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
2012
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 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 monetary support
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Total
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990EZ.
Cat. No. 11285F
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Page 2
Part II
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Sections 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) 2008
(b) 2009
(c) 2010
(d) 2011
(e) 2012
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") ....
1,460,201
1,799,043
1,392,377
1,441,889
1,834,988
7,928,498
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
1,460,201
1,799,043
1,392,377
1,441,889
1,834,988
7,928,498
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)..
596,334
6
Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.
7,332,164
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2008
(b) 2009
(c) 2010
(d) 2011
(e) 2012
(f) Total
7
Amounts from line 4..
1,460,201
1,799,043
1,392,377
1,441,889
1,834,988
7,928,498
8
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources...
7,870
1,273
904
448
634
11,129
9
Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on..
10
Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part IV.)..
115,994
131,694
108,483
94,173
155,233
605,577
11
Total support (Add lines 7 through 10).
8,545,204
12
Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (see instructions)
..................
12
585,596
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 2012 (line 6, column (f) divided by line 11, column (f))
.........
14
85.800 %
15
Public support percentage for 2011 Schedule A, Part II, line 14
...............
15
85.080 %
16a
33 1/3% support test—2012.
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—2011.
If the organization did not check a 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—2012.
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—2011.
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) 2012
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Page 3
Part III
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Section 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) 2008
(b) 2009
(c) 2010
(d) 2011
(e) 2012
(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) 2008
(b) 2009
(c) 2010
(d) 2011
(e) 2012
(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 2012 (line 8, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f))
.........
15
16
Public support percentage from 2011 Schedule A, Part III, line 15
...............
16
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
Investment income percentage for 2012 (line 10c, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f))
......
17
18
Investment income percentage from 2011 Schedule A, Part III, line 17
.............
18
19a
33 1/3% support tests—2012.
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—2011.
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) 2012
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Page 4
Part IV
Supplemental Information.
Complete this part to provide the explanations required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; and 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) 2012
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
2012
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. --170,000 NATIVE COTTONWOODS AND WILLOWS PLANTED TO JUMPSTART RESTORATION OF STREAMS AND RIVERS IN THE SOUTHWEST. --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.
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. --UNDER OUR HISTORIC AGREEMENT WITH THE FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, THE AGENCY REVIEWED 39 SPECIES FOR FINAL LISTING IN 2012. OVER ITS FIRST TWO YEARS, OUR AGREEMENT RESULTED IN 54 SPECIES BEING LISTED UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA), AS WELL AS THE DESIGNATION OF 94,689 ACRES AND 2,032 STREAM MILES AS CRITICAL HABITAT TO SUPPORT THEIR RECOVERY. IN 2012 THE SERVICE ALSO MADE PETITION FINDINGS, PRELIMINARY LISTING DETERMINATIONS AND CRITICAL HABITAT DESIGNATIONS FOR MORE THAN 200 OTHER SPECIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AGREEMENT. --COMPELLED THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT AND U.S. FOREST SERVICE TO INITIATE UNPRECEDENTED CONSERVATION PLANNING PROCESS FOR GREATER SAGE- GROUSE. --CONTINUED MULTI-YEAR LEGISLATIVE CAMPAIGN TO BAN ANIMAL TRAPPING IN NEW MEXICO. --FOUGHT FOR WOLVES IN THE ROCKIES IN COURT, IN CONGRESS, AND IN THE PUBLIC ARENA ACROSS THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN WEST.
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
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. --CONTINUED 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. --WORKED WITH NMED TO IDENTIFY POTENTIAL AND SUITABLE BEAVER HABITAT ON PUBLIC LANDS IN NM. TOTAL 2012 EXPENDITURES = 140,229 ALL OTHER 2012 PROGRAM EXPENDITURES = 85,253
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.
OTHER FEES FOR SERVICES
FORM 990, PART IX, LINE 11G
RIVER RESTORATION SERVICES 249,337 0 0 OTHER CONTRACT SERVICES 0 0 779
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.