Leaving a Legacy

2017 Highlights & Annual Report

KLT launched its first summer camp in order to provide a nature-based experience accessible to any child — a time to learn, explore and connect with the land in a safe and supportive environment. But also a time to just be a kid playing in the forest. As the children galloped,

A Place to Jump, Whoop, Crawl, and Pounce Summer flew by in a kaleidoscope of sounds, smells and textures. Birdcalls, giggles, wet grass, cottonwood sap, oozing mud, smooth bark, and clear water all added to the tapestry. Each day brought a fresh adventure as the book of nature presented new mysteries, making them touchable, tangible and real.

The next generation was finding its place of belonging.

“One of my favorite things in the whole wide world is being outside.” – Grace

Clark Fork High School student

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A Place to Jump, Whoop, Crawl, and Pounce

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cavorted, roamed and imagined themselves into animal dreams, their sense of wonder was infectious.

Fostering this sense of joy in relation to the land is the reason for Pine Street Woods, a parcel

on the edge of Sandpoint and Dover where KLT is planning a community forest. The land’s open meadows and forested groves will provide a space for all ages and abilities to recreate, learn, connect and reflect.

This land will be a permanent home for community programs in the outdoors, and will be a place for our shared legacy of connection with land to pass from one generation to the next.

“A place near our largest town where people can freely engage in the outdoors is essential.” – John Gaddess, Pine Street Woods supporter

and Camp Kaniksu parent

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Local partners restoring a landscape The Bull River of western Montana once snaked through a tangle of native shrubs, wet meadows, and old growth timber as it traversed a glacial valley to meet the Clark Fork River.

Today the landscape is much changed. Development, ditching, timbering, road building, and weeds have dramatically altered the valley. And clean water, native fish, and the unique beauty of a rugged landscape hang in the balance.

A network of community partners and dedicated landowners are working tirelessly to restore the corridor of the Bull River. They’re using everything from conservation agreements to revegetation. And after a decade of effort, results are finally becoming apparent.

The channel of the Bull lies within a narrow ribbon of private land sandwiched between steep slopes and rugged peaks. It is here that generations of homesteaders carved out a living, with a host of unintended consequences. It is also here that a network of dedicated partners are working

to stitch together a thread of rehabilitated riverbanks.

Today, after ten years of effort, the banks of the Bull are slowly reverting to what they once were. Nearly 500 acres of private lands along the thread of the river have been permanently protected through conservation agreements, and as many as 7,000 native tree seedlings a year have been planted.

The exceptional efforts of the Lower Clark Fork Watershed Group in particular can be viewed in a locally produced film available here: http://lowerclarkforkwatershedgroup.org/roots/

Until the transformation is complete, the battle for the Bull will continue.

“The only real legacy we can leave is to improve something for our children’s children.” – Brad Warrington

Bull River landowner and conservation partner

Battle for the Bull

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Now it will also contribute to the legacy of farming and ranching in our region by ensuring that the farmers of tomorrow have a place to tend their crops and stock.

Lois has conserved her farm in partnership with the Kaniksu Land Trust and the Avista Clark Fork Settlement Agreement through a grant program of the Natural Resource Conservation Service. The program helps farmers and ranchers keep their land in agricul-ture through a voluntary agreement that limits future development.

The farm’s size, important agricultural soils, and extensive frontage along the Pack River and other streams made it particularly important to protect. As develop-

ment creeps in from increasing growth, this property will help to retain the agricultural values and scenic views that continue to attract new residents.

By granting this easement, Lois has joined the ranks of other conservation-minded producers in the region who have protected their lands for the future. We applaud her decades-long stewardship of the land, and her efforts to ensure that it endures.

After tending the land alongside her late husband, Barney, for more than half a century, Lois Blasko has permanently protected her 350-acre Pack River farm north of Sandpoint. A haven for elk, deer, moose and turkeys, the property protects 2 miles of Pack River frontage and is important habitat for migrating trout.

7 QUICK FACTSAbout Kaniksu Land Trust conservation agreements

If you, or someone you know, is interested in conserving your land, here are some quick facts about conservation agreements.

Voluntary. Farm, ranch, or wildlife conservation agreements are voluntary and do not require public access. You retain your private property rights.

Your ownership retained. You can sell it, lease it, give it to your kids or family, or any combination thereof. The agreement runs with the land.

Flexible. Farming, ranching, hunting, forestry, home-based businesses, recreational uses, and a limited number of house sites and/or property divisions may be permitted.

Tailored to you. Each conservation agreement is unique to the land it conserves and to your vision for your property.

Versatile. Woodlands, wildlife habitat, streams and wetlands, farms and ranches, and recreational opportunities can all be conserved in the same agreement.

Estate planning benefits. Conserving your land can help with your estate planning, significantly reduce your estate taxes, and often allows for a smoother transition to the next generation.

