fund. This fund allows Skagit Land Trust thefinancial ability to take advantage of protection opportunities expediently. The Browns also funded theexecutive director�s position for 2.5 years, allowing the Trust to accelerate its land protection pace.

John Milnor, Skagit Land Trust president, says � We simply would not be where we are today withoutBob and Pat�s help and generosity. Significant stretches of the Middle Skagit River and otherlandscapes have been permanently preserved with their help.�

Bob�s tireless belief in conservation affected both the Pacific Northwest and California. His memory willlive on here in the waters, forest and wildlife habitat he was so much a part of preserving for the future.Bob is survived by his wife, Pat Hegg Brown and his children and grandchildren.

The Benson-Hegg Opportunity Fund is a capital fund dedicated to the purchase of land or options.Community members may donate to the fund at any time.

Call for Board Member NomineesEach fall we ask our members to help us widen our search forpotential board members who will shepherd the Trust for the nextthree years. Skagit Land Trust�s board of directors providesleadership for the Trust, assuring that programs and procedures areconducive to carrying out the Trust�s mission. The board meetsmonthly. Board members typically also serve on at least onecommittee.

Although each board member is unique, our future openings indicatea need for people with any of the following skills and abilities:excellent business and financial management experience, publicrelations and marketing skills, proven leadership ability and/orexperience in non-profit leadership. Board members who are well-connected in the community (Skagit County) or the region (Seattle)or who may help us reach out to less represented sectors of ourcommunity are also being sought. As we enter a time when ourorganization goes into the next decade and beyond, we are especiallyinterested in finding candidates with leadership skills who will guideour successful conservation organization into the future.

If you know of someone who cares about conserving the naturallegacy of Skagit County and who might add valuable skills andperspective to Trust�s board, please contact Glenn Bordner,nominating chair, at trustmv@fidalgo.net.

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SKAGIT LAND TRUST WELCOMESNEW BOARD MEMBER, Rusty KuntzeSkagit Land Trust is extremely pleased to welcome Rusty Kuntze to ourboard of directors.

Rusty was born in Germany and grew up in the New York City area. After college atColumbia University and law school at Franklin Pierce Law Center in NewHampshire he served as a VISTA volunteer attorney in Alaska. In 1980 Rusty movedto Skagit County and began working for a consortium of Puget Sound tribal courts.Since 1987 Rusty has worked exclusively for the Swinomish Tribe, most recently aschief judge of their Tribal Court System. He has taught at Skagit Valley College andwas a founding member and first Director of Common Ground - Skagit County�s

Conflict Resolution Center. His previous board experience includes serving as: Chairperson of the Western WashingtonFellowship of Reconciliation; President of the Skagit Audubon Society; and tribal representative on the NorthwestIntertribal Court System. Rusty retired from his work for the Tribe in 2004 and continues to live in Bay View with hiswife, Libby Mills. When not birding, biking, hiking or kayaking here in the Northwest, Libby and Rusty enjoy exploring andexperiencing the natural wonders and cultures of Mexico, and Central and South America.

Rusty and Libby have been long time supporters of Skagit Land Trust. Rusty says, �I take great pride in being asked tojoin the other dedicated board members and exceptionally qualified staff of the Trust in furthering its mission � theprotection of this amazing place we all call home, for us and future generations.�

Give a gift this holidayGive a gift this holidayGive a gift this holidayGive a gift this holidayGive a gift this holidaywhere proceeds help protectwhere proceeds help protectwhere proceeds help protectwhere proceeds help protectwhere proceeds help protect

more land:more land:more land:more land:more land:Gift Memberships or ContributionsHonor someone special. Your gift makes alasting tribute through land conservation.

Poster�Our Valley� A brilliantly colored aerial viewof Skagit Valley created for the Trust byrenowned photographer Lee Mann.

Note CardsBeautiful watercolors of Skagit Countylandscapes and wildlife.Art by Thais Armstrong.

Baseball CapsShow your support with an artisticallydesigned Skagit Land Trust hat. Available inseveral attractive colors.

ThankThankThankThankThank You - Jim Bishop II and Jeanne GlickYou - Jim Bishop II and Jeanne GlickYou - Jim Bishop II and Jeanne GlickYou - Jim Bishop II and Jeanne GlickYou - Jim Bishop II and Jeanne Glickfor serving on thefor serving on thefor serving on thefor serving on thefor serving on the

Skagit Land Trust Board of Directors.Skagit Land Trust Board of Directors.Skagit Land Trust Board of Directors.Skagit Land Trust Board of Directors.Skagit Land Trust Board of Directors.

