Ross Foundation

The Foundation continued its conservation forestry management program in 2023, by incorporating diverse management techniques which included natural stand management, plantation stand management, hardwood management systems, and unique plant and habitat area management. Conservation forestry objectives concentrate on the incorporation of these various management components to maintain diverse stands exhibiting both plant and habitat diversity throughout all lands owned and managed by The Ross Foundation as charitable assets. In 2023, the Foundation incurred $505,343 in expenses related to salaries and benefits for professional staff directly related to the continuation of its conservation forestry program. Additionally, expenses totaling $239,316 were incurred for outside contractor services and supplies and operating expenses to accomplish prescribed management treatments for wildlife habitat improvement, stand reforestation and management.

Expenses: $745K

The Foundation's land is available to the public for recreational opportunities. During 2023, recreational users enjoyed various pursuits including hunting, fishing, day hiking, camping, picnicking, mountain bike riding, swimming, backpacking, bird watching, nature study, photography, and walking for aerobic activity. During 2023, the Foundation spent $5,915 on materials and $44,537 in salary and benefits for allocated staff time related to public recreation administration and management activities on The Ross Foundation's property.

Expenses: $50K

The Foundation's lands are available for educational and research activities. In 2023, the Foundation provided logistical support as well as monitoring sites for research conducted by Ouachita Baptist University to investigate habitat selection by breeding birds in relation to habitat complexity. This multi-year project provides information for bird conservation, while providing undergraduate students with research experience. The Foundation's staff also hosted field tours, designed to demonstrate management strategies and wildlife conservation treatments, for groups ranging from private landowners to public school agricultural instructors and college environmental studies students. The Foundation continued an operational oak regeneration study, a cooperative demonstration project with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. The Foundation contributed $13,125 in staff time supporting these environmental education and research activities.