<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>
<rdf:RDF xmlns:rdf="http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:syn="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/">




    



<channel rdf:about="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/search_rss">
  <title>Land Trust Alliance</title>
  <link>http://www.landtrustalliance.org</link>

  <description>
    
            These are the search results for the query, showing results 21 to 35.
        
  </description>

  

  

  <image rdf:resource="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/logo.png"/>

  <items>
    <rdf:Seq>
      
        <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/accreditation-news/placer-land-trust-earns-national-recognition"/>
      
      
        <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/accreditation-news/orange-county-land-trust-accepted-into-land-trust"/>
      
      
        <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/accreditation-news/number-of-accredited-groups-reaches-130"/>
      
      
        <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/west-news/northern-prairies-land-trust-earns-accreditation"/>
      
      
        <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/accreditation-news/north-branch-land-trust-awarded-accredited-status"/>
      
      
        <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/training/accreditation/newly-accredited-08-2011"/>
      
      
        <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/training/accreditation/newly-accredited-2-2011"/>
      
      
        <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/training/accreditation/newly-accredited-12-2010"/>
      
      
        <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/training/accreditation/newly-accredited"/>
      
      
        <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/training/accreditation/newly-accredited-02-2012"/>
      
      
        <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/training/accreditation/newly-accredited-08-2012"/>
      
      
        <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/accreditation-news/newly-accredited-land-conservation-groups"/>
      
      
        <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/west-news/nevada-county-land-trust-earns-national"/>
      
      
        <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/accreditation-news/morris-land-trust-seeks-national-recognition"/>
      
      
        <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/accreditation-news/more-land-trusts-earn-accreditation"/>
      
    </rdf:Seq>
  </items>

</channel>


  <item rdf:about="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/accreditation-news/placer-land-trust-earns-national-recognition">
    <title>Placer Land Trust Earns National Recognition</title>
    <link>http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/accreditation-news/placer-land-trust-earns-national-recognition</link>
    <description>October 15, 2008 | YubaNet.com (CA)</description>
    <content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p>The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, announced last week that Placer Land Trust has been awarded accredited status, making it the first land trust in the Sierra to receive this distinct honor.</p>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://yubanet.com/regional/Placer-Land-Trust-Earns-National-Recognition---First-in-the-Sierra.php">Full story &gt;&gt;</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
    <dc:publisher>No publisher</dc:publisher>
    <dc:creator>prichardson</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights></dc:rights>
    
      <dc:subject>California</dc:subject>
    
    
      <dc:subject>Accreditation</dc:subject>
    
    <dc:date>2008-11-03T16:41:50Z</dc:date>
    <dc:type>News Item</dc:type>
  </item>


  <item rdf:about="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/accreditation-news/orange-county-land-trust-accepted-into-land-trust">
    <title>Orange County Land Trust Accepted into Land Trust Alliance Accreditation Program</title>
    <link>http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/accreditation-news/orange-county-land-trust-accepted-into-land-trust</link>
    <description>March 16, 2010 | Orange County Land Trust</description>
    <content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[<p>Middletown, NY (OCLT):  The Orange County Land Trust is pleased to announce it has been accepted into the national Land Trust Alliance’s accreditation program.  The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, awards accreditation to land trusts that meet national standards of excellence and adhere to industry-wide standards and best practices in protecting important natural areas and working lands.</p>
<p>Only select land trusts can enter the rigorous accreditation process each year after successfully implementing guidelines in stewarding and defending conservation lands in perpetuity, as well as implementing accredited systems and standards in record keeping and administration.  These guidelines are outlined in the Land Trust Alliance’s Land Trust Standards and Practices, the ethical and technical guidelines for the responsible operation of a land trust. According to Commission Executive Director Tammara Van Ryn “accreditation provides the public with an assurance that their land trust meets high standards for quality and that their conservation work is permanent.”</p>
<p>Conserving land helps ensure clean air and drinking water, safe food, scenic vistas, wildlife habitat and places for people to enjoy nature.  The Orange County Land Trust has helped preserve almost 4,000 acres of land in nearly every community in Orange County, and one in Sullivan County.  Founded in 1993 by Former County Executive Louis V. Mills and a group of conservation leaders, the Land Trust was formed to provide a balance to the anticipated growth and development of our region.</p>
<p>The Orange County Land Trust will join The Nature Conservancy and 13 other land trusts throughout the country in the extensive accreditation review process, which culminates in the awarding of the Accreditation Seal of the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.</p>
<p>“We are delighted to be accepted into this program of accreditation, “said Deanna Prisco, president of the Board of Directors of the Orange County Land Trust. “The accreditation process has allowed us to really look at everything we do, and has made us more efficient as an organization.  We are very proud of our staff and volunteer board members who have worked diligently to implement these best practice guidelines into our daily operations.</p>
<p>It is especially important now,” she added “during such uncertain economic times, as we and our many supporters and volunteers continue to work to save important lands and working farms.  Accreditation will provide the public with the assurance that we are operating efficiently and are meeting high standards for quality, and that these lands will be protected permanently for future generations”.</p>
<p>The Land Trust Alliance is a national conservation group that works to save the places people love by strengthening conservation throughout America.  It works to increase the pace and quality of conservation by advocating for favorable tax policies, training land trusts in best practices, and working to ensure the permanence of conservation.</p>
<p>The Orange County Land Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the fields, forests, wetlands, ridgelines, and river corridors in and around Orange County through voluntary land conservation for the benefit of people.  The Trust owns and manages nine nature preserves that are free and open to the public every day for passive recreation such as hiking, birding and nature study.  The Land Trust partners with other conservation groups as well as community and government organizations to preserve Orange County’s natural and agricultural heritage.  For more information and for volunteer opportunities, ways of giving, and upcoming events, visit the website at <a class="external-link" href="http://www.oclt.org/">www.oclt.org</a> or call (845) 343-0840.<br /><br /></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <dc:publisher>No publisher</dc:publisher>
    <dc:creator>Kimberly Seese</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights></dc:rights>
    
