USVI-On-Line

Good news from the Source this morning:

http://stjohnsource.com/content/news/lo ... -bay-camps

It's still listed for sale on the 2 websites I checked.

That news makes me feel a little more optimistic. If everyone that has patronized Maho Bay in the past were to donate it would help a lot. Dont think about $20 Million, start small and watch the snowball effect take place. I think most people that visit St. John are not in dire straits financially and would be able to donate in one way or another. I also think its in the best interest of everyone that enjoys St. John's natural beauty to do something about this, whether or not you have stayed there, you probably have played in the sand and snorkeled Maho's beautiful waters. That little island will never be the same if this land is developed. OK i will leave the pulpit now, i just had to get that outta my system. Long live Maho!

Such good points from Stanley Selengut....am feeling much more optimistic



That said, Selengut said there are several reasons why it would behoove Geri-Geri to sell to the Trust. For starters, he said V.I. National Park owns the beach at Maho Bay Camps, so it would be unlikely it would allow a major development at that location.
And, Selengut said that Maho Bay Camps holds an Economic Development Commission package that exempts it from real estate taxes on the campground improvements. That exemption will not carry over when Selengut closes Maho Bay Camps so Geri-Geri will have to start paying taxes on the improvements even if they don't run it as a campground.
Additionally, the upkeep on the property is immense, Selengut said. He said that crews continually replace rotten boards and pressure wash "slimy" boardwalks to keep the property safe for guests.
"Once we abandon it, the jungle will take over and the tents will deteriorate in no time," he said.
Selengut also spoke about the loss to the Virgin Islands if Maho Bay closes.
"I think it's about $20 million a year in total cash flow to the island," he said.
According to Selengut, Maho Bay spends about $5 million to $6 million a year locally on food alone. Then there's the money guests spend on taxi fares, ferry fares and more.
The Trust has set up a website to accept donations for its purchase of Maho Bay Camps. Those interested can visit http://www.tpl.org/tier3_cd.cfm?content ... er_id=3388.

Bumping this up.

If you think you'd like to help out (and why wouldn't you?), why not make your donation today?

I made a donation. I may make another because as I watched myself freely spending money on junk this weekend, I thought I should be more generous toward something that actually matters to me more than some passing amusement or trinket does.

I want to encourage everyone to do what I just did.

I e-mailed all my friends that have gone to St. John over the years, either with me or on their own, and told them that if we all give what we can, we can save Maho.

According to TPL, 20,000 people per year visit Maho. I am not sure what the statistic is for all of St. John, but if we do some viral marketing and get the word out perhaps we can get enough donations to keep this beloved place out of the hands of developers.

I even forwarded it to one girl who didn't like Maho. I think that's weird, but she does like to spend money. (Who knows, she might be waiting for the Sandals resort!)

Keeping this in front of everybody. I think it's too important not to.

I would love to donate, but I have a couple of questions about TPL, if anyone knows the answers:

1. If TPL is NOT able to purchase the land, how will funds collected for that purpose be spent?

2. Does anyone know a good resource to check out this organization? Such as what percentage of donations collected are actually used for the specified purpose, etc?

****NOTE: I just read the attached article and it answered some of my questions. I always approach charitable giving with a degree of skepticism, as I like to ensure the funds I give are being used for their specified purpose.****

perhaps this:

TPL Receives A+ Charity Rating
Contact: Tim Ahern, 415-710-9095

SAN FRANCISCO 4/1/2009: The Trust for Public Land, a national conservation organization, has been given a coveted A+ rating by the American Institute of Philanthropy, a watchdog organization which ranks non-profits for efficiency.

TPL was one of only three environmental non-profits to be given the A+ rating by AIP, which says its goal is "to maximize the effectiveness of every dollar contributed to charity by providing donors with the information they need to make more informed giving decisions."

TPL president Will Rogers said, "Our goal is to preserve land and do it as efficiently as possible, and we are gratified our efforts have been recognized by an independent organization such as AIP. In the past, we have been consistently recognized for our efficiency. In today's economy, it is even more important to make sure that the support of our donors is used as efficiently as possible."

AIP said it looked at more than 500 charities and "only a select number quality for our listing of top-rated charities." It noted that groups on the Top-Rated list generally spend 75% or more of their budgets on programs, spend $25 or less to raise $100 in public support, do not hold excessive assets in reserve, and receive "open-book" status for disclosure of basic financial information and documents."

TPL is a national organization dedicated to conserving land for people to enjoy as parks and open space. Since 1972, TPL has conserved more than 2.5 million acres of land nationwide. TPL depends on the support of individuals, corporations and foundations.



and the American Institute of Philanthropy site will offer you some answers as well:

http://www.charitywatch.org/toprated.html#enviro


It is always good to question!

TPL does seem to rate pretty well. Here's the TPL website which provides a good bit of info.

http://www.tpl.org/

Here's a couple links to some of what they've been involved in on STJ recently:


http://www.tpl.org/tier3_cd.cfm?content ... er_id=3388

http://www.tpl.org/tier3_cd.cfm?content ... er_id=3388

As a former professional nonprofit fundraiser and someone who's best friend in the whole world is a very savvy environmentalist and philanthropist who knows all about the environmental charity world, TPL has a pretty good record as far as using their funds for what they promise.

Generally what happens at TPL is that they have a pot of money that they use to buy stuff, and then they replace the money. The reason that will not work here is that I don't think the TPL has that kind of money on hand.

If the TPL can't save Maho (and honestly I think they are the only people who could even try), I am guessing the money they raise will go to their other great projects. I know here in Tennessee they have bought land near the Smokies that was up for development. That's pretty much what they do, buy private land adjacent to public parks and then give it back to the people. This is the group that bought all the Estate Maho land a couple of years ago. They do what they promise, and they are not a fly-by-night operation by any stretch of the imagination.

P.S. I just looked at their rankings after writing this message -- it is very rare for a public charity to get an A+ from Charity Watch, and you just can't do any better than that. Anyone who donates to this cause should be 110% sure that their money is in good hands. I would've loved to have gotten an A+. Hell, I'd have settled for a B+.

Still time. Still the need.

I was echatting with John Garrison and they have some good contacts to try.
I truly believe Maho will be saved, in that we will get the $$$ we need and the eco friendly resort will stay for many many yrs to come.........

Lex - thanks for the link and the bump, and, to LuLu, thanks for the rating on TPL. I just made a donation, and sent John a form for my company's matching gift program.

Fingers Crossed!

(Maybe we can find some sort of chicken which is found only on this beach on St John, and then apply for EPA protection. Ruth? )