Watching Forest Watch
Structure and Budget

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Structure and Budget

Their address,

Los Padres Forest Watch

Santa Barbara, CA 93102

We have repeatedly asked Forest Watch for information on their structure and budget, they have repeatedly refused to give out any information aside from their 2010 budget.

This is what we know about Forest Watch.  It was founded in 2004. It is a 501(c)(3) non profit. Its EIN is; 201531390

There appear to be 5 paid staff members.

The board of directors are uncompensated. We are told that the 9 members of the board of directors are appointed by the paid staff.

Page 3, Section 4. Forest Watch's letter complained about this inaccuracy, at whatever point he first read this, he should have contacted me at that time for correction, if he did not do so, it can hardly be held that my statement was malicious and defamatory.

In 2010, according to their Executive Director they had a budget of $280,000, of which it has been reported to us, $200,000 went for salaries for 4 paid staff, Forest Watch has told us that is incorrect but when asked to correct the figure, he has refused. When their Form 990 is posted we will correct any errors. As of February 25 2012 it was not posted as required by law.

Page 3. Section 5. That $200,000 dollar number was given by Forest Watch Staff to members of the Los Padres Unit Backcountry Horsemen at the May General Meeting at Dairy Creek Golf Course. I have asked for written documentation that this figure is either correct, or not correct. I have never received any documentation, I await the publication of the Forest Watch 2010 tax returns in lieu of any written documentation from Forest Watch. Forest Watch's letter complained about this inaccuracy, at whatever point he first read this, he should have contacted me at that time for correction, if he did not do so, it can hardly be held that my statement was malicious and defamatory.

Page 4, Section 5 continued. The salary information was again stated by Forest Watch Staff at the same meeting, Los Padres Forest Council has requested documentation of the correct amount, and have not received any, Los Padres Forest Watch awaits the publication of the Forest Watch 2010 tax returns in lieu of any written documentation from Forest Watch.




April 11 2012 Finally Forest Watch 2010 returns are available
For 2010 Forest Watch had assets of $108,080 and income of  $264,340
Forest Watch paid $158,707 in salaries, other compensation and employee benefits.
They seem to be doing quite well
Forest Watch 2010 tax return


For 2009 according to its tax returns Forest Watch had assets of  $68,407 and income of $183,091.

Forest Watch paid $48,358 in Salaries, benefits and other compensation.
The Executive Director,  was paid $45,917 with benefit and compensation of $2,441.
Forest Watch 2009 tax return

In 2008 Forest Watch had assets of $49,307 and income of  $138,873
The Executive Director was paid $41,803 with benfit and compensation of  $1,860
Forest Watch 2008 tax return

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