      <dc:subject>New York</dc:subject>
    
    
      <dc:subject>Accreditation</dc:subject>
    
    <dc:date>2010-03-22T16:40:00Z</dc:date>
    <dc:type>News Item</dc:type>
  </item>


  <item rdf:about="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/accreditation-news/number-of-accredited-groups-reaches-130">
    <title>Number of Accredited Groups Reaches 130 </title>
    <link>http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/accreditation-news/number-of-accredited-groups-reaches-130</link>
    <description>February 9, 2011 | Saratoga Springs, NY</description>
    
    <dc:publisher>No publisher</dc:publisher>
    <dc:creator>Kimberly Seese</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights></dc:rights>
    
      <dc:subject>Media</dc:subject>
    
    
      <dc:subject>Accreditation</dc:subject>
    
    <dc:date>2011-02-09T19:10:00Z</dc:date>
    <dc:type>Link</dc:type>
  </item>


  <item rdf:about="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/west-news/northern-prairies-land-trust-earns-accreditation">
    <title>Northern Prairies Land Trust earns accreditation</title>
    <link>http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/west-news/northern-prairies-land-trust-earns-accreditation</link>
    <description>July 20, 2009 | South Dakota</description>
    
    <dc:publisher>No publisher</dc:publisher>
    <dc:creator>prichardson</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights></dc:rights>
    
      <dc:subject>South Dakota</dc:subject>
    
    
      <dc:subject>Land Trust Alliance</dc:subject>
    
    
      <dc:subject>Accreditation</dc:subject>
    
    <dc:date>2009-07-28T02:55:00Z</dc:date>
    <dc:type>Link</dc:type>
  </item>


  <item rdf:about="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/accreditation-news/north-branch-land-trust-awarded-accredited-status">
    <title>North Branch Land Trust Awarded Accredited Status</title>
    <link>http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/accreditation-news/north-branch-land-trust-awarded-accredited-status</link>
    <description>October 24, 2008 | CitizensVoice.com (PA)</description>
    <content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p>The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, recently announced that North Branch Land Trust has been awarded accredited status.</p>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://citizensvoice.com/articles/2008/10/24/lifestyles/community/wb_voice.20081024.t.pg40.cv24tcnblt_s1.2036222_cmt.txt">Full story &gt;&gt;</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
    <dc:publisher>No publisher</dc:publisher>
    <dc:creator>prichardson</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights></dc:rights>
    
      <dc:subject>Pennsylvania</dc:subject>
    
    
      <dc:subject>Accreditation</dc:subject>
    
    <dc:date>2008-11-03T16:34:18Z</dc:date>
    <dc:type>News Item</dc:type>
  </item>


