A group working to preserve Turkey Mountain has been designated a nonprofit by the IRS.
The Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition has set up an account with the Tulsa Community Foundation expressly for tax-deductible donations toward land purchases.
"The best way to preserve the urban wilderness is to purchase it and take it out of play, to put it in a conservation trust to where it won't be at risk for development in the future," said Erin Tawney, TUWC's secretary.
Tawney said if land being eyed for an outlet mall becomes available, they want to be ready to jump on it.
"There's also the land across the street from 61st Street that, right now, is owned by the Siegfried Foundation. If they should ever decide to go ahead and sell that off, we'd like to be able to be in a position to acquire that as well," Tawney said.
TUWC formed last year after Simon Properties announced plans for an outlet mall near Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area. The plans have stalled for now.
Tawney said there’s a separate account for donations toward other things the group does.
"It's going to go for things like events, cleanup days, sponsorships, operating expenses, scholarships and possibly help supplement the TCF account if necessary," she said.
The coalition is hosting an outdoor education event tomorrow, weather permitting.
