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President’s Message
Dear Supporters:As I write this article, I am reflecting on the invigorating hike I just finished in the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve. Every time I share hours on Volcan Mountain, I am impressed by the beauty of the landscape, the diversity of plants and animals that change with the seasons, and I am ever more dedicated to helping save this treasure for all future generations.
Our Board is working diligently on several committees to assure that this mountain receives proper care and stewardship to remain in its pristine natural state. The Strategic Plan was updated in 2005 and was validated again last fall during our annual Advisory Board Meeting. There are six primary areas of focus -- Acquisition, Resource Management & Stewardship, Education, Fundraising, Outreach and Administration.
It is most gratifying to review the accomplishments of the past 18 years since this grassroots organization was founded to stop a housing development from being built on Volcan's slopes. Greg Schuett was our heralded President for 13 of those years and just recently passed the gavel to me. The board exceeded what we thought were lofty goals along the way. VMPF went from an all-volunteer organization to one with a full time Executive Director. Our advocacy has helped to preserve more than 16,890 acres. Fundraising success has gone from raising a few thousand dollars a year to more than $80,000 a year. A million dollar land acquisition donation was secured that help serve as necessary matching leverage in trying to attract many more millions in public funds. An Advisory Board was formed that has been critical to our success as it involves conservationists from throughout San Diego County and supporters who have worked with us for nearly two decades. The San Diego Foundation selected VMPF as one of 8 conservation groups in San Diego County to receive concentrated training in non-profit management and generous grants to nurture the capacity building potential of our organization.
Who knows what the next 2 years of my presidency will bring. I am confident though, that with our talented and persevering board members, our Executive Director, the work of all the members in our coalition and you, our loyal and generous supporters, we will once again exceed the goals that have been bravely set forth for 2006-2010. The main goal will be to secure the remaining 1,800 acres of Rutherford Ranch for the public domain and prevent the development of 55 homes on the western slope of the mountain.
As you think about what organizations you wish to support with gifts, I encourage you to remember VMPF. When I consider my gifts, I choose to support those organizations with a clear vision and a proven track record that reflect my values and hopes for a better world. I hope you agree that VMPF fits that mold. Please give as generously as you are able. We appreciate your support and trust and we will do everything possible to advance the vision that we share for Volcan Mountain. John Muir once said, “Do something for wildness and make the mountains glad.”
--Rich Caputo, Board President
Click here for the latest Volcan Mountain Map.
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For more information call: 760.765.2300.