Tom Hurst
On December 31, 2004, the Land Trust had Total Assets of $22,267.39. On December 31, 2005, the Land Trust had Total Assets of $14,812.76. To some people this might be discouraging, but this should not be the case. The disparity in totals is a result of the costs incurred laying the foundations of the CSLT. The greatest expenditures of 2005 were for the one time expense of creating and printing the Land Trust's Natural Heritage Preservation Strategy and brochures for the Trust and the Balkwill project. These are necessary and invaluable tools that the Land Trust will use for years to come for further fund raising and establishing the Trust as a respected participant in the local community. Indeed the Ontario Trillium Foundation grant that the Land Trust received in 2003 was applied for with these group start up costs in mind. On Dec. 31, 2004, the Trillium grant account 011 balance was $13,762.53. In Dec. 31, 2005 it was $0.01. The inaugural stage of setting up the Land Trust is now completed, freeing us up for the important work ahead.
In that regard the CSLT has been making progress. At the end of 2004, the Conservation Easement account stood at $6,580.81 whereas it now contains over eleven thousand dollars. At the same time good progress has been made on the Balkwill project with land surveys, species inventories, baseline studies and documentation having been completed. Also, thanks to Tom Ayles, a start has been made for the monitoring program necessary for the protection of this valuable property, even after the easement is granted.
The CSLT has been moving forward and managing to pay its way as it goes. This has been possible because of the generosity of yourselves, the Land Trust membership. There is still much to be done, for this is only the beginning, and with the guidance of your responsible board members and your continued support, the CSLT will reach its goad of an enhanced and protected natural environment for everyone.