Overview
What is Ventana Wilderness Alliance?
Ventana Wilderness Alliance is a nonprofit organization based in Santa Cruz, California. Their primary activity revolves around maintaining public access to a 300-mile network of trails in the rugged Ventana region, which has been challenging due to natural disasters like wildfires and post-fire winter storms. Notably, the Soberanes Fire in 2016 and the Dolan Fire in 2020 each burned over 100,000 acres and damaged over 100 miles of trails. Despite these setbacks, they have consistently contributed thousands of volunteer and contract crew hours to maintain and reconstruct important trail sections in the Ventana and Silver Peak Wilderness areas. One of their significant achievements was a partnership with the USDA Forest Service to reopen the Lower Pine Ridge Trail, which had been closed since 2017. The organization's mission is to protect, preserve, and restore the wilderness qualities and biodiversity of the public lands within California's northern Santa Lucia Mountains and Big Sur coast. They currently employ a team of five individuals.
Official website here: www.ventanawild.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator rating: 73% - Two-Star out of Four Star rating.
The Ventana Wilderness Alliance (VWA) holds a Two-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting a fair performance in accountability and finance, with a notable program expense ratio of 86.3%. Their governance features 100% independent board members, indicating strong oversight. However, the organization lacks some key financial documents, such as their financial statements and whistleblower policy, which has impacted their overall score.
User reviews commend VWA for its crucial role in maintaining and advocating for the preservation of the Ventana region's wilderness. Many reviewers highlight their dedication to trail maintenance and community engagement, specifically their efforts in guiding youth into natural habitats. The organization is praised for its ability to rally volunteers and its commitment to educating the public on environmental stewardship.
Despite the strengths noted by users, there are challenges related to funding and resource limitations, particularly as they operate in an environment affected by budget cuts to the Forest Service. This has placed VWA in a position where they are often the primary force behind wilderness trail upkeep and advocacy in the region. Overall, VWA is lauded for its impactful work but also acknowledged for its need for improved transparency and documentation practices.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator and Great Nonprofits.
Is Ventana Wilderness Alliance legitimate?
Ventana Wilderness Alliance is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Ventana Wilderness Alliance 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: $140,001
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $275,107
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.ventanawild.org
What is the mission statement of Ventana Wilderness Alliance?
The Ventana Wilderness Alliance is dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing the wilderness characteristics and biodiversity of public lands within California's northern Santa Lucia Mountains and Big Sur coast. Their mission revolves around protecting, preserving, and restoring these wilderness areas. The organization has been particularly active in maintaining a 300-mile network of trails, despite challenges posed by landscape-level wildfires. For instance, the Soberanes Fire and the Dolan Fire each destroyed over 100,000 acres of the Ventana Wilderness and damaged over 100 miles of trails. Post-fire winter storms further limited the ability of volunteer and contract crews to restore trails. However, the Ventana Wilderness Alliance has persevered, contributing thousands of contract crew and volunteer hours in 2022 to maintain and reconstruct prioritized sections of trail. This includes a partnership with USDA Forest Service to reopen the Lower Pine Ridge Trail, which had been closed since 2017.
Official website here: www.ventanawild.org
What is the revenue of Ventana Wilderness Alliance?
Ventana Wilderness Alliance's revenue in 2023 was $708,853.
Official website here: www.ventanawild.org
Who are the executives of Ventana Wilderness Alliance and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Ventana Wilderness Alliance during 2023 was $25,944. There are 16 employees and 40 volunteers at Ventana Wilderness Alliance.
Here are 8 key members and their salaries:
- Compensation: $140,000
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Official website here: www.ventanawild.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Ventana Wilderness Alliance?
Ventana Wilderness Alliance's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2023 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.ventanawild.org
Learn more at the official website: www.ventanawild.org
Mission Statement of Ventana Wilderness Alliance
The Ventana Wilderness Alliance, a dedicated organization, is committed to safeguarding the wilderness characteristics and biodiversity of the public lands within California's northern Santa Lucia Mountains and Big Sur coast. This nonprofit's mission is centered around protecting, preserving, and restoring the natural beauty and diversity of these areas, ensuring their survival for future generations.
The Ventana Wilderness Alliance faces significant challenges in maintaining public access to the 300-mile network of trails in the rugged Ventana region. Over the years, landscape-level wildfires such as the 2016 Soberanes Fire and the 2020 Dolan Fire have caused extensive damage, torching over 100,000 acres of the Ventana Wilderness and damaging over 100 miles of trails. Post-fire winter storms further limit the ability of volunteer and contract crews to restore trails, which are equally affected by erosion, debris flows, and deadfalls. Despite these setbacks, the Ventana Wilderness Alliance continues to contribute thousands of contract crew and volunteer hours to maintain and reconstruct prioritized sections of trail in the Ventana and Silver Peak Wilderness Areas. This includes a partnership with the USDA Forest Service to reopen the Lower Pine Ridge Trail, which was closed since 2017.
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Impact
June, 2024
Ventana Wilderness Alliance's impact is significant in protecting, preserving, and restoring the wilderness qualities and biodiversity of the public lands within California's northern Santa Lucia Mountains and Big Sur coast. Despite facing challenges such as landscape-level wildfires like the 2016 Soberanes Fire and the 2020 Dolan Fire that damaged over 100 miles of trails in the Ventana Wilderness, the VWA's trail program has continued to contribute thousands of contract crew and volunteer crew hours to maintain and reconstruct prioritized sections of trail in the Ventana and Silver Peak Wilderness areas. Their efforts, including partnerships with the USDA Forest Service, have helped reopen trails like the Lower Pine Ridge Trail, which was closed since 2017, ensuring public access to the 300-mile network of trails in the rugged Ventana region.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Ventana Wilderness Alliance. 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 2023.
- Investment Income: $575
- Gross Receipts: $708,853
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $158,077
- Total Liabilities: $20,412
- Net Assets: $137,665
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Organization Details
Founding Year
2000
Principal Officer
David Jacobs
Website
www.ventanawild.orgNTEE Category
Code: C50 - Environment
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