Newtown Forest Association (Connecticut's Oldest Private Land Trust)

About the NFAAbout the NFA

NFA MISSIONNFA MISSIONThe NFA is dedicated to

accumulating and preserving open space and natural resources for

public enjoyment within the Town of Newtown, Connecticut and to

help maintain our the rural character of our community.

Non-Profit OrganizationNon-Profit OrganizationThe NFA is a 501(c)3 non-profit

charitable organizationDonations are tax-deductible (1)

We are exempt from income taxesWe are exempt from property taxes

(1) Consult your tax accountant to see if this is applicable for your individual circumstances.

INDEPENDENTINDEPENDENT The NFA is in no way associated with the

Town of Newtown The NFA does not receive taxpayer dollars The NFA is fiscally independent The NFA is managed by an all volunteer

Board of Directors that are residents of Newtown and are not subject to the changes in the political sediment; accordingly, we can maintain our mission generation after generation.

Membership Based OrganizationMembership Based Organization

Annually, a meeting is convened to for the Board of Directors to present to its Membership a summary of the prior year activities and current year plan

The Membership elects the Board of Directors

Current Slate of Officers &Board MembersCurrent Slate of Officers &Board Members

Bob Eckenrode (2005) - President Bart Smith (2007) - Vice President Guy Peterson (2003) - Treasurer Ed Kelleher (2001)- Secretary

Bill Watts (1967) Coke Cramer (1970) Martha Wright (1988) Dan Dalton (2009) Dr. Aaron Coopersmith (2010) Tim Gagne (2011) Don Morrissey (2013) Harvey Pessin (2013)

Notable Former Board MembersNotable Former Board Members Arthur Nettleton (1937-1945) Paul A. Cullens (1937-1971) Paul S. Smith (1939-1986) James Brunot (1955-1974) George Northrop (1959-1972) Arthur Christie (1959-1984) Crawford Benedict (1960-1980) Thomas Cheney (1961-1993) Alan Flouton (1970-1997) Doug Roger (1970-2002) Dave Thompson (1977-2002) Robert Beers (1981-1999) Wes Gillingham (1994-2011)

The current NFA Board is eternally grateful to these

individuals, as well as the 100 other past

board members, who have contributed to

the continued success of the NFA and

helped create an open space legacy for all Newtown residents and others to enjoy.

CTCT’s Oldest Private Land Trust’s Oldest Private Land TrustThe Town Forest, less than a mile from the Flagpole, was the first preserve created in 1924 by a group who contributed three parcels into a neighborhood trust referred to as the Newtown Forester’s Association.

Dr. Howard Peck presented the initial of 7.2 acres of land.

Additional abutting lands were subsequently added from other concerned citizens including Cornelia Hawley, Charles Peck, Henry Young and Emmet & Gladys Close to form what is now known as the 15.5-acre "Town Forest".

This is believed to be the first known official Town Forest in the United States of America.

History History (from a 1965 report by Tom Cheney)(from a 1965 report by Tom Cheney)

Records show the Association was formed in 1923 and collected dues of $1 from several individuals annually through 1927.

The absence of records infer a period of dormancy through 1937 when Paul Cullens and Paul Smith convened a meeting to reorganize the Association.

In 1939, the Newtown Forest Association was legally incorporated and the 3 parcels making up the Town Forest were contributed.

In 1940 the NFA obtained its determination letter that it was tax exempt and a charitable organization.

History (continued)History (continued) The NFA remained relatively dormant again until

1955 when Paul Cullens, Paul Smith and others amended the NFA Charter and By-Laws.

In 1959 the NFA purchased 8 acres abutting The Town Forest for $5,000, funded by a donation from Henry Schnakenberg. Henry was a board member from 1961-1968 and in 1970 donated 7 acres to the NFA.

Through 1997 the NFA operated on a shoe string budget and had very little operating costs as most of the property owned was taken care of by volunteer neighbors or was forested land that required minimal tending.

History (Cont.)History (Cont.) Josephine Holcombe passed in 1997 and willed

to the NFA 86 Acres, known has Holcombe Hill at 55/65 Great Hill Road, plus an endowment.

The NFA had a long relationship with the Holcombe’s, having benefited from donations in 1966 and 1987 of 14 and 62 acres, respectively, along Birch Hill Road.

• The NFA uses the earnings to maintain the Holcombe Preserves as well as our other properties.

