A Breakdown of Costs and Funding Sources for the Little Big Forest

In a world where deforestation and environmental degradation are pressing concerns, initiatives that focus on conserving natural habitats are crucial. The Little Big Forest (LBF) project is an inspiring endeavor that aims to protect and maintain a pristine woodland area for future generations. With a total budget of $1,500,000, this project has garnered support from various sources to acquire and safeguard the LBF property. Discover a breakdown of costs and funding sources for the Little Big Forest.

Please keep in mind some of these numbers are not yet set in stone, but they are as close as I can get them today.

The Cost Breakdown

The LBF project encompasses several expenses, amounting to a total of $1,500,000. Let’s delve into the breakdown of these costs to better understand how the funds are allocated.

1. Purchase Price: $1,300,000 The primary component of the budget involves acquiring the LBF property. This amount accounts for the negotiated purchase price, reflecting the value of the land and its potential for conservation efforts.
2. Closing Costs: Approximately $80,000 To facilitate the property acquisition, there are associated closing costs. These expenses cover legal fees, title transfers, surveys, and any additional administrative charges necessary for the completion of the purchase.
3. Stewardship Fund: Remaining Funds After the purchase and closing costs have been accounted for, any remaining funds from the $1,500,000 budget will be allocated to the stewardship fund. The stewardship fund serves as a financial reserve for ongoing maintenance, conservation efforts, and the overall preservation of the LBF property.

Specific Funding Sources

Several organizations and grants have contributed to the LBF project, with their funds designated for specific purposes within the project. Let’s explore these funding sources:

1. US Forest Service Grant ($600,000) A grant provided by the US Forest Service has been dedicated solely to the purchase of the LBF property. This means that the funds from this grant will be exclusively utilized to secure the land, ensuring its protection from potential development or degradation.
2. LCHIP Grant ($400,000) The LBF project has also received a grant from the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP). Similar to the US Forest Service Grant, the LCHIP grant is specifically intended for the acquisition of the property, emphasizing the collective commitment to preserving the natural environment.
3. Mooseplate Grant ($30,000) Contributing to the purchase of the LBF property, the Mooseplate Grant further emphasizes the collaboration between conservation-focused organizations and the project. These funds are solely designated for securing the land and conserving its ecological significance.
4. Town Warrant Article Funds ($63,000 Pending Approval) The LBF project has sought additional support through town warrant article funds, subject to approval during the town meeting. If awarded, these funds will be directed exclusively toward the purchase of the property, reinforcing the community’s dedication to environmental conservation.
5. Foundation Donations ($94,000) Several foundations have generously contributed to the LBF project, recognizing the significance of safeguarding this precious woodland. The donations from these foundations will be utilized solely for the acquisition of the property, aligning with their shared commitment to nature preservation.

6. Private Donations ($210,983) The Little Big Forest project has also received generous contributions from private donors who share a passion for preserving nature. These private donations play a vital role in supporting the project’s objectives. It is important to note that these funds will be utilized in a specific order of priority. Firstly, after grant money, town warrant funds and specific foundation grant funds are applied to the purchase price, if there is still a deficit to closing, then private donations received will be allocated towards the purchase price of the LBF property. This ensures that the acquisition process is expedited and reinforces the commitment of private donors towards securing the land for conservation purposes. Secondly, after covering the purchase price, any remaining private donations will be directed towards the closing costs associated with acquiring the property. These funds will facilitate the legal and administrative procedures necessary to finalize the purchase, ensuring a smooth transition of ownership. Finally, if there are still surplus funds from private donations after the purchase price and closing costs have been accounted for, these remaining funds will be allocated to the stewardship fund. This ensures that every dollar contributed by private donors, beyond the immediate needs of the property acquisition, will be invested in the long-term preservation and maintenance of the Little Big Forest. By prioritizing the use of private donations towards the purchase and closing costs, the Little Big Forest project honors the intentions of its supporters, valuing their contributions towards acquiring and safeguarding the property. The establishment of the stewardship fund further assures donors that their generosity will have a lasting impact on the preservation of this natural haven.

Preservation as a Collective Responsibility

The Little Big Forest project stands as a testament to the collective efforts made by various funding sources, including grants, town warrant article funds, foundation donations, and private contributions. The project’s financial planning ensures that funds are designated appropriately, with a primary focus on acquiring the property and protecting it from potential threats.

The establishment of the stewardship fund, bolstered by private donations, guarantees the long-term sustainability and stewardship of the Little Big Forest. Through prudent allocation of resources, the project exemplifies the dedication of all stakeholders involved, working together to secure a pristine woodland area for future generations to cherish and enjoy.