APPRAISAL, continued
Mr. Wheeler has extensive specialized training and experience related to conservation easement valuation throughout the west. In late 2006, the IRS issued interim rules relative to the appraisal of conservation easements, regarding appraiser qualifications and specialized training. Mr. Wheeler represents one of the most highly qualified individuals in the United States relative to the valuation of conservation easements. He has completed all of the primary educational offerings related to conservation easements, including the current Federal Yellow Book class and has taught various courses throughout the United States related to conservation easements over the past ten years. In addition to these educational aspects, Mr. Wheeler has an extensive amount of experience in specialized training related to easements having worked within the field of conservation easement valuation for 25 years. He has also been qualified as a real estate expert, with particular expertise related to conservation easement appraisal in two federal tax court cases in which he provided expert testimony, in both instances, prevailing over the IRS.