Sourdough Canyon Trailhead Closure & Improvements
Beginning October 11, the Sourdough Canyon Trailhead will be closed for approximately 10 days to allow GVLT to complete a series of vital improvements. This work includes expanding the available parking, installing a turn-around for emergency and larger vehicles, straightening the access road to improve safety, and restoring a section of Sourdough Creek. Last year, GVLT installed 15 new parking spaces and a permanent vault toilet. As one of our region's most popular year-round trailheads, this construction will help improve user safety and enjoyment and protect Sourdough Creek from sedimentation and erosion.

At the end of September, GVLT completed three exciting new trail projects. We rerouted segments of trail subject to frequent flooding in the East Gallatin Recreation Area, installed a connector trail near the Hospital at Ellis Street and Highland Boulevard to help trail users get to a safe street crossing, and fixed segments of trail by Morningstar Elementary School. Check out these new projects and let us know what you think!

 Special Thanks

On October 1st of 2010 I picked up the reins as the new Executive Director of the Gallatin Valley Land Trust. I was honored and excited. One year later, I am even more honored and excited than before to be a part of such a wonderful and important organization. I wish to thank everyone who helped make my first year so rewarding with your generosity, warmth, openness, kindness, patience, guidance, friendship and inspiration. You define what it means to be a community and I am deeply grateful for everything you do to make our community land trust thrive.  

 

Flora of Montana's Gallatin Region: Greater Yellowstone's Northwest Corner 

FLORA BOOK - NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH OUR WEBSITE!

 

It is still not too late to pick up your copy of Flora of Montana's Gallatin Region, Greater Yellowstone's Northwest Corner, which can now be purchased (for $25 plus shipping and handling), using our website. Please visit www.gvlt.org to order your book or have one sent to friends and family.

This great guide may also be purchased for $25 at the Gallatin Valley Land Trust office (25 N. Willson St, Ste E), Schnee's Boots & Shoes, Vargo's, Powderhorn Outfitters, Sola Cafe, and the Country Book Shelf. Proceeds benefit the GVLT so when you purchase one, not only will you deepen your knowledge of the wildflowers, grasses, shrubs and trees of the Gallatin Region, you will also support GVLT.

Ways to Give
Charitable gift annuities are the simplest form of life income gift. Charitable gift annuities give you an immediate income tax deduction and regular income payments for life, while providing a gift of the remaining value to Gallatin Valley Land Trust. They are easy to establish and can be funded with virtually any type of property, including cash, securities, or land.
 
A charitable gift annuity is partly a charitable gift and partly a purchase of an annuity contract. The donor transfers property to the Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT). In return, GVLT enters into a contract agreeing to pay the donor and, if desired, one other beneficiary a fixed income for life.

The amount of the annuity payment is determined by the amount of the donor's contribution, the age(s) and number of annuitants, and the gift annuity rate. If the charitable gift annuity is funded with cash, part of each payment will be tax-free and represent a return of the donor's tax basis in the property donated. The rest of the payment will be ordinary income. If the charitable gift annuity is funded with appreciated securities or real estate, part of each payment will be taxed as ordinary income, part as capital gain, and part will be tax-free. The donor will receive a Form 1099-R each year specifying how the payments should be reported for income tax purposes.

At the time the property is contributed to GVLT the donor receives an income tax charitable deduction. The amount of the tax deduction depends on the amount of the donor's contribution, the age(s) and number of annuitants, the gift annuity rate, and the federal discount rate at the time of the donation.

If you are considering a charitable gift annuity we will be happy to work with you to determine the potential annuity payment amount and the charitable deduction on your income tax. As with any planned gift, it is also critical for you to consult with your legal, tax, and financial advisors. For more information, please contact Penelope at penelope@gvlt.org.