Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service
Public Charity Status and Public Support
Complete if the organization is a section 501(c)(3) organization or a section
4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust.
Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. See separate instructions.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2011
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
WILDEARTH GUARDIANS
Employer identification number
85-0406306
Part I
Reason for Public Charity Status
(All organizations must complete this part.) See instructions
The organization is not a private foundation because it is: (For lines 1 through 11, check only one box.)
1
2
3
4
5
section 170(b)(1)(A)(iv). (Complete Part II.)
6
7
8
9
receipts from activities related to its exempt functions—subject to certain exceptions, and (2) no more than 331/3% of
its support from gross investment income and unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 tax) from businesses
acquired by the organization after June 30, 1975. See section 509(a)(2). (Complete Part III.)
10
11
e
By checking this box, I certify that the organization is not controlled directly or indirectly by one or more disqualified persons other than foundation managers and other than one or more publicly supported organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or section 509(a)(2).
f
If the organization received a written determination from the IRS that it is a Type I, Type II or Type III supporting organization, check this box
..................................................
g
Since August 17, 2006, has the organization accepted any gift or contribution from any of the following persons?
(i) a person who directly or indirectly controls, either alone or together with persons described in (ii)
Yes
No
and (iii) below, the governing body of the the supported organization?
................
11g(i)
(ii)
a family member of a person described in (i) above?
......................
11g(ii)
(iii)
a 35% controlled entity of a person described in (i) or (ii) above?
................
11g(iii)
h
Provide the following information about the supported organization(s).
(i) Name of supported organization
(ii) EIN
(iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 9 above or IRC section (see instructions))
(iv) Is the organization in col. (i) listed in your governing document?
(v) Did you notify the organization in col. (i) of your support?
(vi) Is the organization in col. (i) organized in the U.S.?
(vii) Amount of support?
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Total
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 11285F
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Page 2
Part II
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in IRC 170(b)(1)(A)(iv) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 5, 7, or 8 of Part I or if the
organization failed to qualify under Part III. If the organization fails to
qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part III.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2007
(b) 2008
(c) 2009
(d) 2010
(e) 2011
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") ....
930,113
1,460,201
1,799,043
1,392,377
1,441,889
7,023,623
2
Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf.......
3
The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
4
Total. Add lines 1 through 3..
930,113
1,460,201
1,799,043
1,392,377
1,441,889
7,023,623
5
The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included
on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f)..
548,856
6
Public Support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.
6,474,767
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2007
(b) 2008
(c) 2009
(d) 2010
(e) 2011
(f) Total
7
Amounts from line 4..
930,113
1,460,201
1,799,043
1,392,377
1,441,889
7,023,623
8
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..
4,765
7,870
1,273
904
448
15,260
9
Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on..
10
Other income. (Explain in Part IV.) Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets..
120,687
115,994
131,694
108,483
94,173
571,031
11
Total support (Add lines 7 through 10).
7,609,914
12
Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (See instructions.)
..................
12
591,428
13
First Five Years
If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here..........................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
14
Public Support Percentage for 2010 (line 6 column (f) divided by line 11 column (f))
.........
14
85.080 %
15
Public Support Percentage for 2009 Schedule A, Part II, line 14
...............
15
91.840 %
16a
33 1/3% support test—2011.
If the organization did not check the box on line 13, and line 14 is 33 1/3% or more, check this box
and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
......................
b
33 1/3% support test—2010.
If the organization did not check the box on line 13 or 16a, and line 15 is 33 1/3% or more, check this
box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
.....................
17a
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2011.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, or 16b and line 14
is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test, check this box and stop here. Explain
in Part IV how the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported
organization
..................................................
b
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2010.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, or 17a and line
15 is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test, check this box and stop here.
Explain in Part IV how the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
..............................................
18
Private Foundation
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, 17a or 17b, check this box and see
instructions
...................................................
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Page 3
Part III
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in IRC 509(a)(2) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 9 of Part I or if the organization
failed to qualify under Part II. If the organization fails to qualify under
the tests listed below, please complete Part II.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2007
(b) 2008
(c) 2009
(d) 2010
(e) 2011
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") .
2
Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose......
3
Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513..
4
Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf...
5
The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
6
Total. Add lines 1 through 5.
7a
Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons...
b
Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year.
c
Add lines 7a and 7b..
8
Public Support (Subtract line 7c from line 6.)
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2007
(b) 2008
(c) 2009
(d) 2010
(e) 2011
(f) Total
9
Amounts from line 6...
10a
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..
b
Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975.
c
Add lines 10a and 10b.
11
Net income from unrelated business activities not included in line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.