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Thank you to the on-goingThank you to the on-goingThank you to the on-goingThank you to the on-goingThank you to the on-goingTrust Builders and Partners in ConservationTrust Builders and Partners in ConservationTrust Builders and Partners in ConservationTrust Builders and Partners in ConservationTrust Builders and Partners in Conservation

Trust BuildersTrust BuildersTrust BuildersTrust BuildersTrust Builders

Major Donors ($5000 and up)Robert Brown & Patricia Hegg Brown

Steward ($2500 - $4999)Anonymous

Conservator ($1000-$2499)AnonymousHarold & Shirley ChristensonAnn & Bob DurschLin FolsomJay Ham & Jan HerseyLinda & John HuntBeau MacGregorMarlene & Jim MooreMark A NysetherH. Donald Parry & Vicki SoderbergKeith & Jan WiggersRich & Beth WilliamsonBen Winkes & Sloane PolilloAndrea Xaver

Benefactor ($500 - $999)Joanne Abelson & Chris GoelzLloyd & Wendy BrownJane ClappElsa Gruber & Charles PruettJerald & Sheila HaegeleGene KahnRae KozloffRusty Kuntze & Libby MillsJanice Martin & Doug RobinsonSue & George MehlerGene & Ginny MurphyMaryKay PasnickErynn E.M. StephanRichard & Sharon StewartKen & Anne WinkesStan Zyskowski

Corporate Members

Business Benefactor ($500 - $999)Lee Mann PhotographySea-Land Development Corp.Shell Oil Products USSkagit State BankTimmers Appraisal Services

Business Patron ($250 - $499)First American TitleLeonard, Boudinot & SkodjeMacGregor Publishing Co.Miller ConsultingScott�s Bookstore, Inc.Shorebird Properties

Granting Organizationsand FoundationsThe Burning FoundationThe Dudley FoundationHorizons FoundationJewish Communal FundThe Linnemann Family FoundationSalmon Recovery Funding BoardClarence Steward Endowment Fund of the Skagit Community FoundationTemcov Foundation

Stewardship FundCity of AnacortesBrenda Cunningham & Tim MannsRalph & Ruth HeftGene KahnJames C. Squires Jr.

Thank you to all new andrenewing members.

Membership gifts will be listedin the Winter and Summer

Newsletter and ourAnnual Report.

Mission StatementMission StatementMission StatementMission StatementMission StatementSkagit Land Trust protects wildlife habitat, wetlands,

agriculture and forest lands, scenic open space and shorelines throughoutthe mainland and islands of Skagit County for the benefit of our community

and as a legacy for future generations.

Monthly Giving -Help Preserve Our

Beautiful County AllYear Long

A consistent, convenient and hassle-free way to support Skagit Land Trust�sprotection work year-round, is throughour monthly or quarterly givingprogram. This program helps youactively contribute to local landprotection each month of the year. Ithelps us lower our processing costs,saves trees by eliminating reminderletters, and provides Skagit Land Trustwith a reliable stream of resources sothat we can better plan our protectionwork.

As one donor said, � I decided tohave $15 charged monthly to mycredit card to help save SkagitCounty�s wildlife habitat andbeautiful lands. That amount isaffordable for me and it feels goodto know that, each month, I am doingmy small part to help preserveimportant natural lands for futuregenerations and for wildlife.�

It�s easy to sign up for the program.Most of our members prefer to have aset amount charged to their credit cardmonthly, although we also have thecapacity to accept electronic fundtransfers (EFT) from your bank orregular monthly checks. Call us at360- 428-7878 or on your nextmembership renewal letter, check thebox that says you�d like to pledgemonthly or quarterly giving.

Saving Land for TomorrowSaving Land for TomorrowSaving Land for TomorrowSaving Land for TomorrowSaving Land for Tomorrow

PO Box 1017325 Pine Street, Suite B

Mount Vernon, WA 98273www.skagitlandtrust.org

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage Paid

Mount Vernon, WAPermit No. 195

December 3rdHeronry Tour and Tree Planting

Join us for a one hour tour of this renownedheronry at March�s Point. Stay afterwards andhelp us plant trees to hold heron nests in thefuture.Tour starts at 10 am.Call Brenda for details, 360-428-7878.

December 8thSkagit Land Trust Open House

Come celebrate another year of landconservation successes. December 8, 4-7 pmat Skagit Land Trust office, 325 Pine Street,downtown Mount Vernon.Hors d�oeuvres and beverages.Watch for more details.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Our Annual Trust Picnic was a great success.Join us next year!