  <item rdf:about="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/training/accreditation/newly-accredited-08-2011">
    <title>Newly Accredited Land Trusts</title>
    <link>http://www.landtrustalliance.org/training/accreditation/newly-accredited-08-2011</link>
    <description>August 3 , 2011</description>
    <content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[<p><i>Congratulations to land trusts who have earned accreditation through the accreditation program this year. </i></p>
<p><i>Thank you for all you do to strengthen land conservation!</i></p>
<table class="invisible">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Chestnut Hill Historical Society <br />(PA)</h3>
The <a class="external-link" href="http://chhist.org/index.htm">Chestnut Hill Historical Society</a> is dedicated to preserving and nurturing the historical, physical and cultural resources, along with the character of Chestnut Hill. The majority of Chestnut Hill is included in the Chestnut Hill Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1990, the Chestnut Hill Historical Society and the Friends of the Wissahickon established the Easement Program for Chestnut Hill, and today it holds 35 easements valued at over $10 million, protecting over 70 acres of open space and 12 historic facades - making the easement program the strongest preservation tool available to the Historical Society.<br /></td>
<td>
<p><img alt="Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement: August 3, 2011 " class="image-inline" src="resolveuid/5e3f3d8dab7525f048004a2d0269924d" /></p>
<p>Photo courtesy of C. Nancy Evans</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Delaware Highlands Conservancy (PA)</h3>
Founded in 1994, <a class="external-link" href="http://www.delawarehighlands.org/">Delaware Highlands Conservancy</a> is a land trust dedicated to conserving the natural and cultural heritage of the upper Delaware River Watershed. It’s committed to sustaining the rural quality of life and focuses on the connections between local citizens, a healthy environment and a strong local economy. The conservancy has conserved more than 10,000 acres, and in addition to working with private landowners to protect their lands, it also hosts educational events that celebrate caring for the region’s vital natural resources, promoting better stewardship of the land and encouraging specific connections between local citizens and the farm and forest lands in the region.<br /></td>
<td>
<p><img alt="Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement: August 3, 2011 " class="image-inline" src="resolveuid/b2d6f7a0da98205f3e386668b47f2043" /></p>
<p>Photo courtesy of Dave Soete</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Genesee Valley Conservancy <br />(NY)</h3>
Since 1990, the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.geneseevalleyconservancy.org/">Genesee Valley Conservancy</a> has been dedicated to protecting western New York's open space resources. Through the support of land and conservation easement donors and its generous financial contributors, the conservancy has protected over 13,500 acres of habitat, scenic vistas and some of New York State's highest quality farmland.<br /></td>
<td>
<p><img alt="Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement: August 3, 2011 " class="image-inline" src="resolveuid/deff8dfb057b40c851ec62c51a87ae05" /></p>
<p>Photo by Benjamin Gajewski, Genesee Valley Conservancy</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Summit Land Conservancy (UT)</h3>
Established in 2002, the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.summitlandconservancy.org/">Summit Land Conservancy</a> holds conservation easements on over 2,000 acres, and is currently working with several Summit County landowners to place another 1,700 acres under conservation easement. Summit County’s landscapes are greatly endangered as its open spaces are rapidly declining. Therefore, the conservancy strictly operates locally, staffed and run by Summit County residents, ensuring the money they raised there, stays there.<br /></td>
<td>
<p><img alt="Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement: August 3, 2011 " class="image-inline" src="resolveuid/a1d2cee3f882c5b809bd3a7041e7b240" style="float: left; " /></p>
<p>Photo by Mark Maziarz</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Winnakee Land Trust (NY)</h3>
At the heart of the mission of the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.winnakeeland.org/">Winnakee Land Trust</a> is a deep regard for the history and natural beauty of the towns and villages in northern Dutchess County. The Sepasco Indians once hunted its forested lands, where traditional villages and farms lie now. The county has always had a special beauty, recognized by early settlers, Hudson Valley School painters, writers and travelers. Its unique history is in its landscape, which is conserved by the region’s land owners and the land trust.<br /></td>
<td>
<p><img alt="Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement: August 3, 2011 " class="image-inline" src="resolveuid/7a0ffb85e3fa5c2ba3b158e145caa83e" /></p>
<p>Photo courtesy of Winnakee Land Trust</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]></content:encoded>
    <dc:publisher>No publisher</dc:publisher>
    <dc:creator>prichardson</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights></dc:rights>
    