12
Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part IV.)
13
Total support (Add lines 9, 10c, 11 and 12.).
14
First Five Years
If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here.............................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
15
Public Support Percentage for 2011 (line 8 column (f) divided by line 13 column (f))
.........
15
16
Public support percentage from 2010 Schedule A, Part III, line 15
...............
16
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
Investment income percentage for 2011 (line 10c column (f) divided by line 13 column (f))
......
17
18
Investment income percentage from 2010 Schedule A, Part III, line 17
.............
18
19a
33 1/3% support tests—2011.
If the organization did not check the box on line 14, and line 15 is more than 33 1/3% and line 17 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
..........
b
33 1/3% support tests—2010.
If the organization did not check a box on line 14 or line 19a, and line 16 is more than 33 1/3% and line 18 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
....
20
Private Foundation
If the organization did not check a box on line 14, 19a or 19b, check this box and see instructions
.....
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Page 4
Part IV
Supplemental Information.
Supplemental Information. Complete this part to provide the explanation required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; or Part III, line 12. Also complete this part for any additional information. (See instructions).
Facts And Circumstances Test
Explanation
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Additional Data
Software ID:
Software Version:
-
TIN:
SCHEDULE O (Form 990 or 990-EZ)
Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ
Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on
Form 990 or to provide any additional information.
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2011
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
WILDEARTH GUARDIANS
Employer identification number
85-0406306
Identifier
Return Reference
Explanation
EXPLANATION ON VOLUNTEERS AND TYPES OF SERVICES OR BENEFITS
FORM 990, PAGE 1, PART I, LINE 6
VOLUNTEERS ASSISTED IN STREAM TEAM, AN ANNUAL RIVER RESTORATION EVENT HELD AT DIFFERENT RIPARIAN LOCATIONS, BY HELPING TO PLANT NATIVE TREES AND SHRUBS. VOLUNTEERS ALSO ASSISTED DURING FUNDRAISING EVENTS BY CHECKING ATTENDEES IN, HELPING SET UP AND CLEAN UP AFTER EVENTS, AND GENERAL OFFICE HELP SUCH AS COPYING, MAILING, ETC.
FIRST ACCOMPLISHMENT DESCRIPTION
FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A
ABUNDANT SUPPLIES OF CLEAN WATER BUT ALSO WITH BOTH THEIR WONDER AND BEAUTY. --100,000 NATIVE COTTONWOODS AND WILLOWS PLANTED TO JUMPSTART RESTORATION OF STREAMS AND RIVERS IN THE SOUTHWEST. --SEEKING A RIO GRANDE CAPABLE OF ADAPTING TO NEW MEXICO'S CHANGING CLIMATE, WILDEARTH GUARDIANS CHALLENGED A PROPOSAL TO TRANSFER WATER FROM SOCORRO FARMLAND TO THE CITY OF SANTA FE. THE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF THESE TRANSFERS THREATENS ECOSYSTEM RESILIENCE AND LOCAL AGRICULTURE IN THE MIDDLE RIO GRANDE, AND ALLOWING THEM DOES NOT PROVIDE ADDITIONAL WATER SUPPLY FOR THE FUTURE. --GUARDIANS' PROTESTS OF WATER TRANSFERS ARE PART OF A NEW, LARGER CAMPAIGN TO SECURE THE RIO GRANDE RIGHTS TO ITS OWN WATERS AND HELP AGRICULTURE ADAPT TO THE REGION'S CHANGING CLIMATE. --PUBLICATION OF OUR FIRST-EVER BOOK "THE RIO GRANDE: AN EAGLE'S VIEW" WHICH DOCUMENTS A STUNNING VISUAL JOURNEY FROM THE GREAT RIVER'S HEADWATERS TO THE GULF OF MEXICO. THE BOOK WAS A MULTI-YEAR COLLABORATION WITH AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHER ADRIEL HEISEY.
SECOND ACCOMPLISHMENT DESCRIPTION
FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4B
FOOTED FERRET AND LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKEN, THE FAUNA AND FLORA OF THE WEST FORM THE VERY THREADS IN THE VIBRANT TAPESTRY OF LIFE. WE WORK TO PRESERVE THAT TAPESTRY, RATHER THAN LET IT UNRAVEL. --NEGOTIATED AND FINALIZED LANDMARK SPECIES SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE. 821 IMPERILED SPECIES WILL RECEIVE ACTION UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT, INCLUDING 252 CANDIDATE SPECIES THAT WILL RECEIVE LISTING DECISIONS AFTER DECADES OF DELAY. --COMPELLED THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT AND U.S. FOREST SERVICE TO INITIATE UNPRECEDENTED CONSERVATION PLANNING PROCESS FOR GREATER SAGE- GROUSE. --LAUNCHED MULTI-YEAR LEGISLATIVE CAMPAIGN TO BAN ANIMAL TRAPPING IN NEW MEXICO. --PREPARED AND SUBMITTED PETITIONS TO LIST 16 IMPERILED SPECIES UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT.