SOURCE OF FUNDSSOURCE OF FUNDSPrimary Source of Revenue is

Investment Earnings, but we are dependent on Donations, Grants and Bequests to Fund Special projects and increase our Endowment

Spending Cap established to hedge inflation for the future

Governed by UPMIFA and have to track donor restricted funds to ensure they are only spent as the donor dictates

NFA Fundraising 2013NFA Fundraising 2013

As a result of the 12-14 tragedy at the request of several donors wishing for a living memorial the NFA created the Sandy Hook School Memorial Tree Fund.

As a result of the Castle Hill proposed development we created a Castle Hill Preservation Fund to acquire the property.

As a result of the success we had fundraising for the Castle Hill Property we elected to start a formal Land Acquisition Sinking Fund.

SANDY HOOK SCHOOL MEMORIAL TREE FUND

Objective: The NFA has established the Sandy Hook School Memorial Tree Fund (the “Fund”) to support the creation of a living memorial with

plantings in memory of the Sandy Hook Elementary School victims. We can think of no

greater living tribute to the victims and the people of Newtown, than help create a quiet,

peaceful place, in our wonderful town, for meditation among native trees and flowering

shrubs.

LAND ACQUISITION SINKING FUND

• Objectives will to maintain a sustainable fundraising campaign to solicit donations to be use only related to

land acquisition activities.

• This will provide funds that can be made available quickly to respond to market driven or bargain sale

opportunities that may be identified.

• This will also provide funds that can be uses to satisfy matching requirements related to grant stipulations.

• Will prepare us better for when another “Castle Hill” type matter arises.

USE OF FUNDSUSE OF FUNDS Property Stewardship Costs are our biggest

expense. – Recurring, such as mowing and haying– Contingent, such as storm damage– Special projects, such as invasive removal and

surveying

– Interns

Largest Single Cost is Insurance Office and Caretaker Utilities No paid administrative personnel Caretaker works for residency

NewtownNewtown’s Largest Private ’s Largest Private LandownerLandowner

The NFA owns 1,076 AcresThis is from 108± individual parcelsClustered, create 70 separate preservesSeveral abut Town or State open space Most acquired by donationsMost are deed restricted NFA also preserves 91 Acres under

Conservation Easements

Owned LandOwned Land Most of the land we own outright is

subject to deed restrictions placed on them by the donors.

As owners:– Responsible for maintenance

– Responsible to honor deed conditions– Responsible to enforce deed restrictions– Responsible to monitor boundaries

– Responsible to enforce our rights

– Define permitted use and monitor them

– Goal is inspect every property annually

EncroachmentEncroachmentss

Conservation EasementsConservation EasementsOwner holds title to the propertyNFA holds the development rightsLoss in value may be tax deductibleNFA not responsible for maintenanceNFA must enforce rights and ensure

property owner (and successors) do not violate easement restrictions

Often not open to the public

NFA PRESERVESNFA PRESERVESHolcombe Hill Wildlife PreserveHolcombe Preserve Memorial TrailHattertown Pond PreserveNettleton PreserveGreenleaf Farms PreserveBrunot PreserveThe Wasserman Preserve - the GlenCavanaugh Pond

Holcombe Hill & Memorial TrailHolcombe Hill & Memorial Trail

Highest PointHighest PointJO

Hattertown PondHattertown PondThe majority of the 119 acre preserve was donated in 1967 by Anna Lord Straus totaling 94 acres. The 27 acre pond was created in 1867 to provide a power supply for the Peck's Saw Mill, and a succession of mills.

Eagle Scout Project - DockEagle Scout Project - Dock

Nettleton PreserveNettleton PreserveNamed "Castle Hill" in 1888 for the castle built on the site by Peter Lorrillard Ronald, world traveler and millionaire.

Flanked by two long wings, a center section 110-feet long featured a drive-through carriageway. When Ronald died in 1905, he left the castle to his mistress, but not the means to maintain it. Building deteriorated and was finally demolished in 1947.

Greenleaf PreserveGreenleaf Preserve

Eagle Scout ProjectEagle Scout Project

Brunot PreserveBrunot PreserveUpcoming Guided Hikes:February 1st @ NoonJune 7th @ Noon

Cavanaugh PondCavanaugh Pond

Wasserman – Rocky GlenWasserman – Rocky Glen

Current ProjectsCurrent Projects• Integrate Newly Acquired 196 Hattertown Pond• Identify “At-Risk” Properties and Evaluate Conservation

Options• Accreditation• Celebrate our 90th Anniversary• Coordinate with others locally and regionally conservation

efforts • Expand our Membership• Invasives Mitigation• Fundraise for Future Land Acquisitions