August 28th, 2013

We have made changes in our organization today that will build a foundation for the future while honoring the past. This will be a future that emphasizes the profound vision of our founders, Neil & Terry, and is rooted in their original intention and purpose. We will be working with them to continue to develop the organization they established to preserve and protect OLT lands and the community that has embraced it. Effective immediately, there has been a change to the management and Board of Directors at Orient Land Trust. To see the current makeup of both, please visit our Board of Directors page.

Exploring various approaches to the operation of VVHS over the last few years has returned us to the sound and successful fundamentals established by our founders. OLT is fortunate to have a variety of resources – the mine, bats, ranch, open lands, etc. With the benefit of hindsight we will re-establish as our core the protection and care of VVHS knowing that our other entities complement and enhance VVHS.

VVHS is a sacred place to many, thriving through diversity and a rare tolerance of a variety of individual choices and expressions. Going forward, we strive to continue to make it a place where personal freedoms allow all of us to visit VVHS in a way that contributes to the magic and enhances our individual journeys through life with peace and abiding friendship.

The recently implemented rules and rates will be part of the board’s re-examination in the coming months. We will be evaluating our strategy for sound fiscal management and will announce changes as we continue to scrutinize our operations. Our immediate priority will be a focus on the VVHS Wastewater Treatment Facility, which is a state-mandated improvement that has to be built in the coming year.

For VVHS guests, we rely on a time-honored and universal “rule” to facilitate harmony in the coming months: Be responsible for yourself and your minors, and conduct yourself such that everyone’s experience is valued. We thank you for your understanding during this important transitional time and, as always, welcome comments and input. We always welcome applicants for the Board of Directors and hope you'll join us on October 19th [not 20th] for our Fall Quarter Board meeting.