(7/01/2023 – 6/30/2024)
By Rod Wallette
This past fiscal year has seen a couple of significant changes with Flathead Audubon Society (FAS). FAS exceeded our $100,000 commitment to the Owen Sowerwine (OS) conservation easement by raising $109,344. FAS is now officially overseeing the OS Area management through the conservation easement requirements and a comprehensive management plan.
The other big change was the hiring of a second contractor. The Operations Coordinator (OC) is a three-month position that assumed several responsibilities including filling in for vacant positions handled by volunteers and relieving existing volunteers of some of their responsibilities. The additional expense of the OC along with a $5,000 donation to the Lewis Young Memorial Fund raised our expenses to a new high. However, our revenue also exceeded all expectations primarily due to individual donations and tribute gifts made to the OS Fund in memory of Glenn Graham.
The Great Fish Community Challenge continues to be our primary source of fundraising and we set an all-time high by raising $42,307 this past year. Our financial position remains strong with good investment management by our fund manager. FAS financial statements, tax returns and policies are available for review on our website.