THIRD ACCOMPLISHMENT DESCRIPTION
FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4C
--WORKING TO CONFRONT THE CLIMATE IMPACT OF FOSSIL FUELS BY ENSURING POWDER RIVER BASIN MEETS CLEAN AIR STANDARDS. --WORKING TO ENSURE WE ADVANCE CLEAN AIR STANDARDS FOR OIL AND GAS IN THE AMERICAN WEST. --PREVENTING MISGUIDED FOSSIL FUEL DEVELOPMENT.
ALL OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENT DESCRIPTION
FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4D
PUBLICATIONS AND OUTREACH: WILDEARTH GUARDIANS' OUTREACH INCLUDES PUBLICATIONS AND EVENTS. WE PUBLISH A NEWSLETTER THREE TIMES PER YEAR AND AN ANNUAL REPORT WHICH WE DISTRIBUTE TO MEMBERS AND OVER 20 OUTLETS IN THE AMERICAN WEST. WG ALSO HOSTS MANY EVENTS INCLUDING TWO GALA EVENTS (IN DENVER AND SANTA FE), HOUSE PARTIES THROUGHOUT THE WEST, PROGRAM SPECIFIC RALLIES, AND WORKSHOPS. WE ALSO SPONSOR AN INFORMATION TABLE AT CONCERTS, FESTIVALS, AND PUBLIC EVENTS. TOTAL 2011 EXPENDITURES = 155,477 WILD PLACES PROGRAM: THE AMERICAN WEST IS A PLACE SET APART WITH ABUNDANT PUBLIC LANDS AND REMNANT ANCIENT FORESTS, PRISTINE GRASSLANDS AND WILD HEADWATERS AND STREAMS, WHICH REMIND US OF THE SPECTACULAR RICHNESS THAT ONCE EPITOMIZED THIS REGION. WILDEARTH GUARDIANS' WILD PLACES PROGRAM PROTECTS PUBLIC LANDS WITH A PRIMARY EMPHASIS ON NATIONAL FORESTS AND BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT LANDS. THERE ARE MORE THAN 300 MILLION ACRES OF PUBLIC LANDS IN THE 17 WESTERN STATES AND OUR GOAL IS TO PREVENT THEIR CAPTURE AND DESTRUCTION BY PRIVATE, EXTRACTIVE INTERESTS. SADLY, MANY OF THE DIVERSE ECOSYSTEMS IN THE WEST ARE IN TROUBLE. FOR EXAMPLE, THE SOUTHWESTERN PONDEROSA PINE ECOSYSTEM, THE INTERIOR WEST'S SAGEBRUSH SEA, AND FRAGILE STREAMS AND WETLAND HABITATS ARE ALL CONSIDERED ENDANGERED ECOSYSTEMS. WHILE ADVOCATING TO END ACTIVITIES THAT THREATEN TO DESTROY OUR PUBLIC WILDLANDS IN THE AMERICAN WEST, WE ALSO WORK TO ENSURE THAT THEY REMAIN BIOLOGICALLY INTACT AND ECOLOGICALLY FUNCTIONAL BY ACTIVELY RESTORING PREVIOUSLY DAMAGED LANDS, WATERS AND ECOSYSTEMS. OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS MEAN NOT ONLY GREATER PROTECTION FOR WILD LANDSCAPES BUT ALSO THE WILDLIFE, WATER AND AIR THAT MAKE THEM THE TREASURES WE CHERISH. --COMMENCED OFFICIAL PROCESS OF DESIGNATING ROADLESS WATERS IN COLORADO OUTSTANDING. --NEGOTIATED VOLUNTARY GRAZING PERMIT RETIREMENT IN THE MEXICAN WOLF RECOVERY AREA. --LED PUBLIC DIALOGUE ON WILDFIRE AND CLIMATE CHANGE IN AZ AND NM. --SUCCESSFULLY LITIGATED SPOTTED OWL MANAGEMENT IN USFS REGION 3. TOTAL 2011 EXPENDITURES = 129,298
ORGANIZATION'S PROCESS USED TO REVIEW FORM 990
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B
APPROXIMATELY A WEEK PRIOR TO FILING THE FORM 990, A DRAFT IN PDF FORMAT IS SENT TO ALL BOARD MEMBERS ALONG WITH AN EMAIL CALLING THEIR ATTENTION TO PORTIONS OF THE FORMS. COMMENTS AND CORRECTIONS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED. IN ADDITION, THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR AND ACCOUNTANT DISCUSS THE ENTIRE DRAFT FORM WITH THE PREPARER IN DETAIL IN ADVANCE OF FILING.