Tax savings. You may also greatly reduce your federal income tax liability for several years, starting the year you conserve your land. This might help offset capital gains as well.

Permanent. Conservation agreements are designed to outlast us all, leaving you with the peace of mind of knowing that your land will remain as it is today long into the future.

“Fifty years from now… this land will continue to be available.” – Lois Blasko, landowner

Working lands for tomorrow

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“Projects like this are about preserving a way of life.”– Leonard Wood, neighboring rancher

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IndividualsAnonymous (10)Irene AdlerJoseph AkersRob Aldrich & Lisa PalmerSusan AllenJudy Anderson & Jerry CosgroveElizabeth J. ArnaultJames & Jeanine AschePamela AunanKathy AustinDavid & Camille BalfanzIan & Cheryl BarrettSusan K. Beard ”Sube”Lois Blasko Kelsey BrasseurDennis & Shannon BraunCarl & Karen BrennerDiane BrockwayTamara & Tom BryantErin BusbyChris & Genevieve CampbellChris & Kathy ChambersRae CharltonTom & Donna ChasseDawnya Clarine & Tim MartinHolly ClementsJac & Susan KeanMargie CorcoranMaria Corsini & Troy TvrdyJohn Cosolito & Risa DevoreK. CousinsKathi & Charlie CraneFamily of Luther & Jessie Cunningham

Jenny CurtoBob & Linda DavisDiana DawsonLexie de FremeryJack & Janice DeBaunAllen & Mary DeLaneyMichael & Sheila d’EsterreNancy Dooley & Reid TreadawaySusan Drumheller & Mike MurrayEric & Laurilyn EldenburgSue ElsaLarry EngPamela & Richard ForcierRonald & Laura ForsbergNeil Franklin & Pat EngleJennessa FrengleJohn & Maia GaddessStephen Bond GarvanJean Gerth

Lori Getts & Clement YonkerJim & Karen GlaeserJonathan GoodierEric & Celeste GraceBrewster & Anne GraceJeremy & Anna GraceMichael & Sue GraceKen & Mary Jo HaagNate & Gina HallJay & Beverly HansonJohn Harbuck & Susan Bates-Harbuck

Brian HarveyDavid HeepBrian HollerSteven HoltRod Dosher & Jane HooverDeb Hunsicker & Phil HoughBruce & Debra HowardKathy HubbardJudith HutchinsReno & Clay HutchisonMike & Suzanne JewellPaul & Sera JohnsonMaude & Tim KentMalcolm & Pam KinneyVictor Kollockdee & Ray KosseDaniel Krabacher & Cate HuismanLester Krause Kerry KresgeJennie & John KubiakMark & Susan KubiakSteven Lazar & Susan ShawMary LeopoldVicki & Ross LonghiniMarianne & Bill LoveRebecca LyonsGail & Thomas LysterDr. & Mrs. David MacciniKatherine MaudroneJulie McCallanIrv & Michele McGeachyScott & Barbara McLongstreetJim & Sandii MellenHarry MenserJulie & Steve MeyerAnne & Bill MitchellJohn & Ginny MoodyCharles MortensenDavid MossChris & Kathleen MunroSandra MurdockAlexander Murray & Jill KahnKevin Murray

Robert MyersLinda & Steve NavarreWendy NintemanNick NortonMatt NykielBrita OlsonMolly O’Reilly & Steve LockwoodDauray OwensBob & Sue PaDelfordJack ParkerDonna ParrishLaird & Shawna ParryRobert C. PekarekMary PeppingTimothy & Margaret PetersenJohn & Ardith PierceMrs. Harvey PineAndy Platte & Amanda BlossomNicky PleassRegan Plumb & FamilyKylie & Robert PrestaKaren Price & Len KrauseCarol & Quince QuintanoTeresa & Michael RancourtVicki Reich & Jon HagadoneDavid ReseskaJeffrey RichTom Riggs & Georgia YorkJohn & JoAnn RohyansLisa RosauerLouisa & Michael RubyPaul & Jan RumoreMarian & Robert RustCalvin & Irene RyderMark & Yvonne SavariseStephen Schultz & Romey StuckartKaren & Erik SjoquistCelesta St. JohnDan & Leesa StefanoBruce & Meredith SterlingSharon StrandGloria & Bill StubleKen Thacker & Bonnie JakubosJudy & Chris ThompsonCarole & Lenny ThorellAmy TrujilloTamara & Steve VerbyLeslie VillelliBruce & Sue VogelsingerKate & Erick WalkerLibby WalkerDavid & Laurelie WallGates & Annie WatsonPat & Carol WestDiane & Clay Williams

Charlotte WilliamsRuth & Dan WimberlySally WoodBill & Molly WoodCarol WrightDenise Zembryki & Ron MamajekJim Zuberbuhler

FoundationsAvista FoundationCadeau FoundationCinnabar FoundationCloud Family Foundation FundEducational Legacy FundEquinox FoundationHeart of the Rockies InitiativeInland Northwest Community Foundation