      <dc:subject>Accreditation</dc:subject>
    
    <dc:date>2009-08-05T14:05:00Z</dc:date>
    <dc:type>Page</dc:type>
  </item>


  <item rdf:about="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/training/accreditation/newly-accredited-2-2011">
    <title>Newly Accredited Land Trusts</title>
    <link>http://www.landtrustalliance.org/training/accreditation/newly-accredited-2-2011</link>
    <description>February 9 , 2011</description>
    <content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[<p><i>Congratulations to land trusts who have earned accreditation through the accreditation program this year. </i></p>
<p><i>Thank you for all you do to strengthen land conservation!</i></p>
<table class="invisible">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Columbia Land Conservancy (NY)</h3>
The <a class="external-link" href="http://clctrust.org/home.php">Columbia Land Conservancy</a> works with the community to conserve the farmland, forests, wildlife habitat and rural character of Columbia County, strengthening connections between people and the land. The land trust also offers free educational and recreational programs to children and adults. Over the past 24 years, the Columbia Land Conservancy protected 20,930 acres of woodlands, fields and working landscapes with 148 conservation easements.<br /></td>
<td>
<p><img alt="Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement: February 9, 2011" class="image-left" src="resolveuid/692fc2aab3799163fd0d9d12ce18a809" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Photo courtesy of Columbia Land Conservancy</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Ducks Unlimited and its affiliate, Wetlands America Trust (TN)</h3>
<a class="external-link" href="http://www.ducks.org/">Ducks Unlimited</a> (DU) takes a continental, landscape approach to wetland conservation.  Since 1937, DU has conserved more than 12 million acres of waterfowl habitat across North America.  While DU works in all 50 states, the organization focuses its efforts and resources on the habitats most beneficial to waterfowl.<br /><br />Since its inception 25 years ago, the goal of <a class="external-link" href="http://www.ducks.org/philanthropy/wetlands-america-trust">Wetlands America Trust</a> (WAT) has been to provide specialized financial and fund-raising support to Ducks Unlimited. WAT's principal role is the fiduciary responsibility for Ducks Unlimited's endowment and land holdings, including conservation easements. <br /><br /></td>
<td>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Eastern Sierra Land Trust (CA)</h3>
For 10 years, the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.easternsierralandtrust.org/index.htm">Eastern Sierra Land Trust</a> (ESLT) has helped families preserve their working farms and ranches in the face of pressure to subdivide their properties, protected critical habitats and offered the entire Eastern Sierra community, residents and visitors the opportunity to connect with its treasured lands. To fulfill its mission, ESLT commits its time and resources to three specific programs: Working Farms and Ranches, Critical Habitats and Community Connections. Through continued member support and successful fundraising, ESLT plans to expand its efforts to additional critical habitat and important Eastern Sierra landscapes.<br /></td>
<td>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (IA)</h3>
Since its inception in 1979, the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.inhf.org/">Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation</a> (INHF) has helped protect more than 110,000 acres of Iowa's prairies, wetlands, woodlands, greenways, trails and river corridors. The mission of INHF is “to protect Iowa's land, water and wildlife for ourselves and ‘for those who follow.’” The Foundation was created by a nucleus of business and community leaders, and today more than 75 of Iowa's leaders now volunteer on its board of directors or serve as advisors.<br /></td>
<td>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Joshua’s Tract Conservation and Historic Trust (CT)</h3>
In 1676, Joshua, son of Uncas, Mohegan Sachem, bequeathed his hunting grounds in the heart of eastern Connecticut to "16 men of Norwich"— and from that stems the name of <a class="external-link" href="http://www.joshuaslandtrust.org/">Joshua’s Trust</a>, a nonprofit designed to supplement the open space and historic conservation efforts of federal, state  and local governments by receiving gifts of land, conservation easements and money, along with the purchase of tracts of land it considers especially important to preserve. Since its founding in 1966, as a joint venture of the Mansfield Historical Society and the Mansfield Conservation Commission, it now owns or protects by easement more than 4,000 acres of land in northeast Connecticut.<br /></td>
<td>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County (PA)</h3>
Since 1995, the<a class="external-link" href="http://thelandconservancyforscc.com/index.html"> Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County</a> has ensured the perpetual preservation and stewardship of open space, natural resources, historic sites and working agricultural lands throughout Southern Chester County. The land trust seeks to work with landowners who voluntarily wish to preserve the resources inherent on their lands, and as of 2009, has preserved over 400 acres within Kennett Township.<br /></td>
<td>
<p><img alt="Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement: February 9, 2011 " class="image-inline" src="resolveuid/c2791db4d2190c57c8611a54518e8136" /></p>
<p>Photo courtesy of The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Montgomery County Lands Trust (PA)</h3>
<a class="external-link" href="http://www.mclt.org/index.htm">Montgomery County Lands Trust</a> (MCLT) was established in 1993 at the same time that the county commissioners adopted the first Montgomery County Open Space Program. The group of county leaders who spearheaded the first $100 Million Open Space Preservation program felt strongly that a private, non-profit organization was needed to complement the public effort to address the increasing loss of green space and natural resource areas throughout Montgomery County. Since then, MCLT has worked to preserve and connect the natural areas, farmland and neighborhood green spaces which contribute to the community’s quality of life, a clean and abundant water supply and the health of the region’s economy.<br /></td>
<td>
<p><img alt="Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement: February 9, 2011 " class="image-inline" src="resolveuid/b4c77c4e1a5b27cfa6f277800b1862a7" /></p>
<p>Photo courtesy of Montgomery County Lands Trust</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>National Committee for the New River (NC)</h3>
In 1974, the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.ncnr.org/index.php">N<span class="external-link">ational Committee for the New River</span></a> (NCNR) was organized to stop the construction of two dams on the New River, which would have flooded 42,000 acres in North Carolina and southwestern Virginia. With the destruction of so much land and property, the fight became a national one. In 1976, NCNR was successful, when a 26.5-mile section of the River was designated a Federal Scenic River. Since then, it has worked with citizen groups to protect the river, and in 1991 it reorganized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, adding a land protection dimension to its mission. To date, NCNR has protected over 5,500 acres of land important to the health and natural resource values of the New River, and stabilized or restored more than 55 miles of stream and riverbank.<br /></td>
<td>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Piedmont Environmental Council and its affiliate, Piedmont Foundation (VA)</h3>
<a class="external-link" href="http://www.pecva.org/anx/index.cfm">Piedmont Environmental Council</a> (PEC) has helped landowners permanently protect over 336,000 acres of rural or natural land in nine counties and one city in the northern Piedmont of Virginia to ensure the region is always characterized by its open spaces, healthy environment and cultural resources.<br /><br /><a class="external-link" href="http://www.piedmontfoundation.org/">The Piedmont Foundation</a>, a separate 501(c)(3) charitable organization governed by a six-member board, was established to hold and manage special funds in support of PEC, assuring its capacity to respond to key opportunities and challenges to fulfill its core mission over the long term. <br /></td>