ENFORCEMENT OF CONFLICTS POLICY
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C
IN ADDITION TO REQUIRING BOARD MEMBERS, STAFF AND REGULAR CONTRACTORS TO PROACTIVELY NOTIFY THE FULL BOARD OF ANY CONFLICTS, ALL BOARD MEMBERS, STAFF, AND REGULAR CONTRACTORS MUST SIGN A ANNUAL FORM WHICH A) AFFIRMS THAT THEY HAVE RECEIVED A COPY OF THE POLICY; B) READ AND UNDERSTOOD IT; C) AGREED TO COMPLY WITH THE POLICY; D) UNDERSTOOD THAT WILDEARTH GUARDIANS IS A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION AND MUST ENGAGE IN ACTIVITIES WHICH ACCOMPLISH ONE OR MORE OF ITS TAX-EXEMPT PURPOSES; AND E) LIST ALL RELATIONSHIPS WITH WILDEARTH GUARDIANS' VENDORS, SERVICE RECIPIENTS, FUNDERS, EMPLOYEES AND CONTRACTORS. ALL POTENTIAL CONFLICTS ARE REVIEWED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WITHOUT THE PRESENCE OF THE INTERESTED PARTY.
COMPENSATION PROCESS FOR TOP OFFICIAL
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15A
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REVIEWS AND APPROVES THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S ANNUAL SALARY, WITH NO PARTICIPATION BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OR OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS. THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S SALARY IS ESTABLISHED USING COMPARABLE DATA FOR SIMILARLY QUALIFIED PERSONS IN FUNCTIONALLY COMPARABLE POSITIONS AT SIMILAR NONPROFITS; CONSIDERATION OF ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; AND COST OF LIVING DATA. COMPARABLE MARKET DATA IS OBTAINED FROM SALARY SURVEYS AND FORM 990S FILED BY COMPARABLE NOT-FOR- PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS. DISCUSSIONS AND DECISIONS REGARDING THE COMPENSATION ARE DOCUMENTED IN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES. THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALSO RECEIVES REIMBURSEMENTS FOR ROUTINE, REASONABLE, AND DOCUMENTED EXPENSES INCURRED DURING THE YEAR UNDER AN ACCOUNTABLE PLAN. THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TRAVELS THROUGHOUT OUR SERVICE AREA. THE ORGANIZATION HAS A TRAVEL POLICY THAT CAPS REIMBURSEMENT LEVELS AND REQUIRES LOW-BUDGET TRAVEL.
COMPENSATION PROCESS FOR OFFICERS
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15B
A LINE ITEM BUDGET IS APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANNUALLY. THE BOARD APPROVES THE OVERALL SALARIES AND BENEFITS EXPENSES. DISCUSSIONS AND DECISIONS REGARDING THE BUDGET ARE DOCUMENTED IN BOARD MEETING MINUTES. THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REVIEWS AND APPROVES THE SALARIES OF OTHER OFFICERS OR KEY EMPLOYEES, WITH NO PARTICIPATION BY THE INTERESTED PERSONS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ANNUAL BUDGET APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ESTABLISHES SALARIES USING COMPARABLE DATA FOR SIMILARLY QUALIFIED PERSONS IN FUNCTIONALLY COMPARABLE POSITIONS AT SIMILAR NONPROFITS; CONSIDERATION OF ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OFFICER OR KEY EMPLOYEE; AND COST OF LIVING DATA. COMPARABLE MARKET DATA IS OBTAINED FROM SALARY SURVEYS AND FORM 990S FILED BY COMPARABLE NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS. CAROL NORTON IS LISTED AS AN OFFICER DUE TO FORM 990 DEFINITIONS AS THE SENIOR FINANCIAL STAFF PERSON; SHE IS NOT AN OFFICER UNDER STATE LAW.
GOVERNING DOCUMENTS DISCLOSURE EXPLANATION
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19
WE CONSIDER REQUESTS ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FORM 990, PART XI
PART XI, LINE 5: OTHER CHANGES IN NET ASSETS = NET UNREALIZED GAINS OR LOSSES ON INVESTMENTS = 30,561
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.