J.A. & Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation

Janus FoundationLand Trust AllianceLightfoot FoundationLOR FoundationTides Foundation

Businesses (includes in-kind donations)

Alliance Title & Escrow Corp.Arthur Goldblum – Acupuncture Center

Berg & McLaughlin AttorneysD.A. Davidson & Co.Dory McConnell Duberg Charitable Trust

Gll2, Inc.Gold Creek Ranch Corp.Idaho Pour AuthorityInland Forest ManagementIntegrative ApproachJames Fenton Co. Johnson Law FirmKeokeeLarson’s Department StoreOverman’s Western StonePanida TheaterPM Land & CattleSandpoint Chamber of CommerceSandpoint ComputersSandpoint EquineSelkirk Association of RealtorsSelkirk SchoolUSDA Forest Service, Community Forest Program

Together we are making a big difference...from taking care of the land to taking care of our community…the two are closely linked. We couldn’t do this important work without you.

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Together we are making a big difference...from taking care of the land to taking care of our community…the two are closely linked. We couldn’t do this important work without you.

A message from EricEarly spring is an inspiring time as we peer from beneath a crust of snow into a bright new year, while reflecting back on the past 12 months.

Some of the most memorable happenings of 2017 shared a common thread of “legacy,”— the sharing of gifts from one generation to the next. Whether through the conservation of a family farm where cattle rub shoulders with turkeys and trout, or the passing along of a sentimental parcel for the public to enjoy for years to come, the notion of legacy is central to KLT’s vision.

Lester Krause’s far-sighted gift of 20 acres to Kaniksu Land Trust is one example. His deep childhood memories of this land compelled him to donate the property in hopes that others will have the same chance to learn from and connect with it that he did. And because the land is adjacent to Pine Street Woods, it extends this existing project and ensures important access.

Although we work in today’s world, our hearts and minds are ever on tomorrow. Thank you for your far-sighted support. It is because of you that we are able to do so much, and every little bit matters. Regardless of who you are, the legacy of the land belongs to all of us.

Sincerely,

**For a complete financial statement please visit www.guidestar.org..

2017 Operating Incomen Foundation Grants $214,500n Contributions $ 61,765n Other* $ 73,857

Total $350,122*Contract Fees, Events, Interest, Cash Reserve Draw

2017 Operating Expensesn Program Services $ 259,090n Administration $ 49,017n Fundraising $ 42,015

Total $ 350,122Expense figures unaudited; audit to be completed soon.

VolunteersDerek AntonelliRod BarcklayErin BassJanet BenoitGail & Jimmy BolinErin BusbySandy ComptonSuzanne DavisGeorge DelandAlyssa DuvallEllie EngelJessica EricksonFred ForssellLori Getts & Clement YonkerLee GrayDan HaleyBrenda HammondJohn Harbuck & Susan Bates-HarbuckKaren HertelFiona HicksJane HooverTom JohnsonSusannah KretzschmarChad, Miles & Silvi LandrumBoatwright Law Office, P.C.Bill & Maryanne LoveJudy Lyding & Carl HansonJoAnn MackJim & Sandii MellenLance Miller, PLSRosemary O’BryanBrita OlsonMolly O’ReillyLaird & Shawna ParryJeff Pennick Hilary PettersonNicky PleassChris RemsonEd & Karen RobinsonScott RulanderNancy SchmidtKaren SjoquistKen Thacker Marcy TimblinJim WatkinsTom WhalenCarol WilburnShelly YoungDenise Zembryki & Ron Mamajek

Conservation can’t happen without you. You are making a difference every day.

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We sincerely apologize for any errors or omissions. Please contact Eric if you have any corrections. Thank you.

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What is your legacy?

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P.O. Box 2123Sandpoint, ID 83864

OFFICE

1215 Michigan, Suite ASandpoint, ID 83864

208-263-9471info@kaniksu.orgwww.kaniksu.org

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BOARD

Kyler Wolf, PresidentNate Hall, SecretaryDiane Williams, TreasurerKatherine CousinsAllen DelaneyBrian HarveyJudy HutchinsDan KrabacherKatherine MaudroneBruce SterlingJim Zuberbuhler

STAFFEric Grace Executive Director

Regan Plumb Director of Conservation

Suzanne Tugman-Engel Director of Outreach and Communication

Anne Mitchell Administrative Assistant

Dave Kretzschmar Environmental Educator

Cami Murray Programs and Development Associate

Cover photo: ©Fiona Hicks Photography.

Common Redpoll Common redpolls are active foragers that travel in busy flocks. Look for them feeding in birch trees or visiting feeders in winter. These small finches of the arctic tundra and boreal forest migrate erratically and sometimes burrow under the snow to survive extreme cold.

Learn more at www.kaniksulandtrust.org/crittercorner