2025-07-21T09:30:34-07:00 2024-09-30 202571677 CORLISS & SOLOMON PLLC 242 CHARLOTTE ST SUITE 1 ASHEVILLE NC 28801 990 2023-10-01 472407669 Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards SOUT 8287851517 225 E Chestnut Street Asheville NC 28801 Paul Dickens Board Chair 8287851517 2025-07-21 true true Todd Oldenburg P02281691 8282360206 2025-07-21 2023 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z Paul Dickens 225 E Chestnut St Asheville NC 28801 1216976 false X www.wildernessstewards.org X 2014 NC SAWS exists to set standards of excellence that inspire, connect, and equip people to steward wild landscapes. 8 8 27 150 0 0 135487 224067 888241 991046 1863 10529 0 1034257 1216976 70125 0 818630 884673 0 88326 213268 238410 1031898 1193208 2359 23768 264775 360918 78519 150894 186256 210024 SAWS sets standards of excellence that inspire, connect, and equip people to steward wild public lands. SAWS provides trail maintenance, restoration, construction, ranger patrols, and disaster recovery in remote and wilderness areas; offers technical training in stewardship and crosscut saw use; and engages communities, volunteers, and the public in transformational conservation and education efforts. false false 866203 70125 991046 Wilderness Stewardship Program: In partnership with federal agencies, SAWS wilderness rangers provide trail maintenance, collect stewardship data, monitor wilderness character, and engage public land visitors with local information and Leave No Trace education. In 2024, we delivered 29,330 hours of stewardship across 26 wilderness areas in 6 states, connected with 3,956 visitors, removed 803 pounds of trash, and authored 61 technical wilderness documents contributing thousands of data points for recreation site and solitude monitoring. Trail Infrastructure Program: Across federal public lands, SAWS field crews maintain, restore, and construct trail tread and infrastructure in remote and wilderness areas. In 2024, we brushed over 15 miles of trail corridor, built 552 feet of rock cribbing, maintained 208 drainage features, installed 56 rock steps, removed 649 downed trees, and constructed 7,328 feet of new trail tread. Training and Education Program: SAWS delivers specialized training in wilderness stewardship, crosscut saw use, wilderness first aid, trail infrastructure, Leave No Trace, and public land management. In 2024, we co-led the annual Wilderness Skills Institute serving 183 participants, 10 national forests and regions, and 28 partner organizations through 9 free courses over two weeks, providing certifications and hands-on learning opportunities to agency staff, partners, and volunteers to promote excellence in stewardship. Additionally, we led 21 trainings including certifying 135 crosscut saw sawyers under U.S. Forest Service standards. Workforce Development Program: SAWS provides paid field positions and leadership development opportunities to the next generation of conservation stewards. In 2024, we created 25 new jobs and delivered 4,720 hours of professional development training for seasonal crews, rangers, and specialists who gained hands-on experience in conservation, trail work, and leadership. Many alumni return for additional seasons or go on to careers in conservation, natural resource management, and public land service. Disaster Response Program: SAWS maintains expert C-certified sawyers and trail specialists ready to lead and mobilize crews for natural disaster response in wilderness areas using traditional tools and adhering to wilderness law and policy. In 2024, SAWS responded to two natural disasters on federal land: Tropical Storm Fred on the Pisgah Ranger District, National Forest in North Carolina and flood damage on the Ocoee Ranger District, Cherokee National Forest. Community Engagement Program: Across the Southern Appalachian Mountains, SAWS engages community volunteers, partners, and the public through stewardship projects, educational outreach, and collaborative events. In 2024, we hosted 98 stewardship events including 62 volunteer projects, 21 trainings, 13 outreach events, and 2 education events. These efforts supported 4,020 hours of volunteer stewardship service. 866203 true true false false false false false false false false false false false true false true true false false false false false false false false false false true false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false true 2 0 true 27 true false false false false false false false false false false false false X 8 8 false false false false false false false true true false false true true true true true true false false false NC TN VA X X X Tracy Harrell 6789775140 225 E Chestnut Street Ste 001 Asheville NC 28801 Kaitlin de Varona Executive Director 40.00 X 57699 0 25577 Tracy Harrell Finance Director 40.00 X 50638 0 6303 Chris Sporl Chair 1.00 X X 0 0 0 Nealon DeVore Secretary 1.00 X X 0 0 0 Paul Dickens Treasurer 1.00 X X 0 0 0 Bart Hawley Board Member 0.25 X 0 0 0 Aliya Naim Board Member 0.25 X 0 0 0 Anya Boyko Board Member 0.25 X 0 0 0 Lornett Vestal Board Member 0.25 X 0 0 0 Kim Smith Woodford Board Member 0.25 X 0 0 0 108337 0 31880 false false false 224067 224067 Government Contracts 541900 903135 0 0 Program Revenue 541900 87911 0 0 991046 1863 0 1863 1216976 991046 0 1863 70125 70125 144816 82545 43445 18826 647186 505831 98595 42760 32747 18146 9824 4777 59924 44344 10786 4794 2304 0 2304 0 11900 0 11900 0 8060 5408 2067 585 3529 0 0 3529 6363 1801 3862 700 9398 4725 4614 59 17043 0 17043 0 87713 64908 15788 7017 12873 0 7724 5149 21464 11338 10126 0 Program Services and Supplies 51745 51745 0 0 Miscellaneous Expense 6018 5287 601 130 1193208 866203 238679 88326 81940 90340 128488 10000 4500 158811 135763 2522 11502 1827 264775 360918 68749 79972 60940 9982 9770 0 78519 150894 X 186256 188148 21876 186256 210024 264775 360918 23768 X false true X true false X 0 292067 167394 133068 135487 224067 952083 0 0 292067 167394 133068 135487 224067 952083 275062 677021 1863 1863 0 698 4670 38 9733 15139 969085 4558717 0.69860 0.81770 X 0 0 0 Pt II Ln 10 Other Income Part II, Line 10 Description: Other Income 2019: 698. 2020: 4670. 2021: 38. 2022: 9733. RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED Security Deposits 1827 Right-of-Use Assets 0 1827 Operating Lease Liability 0 0 X 1225476 8500 8500 1216976 1216976 1201708 8500 8500 1193208 1193208 Pt X, Line 2 SAWS is exempt from federal income taxes under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under the Code, however, income from certain activities not related to the organizations tax-exempt purpose may be subject to taxation as unrelated business income. The organization had no income from unrelated business activities in the year ended September 30, 2024 and was, therefore, not required to file Federal Form 990-T (Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return). The organization believes that it has appropriate support for all tax positions taken, and as such, does not have any uncertain tax positions that are material to the financial statements. true The Pisgah Conservancy 159 W Main St Unit 2138 Brevard NC 28712 475267129 501(c)3 23375 Forest Conservation Conservation Legacy 701 Camino de Rio Ste 101 Durango CO 81301 841450808 501(c)3 23375 Forest Conservation Wild South 31 Cross St Ste 227 Spruce Pine NC 28777 562173810 501(c)3 23375 Forest Conservation Pt VI, Line 11b The 990 is prepared by independent accountants, reviewed by management, presented to the Board for review, proposed revisions and final approval. Pt VI, Line 12c Enforced as necessary. Any Board member with a conflict of interest on any specific issue informs the Board and abstains from voting on the issue. Pt VI, Line 18 Form 990 is posted on the organizations website. In addition, We are happy to discuss our organization, the 990, and our work with you. Please reach out at saws@wildernessstewards.org to connect with our team! Form 1023 is available upon request. Pt VI, Line 19 Governing documents, conflict of interest policy and audited financial statements are available upon request.