<td>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Redding Land Trust (CT)</h3>
In 1965, the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.reddingctlandtrust.org/">Redding Land Trust</a> was founded in order to preserve Redding's natural heritage of open space, and today holds, in outright gifts or in conservation easements, some 1,600 acres of meadows and woodlands, saved forever from the bulldozer. Preserved properties range from a few acres to large tracts of 100 acres or more. These, along with major tracts purchased by the town and the presence of Putnam and Huntington State Parks, make Redding a unique green oasis amid surrounding towns.<br /></td>
<td>
<p><img alt="Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement: February 9, 2011 " class="image-inline" src="resolveuid/2485c7508231cedbbd9d8ac359232e9c" /></p>
<p>Photo courtesy of Redding Land Trust</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Sakonnet Preservation Association (RI)</h3>
In 1972, the <a class="external-link" href="http://sakonnetpreservation.org/">Sakonnet Preservation Association, Inc.</a> was founded as the first private, non-profit land trust in Rhode Island with a mission to preserve the rural character and natural resources of Little Compton for the lasting benefit of the community. Over the years, it’s dedicated the efforts of its all-volunteer board to fulfilling this mission, and to date has protected over 60 properties totaling 400-plus acres of Little Compton land.<br /></td>
<td>
<p><img alt="Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement: February 9, 2011 " class="image-inline" src="resolveuid/0c079544a950ce225d1b1d7238a7f64d" /></p>
<p>Photo courtesy of Sakonnet Preservation Association, Inc.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Sempervirens Fund (CA)</h3>
<a class="external-link" href="http://www.sempervirens.org/index.php">Sempervirens Fund</a> is California’s oldest land trust and the only organization exclusively devoted to permanently protecting the coast redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Since its founding in 1900, the land trust has protected over 25,000 acres of redwood forests, planted more than 23,000 trees and built and maintained more than 60 miles of hiking trails.<br /></td>
<td>
<p><img alt="Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement: February 9, 2011 " class="image-inline" src="resolveuid/a3d27f4aeb4c7652fcfff9df691f090c" /></p>
<p>Photo courtesy of Sempervirens Fund</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Shasta Land Trust (CA)</h3>
<a class="external-link" href="http://www.shastalandtrust.org/content/view/1/2/">Shasta Land Trust</a> was founded in 1998 as a non-profit organization dedicated to permanently conserving open space, wildlife habitat and agricultural land. The Shasta County region faces increasing development pressure, with the county’s population expected to nearly double by 2050 — a threat to the large ranches that help define the character and appearance of the region. In its history, the land trust has been successful with many conservation accomplishments, and continues to work towards meaningful and lasting land protection for the region.  <br /></td>
<td>
<p> </p>
<p><img alt="Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement: February 9, 2011 " class="image-inline" src="resolveuid/aca5410b732ced003ed7a1131966a1c4" /></p>
<p>Photo by Ben Miles, Shasta Land Trust</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Texas Land Conservancy (TX)</h3>
The story of the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.texaslandconservancy.org/">Texas Land Conservancy</a> begins with Ned Fritz, the land trust’s founder and known by many as the “father of Texas conservation.” The land trust was originally founded as the Natural Area Preservation Association in 1982. Its inception was due to the increasing demand on natural properties for development, many of which were too small to be noticed by larger conservation organizations. Ned decided there was need for a land trust that would take on these smaller, but equally important lands and work to preserve them. Now over 20 years later, it has grown to become one of the oldest and largest land trusts in the state, protecting land with a focus on projects that are ecologically representative of the eco-region, and placing a high priority on properties with threatened or endangered species.<br /></td>
<td>
<p><img alt="Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement: February 9, 2011 " class="image-inline" src="resolveuid/9660d7873b8c97dcb7921d90e3002d4d" /></p>
<p>Photo courtesy of Texas Land Conservancy</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust (NY)</h3>
In 1990, a group of Tug Hill residents founded the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.tughilltomorrowlandtrust.org/index.php">Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust</a> to increase awareness and appreciation of the Tug Hill region through educational efforts, field trip and special events, and retain the forest, farm, recreation and wild lands of the region through voluntary, private land protection efforts. The land trust was formed as a regional, private and nonprofit organization to primarily serve the portions of Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida, Herkimer and Oswego counties that fall within the boundaries of the Tug Hill region in northern New York State. It was incorporated as an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in 1991. To date, it has worked with 33 land owners to protect over 5,000 acres.<br /></td>
<td>
<p><img alt="Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement: February 9, 2011 " class="image-inline" src="resolveuid/a80bc08d0451e1482b936d00c55b06bf" /></p>
<p>Photo courtesy of Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust (VA)</h3>
In 2003, the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.veslt.org/home.html">Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust</a> was formed by local landowners to preserve the Eastern Shore’s prime farm and forest land; its scenic, fragile water front and rural byways;  its historic resources and traditional land use patterns; and its world class natural resources and wildlife habitat. In Accomack and Northampton Counties, the land trust promotes voluntary land protection options, advises landowners of the economic benefits of conservation easements and educates the public about the high value to the community of protecting land in perpetuity.<br /></td>
<td>
<p><img alt="Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement: February 9, 2011 " class="image-inline" src="resolveuid/aea6653bf0bd816f70b49bdf53383fa6" /></p>
<p>Photo courtesy of Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust, Inc.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Western Virginia Land Trust (VA)</h3>
The <a class="external-link" href="http://www.westernvirginialandtrust.org/index.htm">Western Virginia Land Trust</a> (WVLT ) was formed in 1996 as western Virginia's regional land trust to preserve the region's unique scenic, historic, agricultural, recreational and natural features. By educating landowners, elected officials, businesses and the general public the land trust encourages respect for the environment and arranges voluntary conservation easements that protect land forever. WVLT’s educational activities help landowners make informed decisions about how various land conservation options can affect their estate planning, taxes and the future of their land.</td>
<td>
<p><img alt="Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement: February 9, 2011 " class="image-inline" src="resolveuid/2bbf49c21724b77d16be3dafc9447219" /></p>
<p>Photo by Jonathan Roberts</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]></content:encoded>
    <dc:publisher>No publisher</dc:publisher>
    <dc:creator>prichardson</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights></dc:rights>
    
