brief history of oregon state parks trust 2009 09 04

A BRIEF HISTORY OF

OREGON STATE PARKS TRUST

By Dave Eshbaugh, Executive Director

Updated 10/2009

OREGON STATE PARKS TRUST’SMISSION IS…

• …to preserve and enhance Oregon’s outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreation sites for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

OREGON STATE PARKS TRUST

• Oregon State Parks Trust is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing Oregon’s state parks.

OREGON STATE PARKS TRUST:IN THE BEGINNING

• Founded in 1995.• 501(c)(3) not-for-profit

charitable organization.• Principal charitable

purpose: “to acquire, obtain, and maintain funds or property for donation to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for public park or public recreation purposes.”

AGREEMENT WITH OREGON PARKS & RECREATION

DEPARTMENT• Unique collaborative agreement,

established 8/23/1995.• Modified in 2001 following

Secretary of State’s audit.• Works in partnership with the

Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, however the Trust is an independent nonprofit organization.

OREGON STATE PARKS TRUSTFOUNDING TRUSTEES

William S. “Bill” Naito

Brian G. Booth

Robert L. “Bob” Meinen

Nancy N. Russell

L. L. “Stub” Stewart David G. Talbot

NOT PICTURED:

•Lucille S. “Lu” Beck

•Cynthia J. Ford

•Lynn W. Newbry

A. William “Bill” Sweet

OREGON STATE PARKS TRUST (1995)

• After briefly being based in Portland, the Trust’s administrative office moves to Salem; Oregon Parks and Recreation Department provides office space

• Jackie Franke is 1st Executive Director; also a part-time OPRD employee.

Jackie Franke

YURTS IN STATE PARKS (1996)

• Oregon State Parks Trust receives a $245,000 loan from Meyer Memorial Trust that is used to place yurts in state parks.

SMITH ROCK STATE PARK (1997)

• Provides $110,000 to purchase five acres to add to Smith Rock State Park.

FAREWELL BEND STATE PARK (1997)

• Provides $17,843 for handicapped-accessible fishing pier at Farewell Bend State Park.

MEASURE 66 (1998)

• Budget cutbacks were threatening state parks.

• Measure 66 was a constitutional amendment that would dedicate15% of Oregon Lottery funds to state parks, beaches, habitat and watershed protection.

• Passed in November 1998 with 69% approval.

• Lottery funds now provide ~40% of OPRD’s biennial budget.

• Must be reauthorized by 2014.

OREGON STATE PARKS TRUSTRELOCATION OF OFFICES (2001)

• In 2001, OSPT moves its offices from Salem to Bend.

• Sharon Leighty is OSPT’s 2nd Executive Director.

Sharon Leighty

PRIORITY CAMPAIGN:VISTA HOUSE AT CROWN POINT (2001-

2006)• Goal: Raise funds to

restore Vista House at Crown Point.

• Chair: Mary V. Bishop.• Results: Provided $2.1

million for restorations and improvements, including adding ADA-accessibility (elevator & ramp) without damaging the historic architecture.

OREGON STATE PARKS TRUSTOFFICE RELOCATION (2006)

• In 2006, OSPT moves its offices from Bend to Portland.

• Dave Eshbaugh beccomes 3rd Executive Director.

• Office space donated by David Evans & Associates.

PRIORITY CAMPAIGN:KAM WAH CHUNG & CO. MUSEUM

(2005-2008)• Goal: Raise funds to restore

the Kam Wah Chung & Co. Museum.

• Chair: Oregon First Lady Mary Oberst.

• Results: Raised $1.5 million, Restored building, improved security and fire systems, inventoried artifact collections, and more.

PRIORITY PROJECT:CHAMPOEG INTERPRETIVE EXHIBITS

(2007-2008)• Goal: Raise funds to

update Visitor Center interpretive displays and exhibits.

• Chair: Greg Leo.• Results: Raised over

$200,000 for new and improved exhibits. Reopened to the public in October 2008.

Champoeg State Heritage Area, Visitor Center

PRIORITY CAMPAIGN:MARR RANCH PROPERTY ACQUISITION

(2007-2009) • Goal: In collaboration with

OPRD, purchase 62-acre property near Wallowa Lake.

• Results: Raised $900,000 to purchase partial interest in property, now Iwetemlaykin SHS. Park to open to public in October 2009.

Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site

RELATIONSHIP: OREGON STATE PARKS TRUST & OREGON PARKS AND

RECREATION DEPARTMENT

OREGON STATE PARKS TRUST:GENERAL PRIORITIES

PRIORITY PROJECTS

CURRENT:

• Arch Cape cannons restoration• Fort Yamhill: “Connecting Place and People”

• Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site• “Let’s Go Camping” program• Oregon lighthouses

UPCOMING:

• Silver Falls State Park, North Entrance Visitor & Interpretive Center

POTENTIAL:

• Land acquisition: Fort Rock Cave• Youth education

SOURCES OF UNRESTRICTED REVENUES

UNRESTRICT-ED

DIRECTMAILINGS

UNRESTRICT-EDMEMORIAL/

HONORARIUMDONATIONS

FOUNDATION GRANTS

PLANNEDGIFTS

SOLICITINGMAJOR

DONORS

CORPORATE DONATIONS

“BIRDINGFOR OREGON

PARKS”EVENT

INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS (VIA MAIL & ONLINE)

EARTHSHARE OF OREGON

OREGON STATE PARKS TRUST:PEOPLE

• Governed by an all-volunteer Board of Trustees (currently 10 Directors & Officers).

• Day-to-day operations carried out by 2 (1.9 FTE) paid staff.

• Assisted by ~100 non-Board volunteers.• Supported annually by ~300-400 donors

(individuals, businesses & foundations).

OREGON STATE PARKS TRUST: CURRENT TRUSTEES

Chuck Sams, Secretary

Lee Jimerson, Chair

Kristen Stram Pempel, Vice

Chair

Mary Jane Guyer,

Secretary

Terry Armentrout

Ted HerzogBennett Burns John Edmundson Dan Skerritt Jon Stride

Dave Eshbaugh, Executive Director

Julie Miner, Office Manager

OREGON STATE PARKS TRUST: STAFF

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Make a donation.• Encourage your friends, family & peers to make a

donation.• Volunteer for Oregon State Parks Trust.• Let us know about prospective volunteers and Trustees.• Visit our website & sign up to receive our monthly e-

newsletter.• Make a provision for Oregon State Parks Trust in your

will or estate.• Become a member of the Board of the Oregon State

Parks Trust.

YOUR SUPPORT WILL HELP OREGON STATE PARKS TRUST ACCOMPLISH

ITS MISSION AND GOALS

“If you think you're too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a

mosquito in the room.” -Anita Roddick

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

OREGONSTATEPARKSTRUST.ORG