Case Study
Leo's LegacyDisclosure: This property was donated to the Perham Sportsmen’s Club (PSC) in 2015, and serves as a successful example of a local land donation providing conservation and outdoor opportunities for the public. Many of the same people who worked on the Koehler property management through PSC are founding members and directors of Lakes Area Outdoor Initiative (LAOI), who seek to replicate and scale this success with the added benefit of a registered 501(c)(3) status.
Intro
ABOUT THE DONOR
Leo Koehler and his wife Guyla owned and farmed the land he grew up on just a few miles north of New York Mills, MN. After his wife’s passing, Leo started to think about the future of their treasured land that had been in his family for generations. While some parcels would be left to family members, he also wanted his land to benefit more people. With an interest in providing area youth the opportunity to experience hunting and learn outdoor skills, he worked with his local financial planner to explore his options.
Details
The Path to Leo’s Legacy
The Challenge
Initially, Leo and his financial planner assumed the Minnesota DNR would be the best organization to donate his land to, but they were surprised to learn that the state may turn around and sell the land rather than managing it for conservation or access to the public. And if the DNR did keep the land, Leo wouldn’t have any say in how it would be used. As with any state or national organization, the decision making is hundreds of miles away from the land itself, and Leo knew that there would be a lack of concern about the property and the local people who could benefit from it.
The Solution
Leo’s financial planner suggested the Perham Sportsmen’s Club as a recipient so the land could be owned and managed locally by a reputable organization, while respecting his particular wishes of how he’d like the land used.
While the PSC was not able to offer Leo the typical tax benefits of a 501(c)(3) donation like the LAOI now can, it was still the best option compared to state or national organizations. The process the PSC underwent to manage Leo’s land included:
Step 1: Understood Leo’s interest and land requests.
Step 2: Transferred the land, working alongside his financial planner and estate attorney.
Step 3: Partnered with other outdoor groups to live out Leo’s vision for the land.
YEAR
2015
ACRES DONATED
228
TREES PLANTED
5,500
LIVES IMPACTED
…
The Results
Successful Outcomes of Project
The PSC has owned and managed the 228-acre Koehler property since 2015, completing an enormous amount of conservation work and outreach with youth, disabled veterans, and more. A strong network of outdoor clubs has formed, with the MN Deer Hunters Association being one such notable partner, helping to bring hunting opportunities to more people. The positive feedback from those who’ve been involved and benefited from Leo’s property and his vision has been great.
MN Deer Hunters Association
Formed an alliance with the East Otter Tail Minnesota Deer Hunters Association
Built a Trail System
Includes 8 culverts and mapping for hiking, cross-country skiing, nature walks, and snowshoeing.
Partnership with Area Schools
- Outdoor learning experience with biology classes
- Partnered with PHS to build handicap-accessible deer stand
Sustainable Forest Incentive Act
Applied to the Sustainable Forest Incentive Act for direct incentive payments to property owners to encourage sustainable use of forest lands.
Donor Signage
Placed prominent signage around the property displaying that the land was given by Leo and Gayla Koehler.
Active Farming Program
- Some acres being rented to farmers
- Some in CRP
- Some wildlife food plots
- Forestry programs – planting and harvesting
- Wetland restoration project – created 2 new wetlands/ponds
- Over 5,000 trees planted
- Planted pollinators plots
- Planted switchgrass for wildlife cover and nesting habitat
Disabled Veteran Hunts
Mentored disabled veteran deer hunts.
Mentored Youth Hunts
- Spring Turkey
- Youth Rifle Deer Season
- Archery Deer Season
- Regular Rifle Deer Season
- Muzzleloader Deer Season
- Youth trapping for predator control
Met with Neighbors
Met with the adjacent property owners to ensure they know the purpose was to be good stewards of the land, be good neighbors, and have open communication. PSC invited all the neighbors to a dinner and presentation.
Building Removal
Removed dilapidated buildings and old fencing.
Fishing for Life
Formed an alliance with Fishing for Life.
Testimonial
“The PSC has done a wonderful job with the property in the way they’ve managed it and created memorable experiences for people who visit. I think Leo would have been very pleased to see the impact his land has had, and I feel fortunate to have helped at the very beginning.”
Jack Bjerk, Volunteer and outdoorsman
Testimonial
“I was fortunate to take both my son and daughter to the property to experience deer and turkey hunting. When we first moved here from the cities we didn’t own any hunting land and I didn’t like the idea of hunting on public land with kids because of the pressure from other hunters. The great thing about the Koehler property is that it is so well thought out in terms of safety for youth: hunters are limited and stands are well spaced with safe backdrops for shots. For the kids to be able to experience being in a superior habitat–from hardwoods, pines, waterways, ducks and geese flying in and abundant wildlife all over–is the best.
Al Starzl, PSC board member
Our Commitment
Lakes Area Outdoor Initiative is committed to leaving the lakes area better for the next generation.
Local Decision Making
Our nonprofit is based in Perham and serves about a 20-mile radius. That means donated money stays in our area and decisions are made by our local leadership team.
Purposeful Management
Unlike larger conservation nonprofits, we are able to manage donated land according to the donor’s wishes by working alongside our partner sportsmen and nature clubs.
Donation Benefits
Because we are a registered 501(c)(3), we are able to offer a host of tax benefits to donors whether they are donating land, real estate, cash, or other assets.