      <dc:subject>Accreditation</dc:subject>
    
    <dc:date>2009-08-05T14:05:00Z</dc:date>
    <dc:type>Page</dc:type>
  </item>


  <item rdf:about="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/training/accreditation/newly-accredited-12-2010">
    <title>Newly Accredited Land Trusts</title>
    <link>http://www.landtrustalliance.org/training/accreditation/newly-accredited-12-2010</link>
    <description>December 15, 2010</description>
    <content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[<p><i>Congratulations to the Land Trust Alliance members who have earned accreditation through the land trust accreditation program this year. </i></p>
<p><i>Thank you for all you do to strengthen land conservation!</i></p>
<table class="invisible">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Allegh<i>e</i>ny Land Trust (NC)</h3>
<a class="external-link" href="http://www.alleghenylandtrust.org/">Allegheny Land Trust</a> was founded in 1993 to protect land of natural value in and adjacent to Allegheny County.  The land trust acquires and protects land that provides the greatest number public benefits, which means each property possesses unique features such as wildlife habitat, storm and floodwater management and scenic qualities. By protecting land that meets the three criteria, the public derives the greatest public benefit from the limited dollars available for land protection. To date, ALT has protected more than 1,500 acres in Allegheny and Washington Counties.<br /></td>
<td>
<p><img alt="Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement: December 15, 2010" class="image-left" src="resolveuid/be0a32461131120f578da02ce6d2c7b7" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Photo by Roy Kraynyk</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>California Rangeland Trust (CA)</h3>
In 1998, a group of innovative ranchers within the California Cattlemen's Association founded the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.rangelandtrust.org/index.php">California Rangeland Trust</a> to protect the state’s 22 million+ acres of privately-owned rangeland it’s losing at a rapid rate. California Rangeland Trust works closely with landowners to protect and enhance the environmental and economic benefits that these working landscapes provide and promotes alternate ways to safeguard rangeland agriculture and the natural balance of its ecosystems.<br /></td>
<td>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast (FL)</h3>
In 2003, a group of citizens concerned about conservation on the Gulf Coast came together to begin a land trust that would protect and preserve the beauty and natural integrity of the bays, beaches  and barrier islands that make the Gulf Coast special. The <a class="external-link" href="http://www.conservationfoundation.com/index.cfm">Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast</a> was born, and today the Foundation purchases natural areas, holds land preservation agreements and educates for responsible stewardship. It also serves as the land acquisition agent for Sarasota County’s acclaimed environmentally sensitive lands program, their neighborhood parks program and is a partner in efforts to preserve Florida’s natural heritage.<br /></td>
<td>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Desert Foothills Land Trust (AZ)</h3>
In 1991, the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.dflt.org/index.php">Desert Foothills Land Trust</a> was born from the desire of many residents of the Sonoran Desert foothills to forever protect the native plants and animals, land and water resources and archeological and historical sites that are an integral part of its sensitive landscape.  The abundance of unspoiled open desert is what attracts so many people to the Central Arizona area. As a legacy for future desert residents to enjoy, the land trust has to date preserved 611.7 acres, encompassing 15 properties of biologically diverse significance.<br /></td>
<td>
<p><img alt="Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement: December 15, 2010" class="image-left" src="resolveuid/6741c67c94ed7f1333c0cbf75f91fca4" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Photo Courtesy of Desert Foothills Land Trust</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina (NC)</h3>
The South Mountains Coalition was formed in October 1994 by an all-volunteer group of citizens who were determined to find ways to conserve the 34,000 acre "heart" of the South Mountains range. By early 1997, <a class="external-link" href="http://www.foothillsconservancy.org/index.htm">Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina</a> was incorporated as a nonprofit land trust dedicated to serving the Blue Ridge Foothills region - an eight-county area in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, including the headwaters of three major rivers in the area: Catawba, Broad and Yadkin. To date, it has permanently protected more than 43,000 acres of important watershed and forest lands in 29 places.<br /></td>
<td>
<p><img alt="Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement: December 15, 2010" class="image-left" height="95" src="resolveuid/b007c2143dd6b4a4231aac3aabfbaa90" width="128" /></p>
<p>Photo Courtesy of Foothills Conservancy</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Palmer Land Trust (CO)</h3>
Palmer Land Trust is working to preserve important open lands in southeastern Colorado.  Since 1977, the land trust has helped individuals and communities protect over 70,000 acres of farms and ranches, wildlife habitat, scenic corridors and public open spaces. Palmer Land Trust strives to guarantee that open lands remain a part of southeastern Colorado’s heritage.<br /></td>
<td>
<p><img alt="Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement: December 15, 2010" class="image-inline" src="resolveuid/8c6ad974143418ac3618bd834edf1f39" /></p>
<p>Photo Courtesy of Palmer Land Trust</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Wood River Land Trust (ID)</h3>
In 1994, the Wood River Land Trust was founded with a mission to protect and restore land, water and wildlife habitat in the Wood River Valley and its surrounding areas. By 1996, the land trust protected its first property — a nine-acre parcel of land. Growing tremendously, in 2007, a total of 9,343 acres was protected and in 2008, a total of 10,219. The land trust works cooperatively with private landowners and local communities to ensure these areas are protected now and for future generations.<br /></td>
<td>
<p><img alt="Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement: December 15, 2010" class="image-inline" src="resolveuid/9b75cbc45ccf846c4517965d869c4326" /></p>
<p>Photo Courtesy of Wood River Land Trust</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]></content:encoded>
    <dc:publisher>No publisher</dc:publisher>
    <dc:creator>prichardson</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights></dc:rights>
    
