Overview
What is Citizens For Balanced Use?
Citizens For Balanced Use (CBU) is a nonprofit organization based in Gallatin Gateway, Montana. Established in 2004, their mission is to preserve multiple-use access on federally managed public lands. Through education and engagement, they strive to ensure that federal land managers understand the needs of the public, especially recreational users, and make decisions that promote access and active management of public lands. In 2022, they faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and virtual meetings, which they believe hindered effective communication and understanding between the public and federal land managers. One major concern for CBU was the proposed new forest plan for the Custer Gallatin National Forest that aimed to remove all motorized and mechanized use in areas designated as Recommended Wilderness Areas (RWAs). Although the forest service claimed this action did not formally designate wilderness, it effectively treated these areas as such, leading to the potential loss of historic and current use within two years of plan adoption. CBU participated in the objection hearing, but their concerns fell on deaf ears. In response, they refrained from litigation due to past experiences with fruitless and expensive legal battles in liberal courts. They are currently a member of two collaborative groups, the Custer Gallatin Working Group (CGWG) and the Big Elk Divide Restoration Committee (BEDRC), where they advocate for increased recreational opportunities for multiple use. In February, CBU assisted the Forest Service in replacing five condemned bridges in the North Meadow Creek area to maintain access to McKelvey Lake. They were successful in acquiring a grant from the Motorized Trail Pass Fund for the project. They also formed a sub-committee with the CGWG to inventory trails, survey use, and improve signage in the Bridger Mountains Trail System. CBU is a board member of Treasure State Resource Association, an organization representing resource industries including mining, oil and gas, electric generation, agriculture, timber, and recreation. They advocate for the importance of recreation in benefits to local economies, physical and mental wellness, and increasing family outdoor recreation opportunities. CBU has thousands of members in several western states that depend on these resource industries. In summary, Citizens For Balanced Use is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving multiple-use access on federally managed public lands, advocating for active management, and educating the public on the issues that confront their ability to access and manage these lands effectively.
Official website here: www.balanceduse.com
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 76% (Three-Star out of Four Star rating)
Citizens For Balanced Use has received a Three-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting a solid performance in accountability and finance. The organization excels in having a fully independent board and demonstrates strong financial health, with a program expense ratio of 95.70%, indicating that a significant portion of its funding is directed toward its mission.
However, the rating also highlights several areas for improvement. Notably, the organization lacks essential policies such as a conflict of interest policy, whistleblower policy, and document retention and destruction policy, which are important for transparency and accountability. Additionally, the absence of the tax form on the nonprofit's website is also a point of concern.
Overall, while Citizens For Balanced Use shows strengths in board independence and financial stewardship, addressing its policy gaps would enhance its governance and strengthen stakeholder trust.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
Is Citizens For Balanced Use legitimate?
Citizens For Balanced Use is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Citizens For Balanced Use submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:
Executive Compensation: $0
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $0
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.balanceduse.com
What is the mission statement of Citizens For Balanced Use?
Citizens For Balanced Use is an organization dedicated to educating the public on the complex issues surrounding the access and active management of public lands. Their mission is to advocate for the preservation of multiple-use access on federally managed public lands. In the face of challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and virtual meetings, they strive to ensure that federal land managers fully understand the needs of the public. Recently, they voiced objections to a proposed forest plan that threatened to remove motorized and mechanized use in recommended wilderness areas, but their concerns were overlooked. Despite past legal battles being costly and ineffective, they continue to collaborate with working groups and restoration committees to advocate for increased recreational opportunities on public lands. They also aim to educate the public on the science and regulations of land management, helping communities form local clubs and organizations to engage with federal land managers.
Official website here: www.balanceduse.com
Who is the CEO of Citizens For Balanced Use?
Kerry White is the Executive Director of Citizens For Balanced Use.
Official website here: www.balanceduse.com
What is the revenue of Citizens For Balanced Use?
Citizens For Balanced Use's revenue in 2022 was $175,454.
Official website here: www.balanceduse.com
Who are the executives of Citizens For Balanced Use and what are their salaries?
Here are 7 key members and their salaries:
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Official website here: www.balanceduse.com
Where can I find the form 990 for Citizens For Balanced Use?
Citizens For Balanced Use's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.balanceduse.com
Learn more at the official website: www.balanceduse.com
Mission Statement of Citizens For Balanced Use
Citizens For Balanced Use, a 18-year-old organization, is dedicated to advocating for public access to and active management of federally managed public lands. The nonprofit's primary objective is to educate the public on the issues that impede their ability to access and manage these lands. They strive to preserve multiple use on public lands, emphasizing the importance of maintaining historical and current use practices.
The organization actively engages with thousands of members, providing them with financial and participatory support to engage with federal land managers. However, the shift towards virtual meetings during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, has been met with criticism, as it hinders the personal connection between members and federal land managers.
Citizens For Balanced Use has faced significant challenges, such as the Custer Gallatin National Forest's proposal to remove all motorized and mechanized use in areas designated as Recommended Wilderness Areas (RWAs). Although the forest service claimed this action did not formally designate wilderness, it treated these areas as if they were, leading to a loss of recreational opportunities for many. The organization has faced hurdles in litigation, with past cases proving unsuccessful and costly. Despite these setbacks, Citizens For Balanced Use continues to advocate for increased recreational opportunities on public lands, offering guidance to individuals facing similar issues in various western states. They also participate in collaborative groups, such as the Custer Gallatin Working Group and the Big Elk Divide Restoration Committee, to voice their concerns and promote multiple use on public lands.
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Impact
June, 2024
Citizens For Balanced Use (CBU) has a significant impact on advocating for multiple-use access to federally managed public lands. They play a vital role in educating the public about the issues surrounding access and active management of these lands. CBU's efforts are reflected in their participation in objection hearings against plans that restrict motorized and mechanized use in recommended wilderness areas. They collaborate with various groups to provide comments on forest plans, work on trail improvement projects, and advocate for increased recreation opportunities. Additionally, CBU engages with legislators to discuss access issues, active forest management, and responsible resource development, ensuring that the voices of their members and supporters are heard at the policy-making level. Through their initiatives, CBU contributes to maintaining the tradition of multiple-use access and shared enjoyment of public lands, benefiting local economies, communities, and the overall well-being of citizens.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Citizens For Balanced Use. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.
Financials
This financial information is from Propublica.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.
- Gross Receipts: $214,327
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $136,966
- Total Liabilities: $0
- Net Assets: $136,966
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Organization Details
Founding Year
2004
Phone
(406) 600-4228Principal Officer
Kerry White
Main Address
PO BOX 606, GALLATIN GATEWAY, MT, 59730
Website
www.balanceduse.comNTEE Category
Code: C30 - Environment
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