Peninsula Open Space Trust is an accredited land trust. Accreditation means Peninsula Open Space Trust meets national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Peninsula Open Space Trust has demonstrated to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission its commitment to excellence. Accredited land trusts meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. These land trusts demonstrate their commitment to excellence by adopting Land Trust Standards and Practices, the ethical and technical guidelines for the responsible operation of a land trust, and meeting the accreditation requirements drawn from them. Learn More: http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/about.
Review from Guidestar
POST understands that the nonprofit tax exemptions that benefit many organizations can adversely impact tax receipts to school districts across the state. In working with the La Honda Pescadero Unified School District (LHPUSD) and, at the direction of our Board, we have worked to balance our nonprofit tax-exempt status with the needs of the LHPUSD community. We feel strongly that both the School District and POST have the best interests of the communities that we serve at heart.
Over the last year, we have worked with the LHPUSD to gain a mutual understanding of the impact of our land ownership. Our calculations show the actual revenue shortfall to the LHPUSD due to our tax-exempt status was approximately $145,000. To offset this, POST made a payment in lieu of taxes directly to the LHPUSD. This payment has been accepted by the LHPUSD. In addition, we have sponsored or made other investments in the LHP Educational Foundation as well as other nonprofits like Puente that support the communities around Pescadero.
We are confident that this arrangement has helped to alleviate the budget shortfall, and has established a constructive framework for the future.
I'm a donor to Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST). I like their mission. I first became aware of POST when they were working to preserve the CEMEX redwoods in Davenport. This huge tract of over 8,000 acres had many complex land issues to understand and work on. It was bought & is now being preserved by POST and others. I hope that POST can continue it mission & continue to protect wild land in our area. -Abe Farag
POST is killing the LaHonda Pescadero Unified School District by not paying any property taxes on purchased lands. Currently keeping an average of $470,000 duethe school district. Roughly $570,000 not paid to th county of San Mateo as well. Tell this organization it needs to be responsible to the children and residents of the south coast, especially if you are or are considering donating.
Review from Guidestar
I've been volunteering with POST for about 4 years, doing habitat restoration work, which largely means helping to control invasive plants. I also help monitor one of the conservation easements that POST is responsible for, on the San Mateo County coast. POST knows how to appreciate its volunteers and does a good job of training us, too. As an organization it continues to think about, and revise its priorities, without apparent confusion, which is healthy. Helping to preserve well-managed farm and timber land, as well as open space, near a major urban area is hugely gratifying for me.
POST is a great organization working to preserve the nature landscape of the California Bay Area while incorporating the needs of recreational visitors and people making their living from the land. They are blending the needs of people, plants and animals so we can all thrive in their beautiful part of the world.