      <dc:subject>Accreditation</dc:subject>
    
    <dc:date>2009-08-05T14:05:00Z</dc:date>
    <dc:type>Page</dc:type>
  </item>


  <item rdf:about="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/training/accreditation/newly-accredited">
    <title>Newly Accredited Land Trusts</title>
    <link>http://www.landtrustalliance.org/training/accreditation/newly-accredited</link>
    <description></description>
    <content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[<p><b>August 4, 2010<br /></b></p>
<p><i>Congratulations to the Land Trust Alliance members who have earned accreditation through the land trust accreditation program this year. </i></p>
<p><i>Thank you for all you do to strengthen land conservation!</i></p>
<table class="invisible">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Eno River Association (NC)</h3>
Since 1966, the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.enoriver.org/index.htm">Eno River Association</a> has worked actively to protect the lands and waters along the Eno River and its tributaries. Their efforts to date have resulted in more than 5,700 acres of protected lands. These acres are largely contained within five public parks: the Eno River State Park, the Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, West Point on the Eno Durham City Park, Penny’s Bend Nature Preserve and the Little River Regional Park. Each year more than 30,000 people visit the banks of the river for the Festival for the Eno, now in its third decade, to celebrate the Association’s conservation success and raise money toward protection of future lands.<br /></td>
<td>
<p><img src="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/images/land-trust-photos/Eno-River-Assoc-128.jpg" alt="August 4, 2010 Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement 128 pixels" class="image-left" title="Eno River Association " /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Photo Courtesy of Eno River Association</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust (TX)</h3>
Amazingly, in Texas where land is so plentiful, they are losing their open land more rapidly than any other state. Since 2001, the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.gbrtrust.org/">Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust</a> has promoted and encouraged the conservation, stewardship and enjoyment of the land and water resources of the Guadalupe River Watershed for its natural, recreational, scenic, historic and productive value. The river is one of the most pristine rivers in Texas, and one of the most biologically diverse rivers in the U.S.<br /></td>
<td>
<p><img src="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/images/land-trust-photos/GuadBlanco-RiverTrust-128.jpg" alt="For August 4, 2010 Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement 128 pixels" class="image-left" title="Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust_128" /></p>
<p>Photo Courtesy of Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Kent Land Trust (CT)</h3>
In 1989, a small group of Kent residents, concerned about the increasing threats to their community’s rural way of life, gathered in a Skiff Mountain living room. Out of that gathering grew Citizens For Controlled Growth (CCG), and its executive committee formed the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.kentlandtrust.org/index.html">Kent Land Trust</a> to ensure the land and water resources, plant life, and unique scenic, natural and historic sites of Kent would be permanently protected. <br /></td>
<td>
<p><img src="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/images/land-trust-photos/Kent-LandTrust-128.jpg" alt="August 4, 2010 Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement 128 pixels" class="image-left" title="Kent Land Trust 128" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Photo Courtesy of Kent Land Trust</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>La Plata Open Space Conservancy (CO)</h3>
“They aren’t making land anymore,” goes the motto of <a class="external-link" href="http://www.lposc.org/index.html">La Plata Open Space Conservancy</a>. Their mission to save open lands that have significant agricultural, wildlife habitat, recreational and historical resources is rooted deeply in their strong sense of place and enduring feeling of attachment to things as they are in Durango and the rest of Southwest Colorado. The land trust has saved thousands of acres that otherwise would have been lost forever. <br /></td>
<td>
<p><img src="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/images/land-trust-photos/LPOSC-128.jpg" alt="Granite Peaks Ranch" class="image-left" title="La Plata Open Space Conservancy " /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Photo Courtesy of La Plata Open Space Conservancy</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Land Trust for the Little Tennessee (NC)</h3>
Nestled within some of the oldest mountains on earth, the upper Little Tennessee River basin, and surrounding mountain ranges, possess a unique - yet threatened - natural and cultural heritage. <a class="external-link" href="http://www.ltlt.org/">Land Trust for the Little Tennessee</a> is dedicated to conserving the waters, forests, farms and heritage of the Upper Little Tennessee and Hiwassee River Valleys to insure that the natural beauty, ecological integrity, and rural character of the region are preserved for generations to come. As of September 2009, the land trust protected 3,564 acres through conservation easements and another 1,278 acres through acquisition.<br /></td>
<td>
<p><img src="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/images/land-trust-photos/LTforTN-CoweeValley-128jpg.jpg" title="Little Land Trust for Tennessee " height="95" width="128" alt="August 4, 2010 Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement 128 pixels" class="image-left" /></p>
<p>Photo By Ralph Preston</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Little Forks Conservancy (MI)</h3>
Since 1996, <a class="external-link" href="http://www.littleforks.org/">Little Forks Conservancy</a> has partnered with private landowners in or near the Tittabawassee River Watershed to protect and preserve the unique natural features of this region. The resources of the Tittabawassee River Watershed are immensely rich and diverse. Its forests, farm fields, marshland and, of course, rivers all provide benefits to the community. The Conservancy works to protect waterways in order to reduce erosion, preserve scenic views and preserve and improve water quality, and preserve areas that provide wildlife habitat to ensure the Midland, Michigan community always receives these benefits.<br /></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Maine Coast Heritage Trust (ME)</h3>
Founded in 1970, the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.mcht.org/index.shtml">Maine Coast Heritage Trust</a> was a pioneer in the use of conservation easements as a way to protect land and a founding organizational member of the Land Trust Alliance— then called the Land Trust Exchange.  Since that time, they have worked to protect more than 130,000 acres in Maine, including more than 275 entire coastal islands. Maine’s coast is home to a wide variety of landscapes including rugged islands, salt marshes rich with wildlife and white sand beaches. MCHT is committed to voluntary land conservation, embraces the highest ethical standards and strives to instill a conservation ethic in others by connecting people to the land.<br /></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Marin Agricultural Land Trust (CA)</h3>
In 1980, a unique alliance of Marin ranchers and environmentalists united to fight coastal development proposals to preserve farmland in Marin County, California. The result of their alliance was the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.malt.org/index.php">Marin Agricultural Land Trust</a>, the first land trust in the United States to focus on farmland preservation. Today, it is a model for agricultural land preservation efforts across the nation. To date, MALT has permanently protected more than 41,800 acres of land on 66 family farms and ranches.<br /></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Mianus River Gorge Preserve (NY)</h3>
Less than forty miles from Manhattan, the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.mianus.org/index.html">Mianus River Gorge Preserve</a> remains an oasis of rich woodland and old-growth forest one hour's drive from New York City. In 1953, the Preserve was established to protect an old-growth hemlock forest. It received the special designation as the first Nature Conservancy land project and the first National Natural History Landmark designated by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Today, the Preserve protects over 750 acres of land and a water supply for over 150,000 people in Connecticut and New York. <br /></td>
<td>
<p><img src="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/images/land-trust-photos/Mianus-128.jpg" alt="Mianus River Gorge Preserve" class="image-left" title="Mianus River Gorge Preserve" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><br />Photo by Carl Heilman II</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Pacific Forest Trust (CA)</h3>
Since 1993, the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.pacificforest.org/">Pacific Forest Trust</a> has been dedicated to sustaining America's private working forests and safeguarding their many public benefits. Since four out of every five forests in the contiguous 48 states are privately owned, their “retain, sustain, gain” model is more important than ever. They retain forest infrastructure by raising awareness of development threats and conserving critical forestlands; sustain forests by employing state-of-the-art forest stewardship practices, and also help both landowners and the public gain from working forests by developing and promoting forest ecosystem services. To date, they have conserved more than 50,000 acres of forestland in California, Oregon and Washington. <br /></td>
<td>
<p><img src="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/images/land-trust-photos/PacificForestTrust-128.jpg" alt="August 4, 2010 Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement 128 pixels" class="image-left" title="Pacific Forest Trust " /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Photo Courtesy of Pacific Forest Trust</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Piedmont Land Conservancy (NC)</h3>
In 1989, <a class="external-link" href="http://www.piedmontland.org/">Piedmont Land Conservancy </a>began as an idea when several long-time residents met around a dining room table to discuss how to make a difference by conserving the Piedmont’s most precious natural assets forever. A year later, Piedmont Land Conservancy was founded, and since then it has preserved natural and scenic lands, farms and open spaces in Piedmont North Carolina – lands that enrich the quality of life for their communities and for future generations. To date, PLC has permanently protected more than 138 of the Piedmont’s special places, encompassing nearly 16,000 acres.<br /></td>
<td>
<p><img src="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/images/land-trust-photos/Piedmont-LT-Fisher-Peak-128.jpg" alt="August 4, 2010 Newly Accredited Land Trust Announcement 128 pixels" class="image-left" title="Piedmont Land Conservancy " /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Photo by Robert Merritt</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Potomac Conservancy (MD)</h3>
The <a class="external-link" href="http://www.potomac.org/site/">Potomac Conservancy</a> was formed in 1993 by individuals concerned about inappropriate development and clear cutting that were beginning to have a negative impact on the unspoiled character of the Potomac Gorge. The Conservancy protects the health, beauty and enjoyment of the Potomac River and its tributaries. Its primary focus is the protection of water quality through land protection and sound land use practices, but clean water alone is not enough. The Conservancy also works to preserve and restore the Potomac's scenic landscapes, and to enhance river-based recreational opportunities.<br /></td>
<td>
<p><img src="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/images/land-trust-photos/Potomac-lt-woodson.jpg" alt="Newly Accredited land trust announcement 8/4/10 128 pixels" class="image-left" title="Potomac Land Conservancy" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><br />Photo Courtesy of Potomac Conservancy</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]></content:encoded>
    <dc:publisher>No publisher</dc:publisher>
    <dc:creator>prichardson</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights></dc:rights>
    
      <dc:subject>Accreditation</dc:subject>
    
    <dc:date>2009-08-05T14:05:00Z</dc:date>
    <dc:type>Page</dc:type>
  </item>


  <item rdf:about="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/training/accreditation/newly-accredited-02-2012">
    <title>Newly Accredited Land Trusts</title>
    <link>http://www.landtrustalliance.org/training/accreditation/newly-accredited-02-2012</link>
    <description>February 21 , 2012</description>
    <content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[<p><i>Congratulations to the twenty-three new land trusts that have just earned the important distinction of accreditation.<br /></i></p>
<p><i>Thank you for all you do to strengthen land conservation!</i></p>
<table class="invisible">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3>Bayfield Regional Conservancy (WI)</h3>
<p>Founded in 1996, the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.brcland.org/index.html">Bayfield Regional Conservancy</a> preserves the natural lands, waters, forests, farms and places of scenic, historic and spiritual value that their community cherishes in Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas and Sawyer Counties. Their service area includes Wisconsin's entire Lake Superior drainage basin, as well as the incredibly rich and diverse lakes region in Sawyer County.</p>
</td>
<td>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Caledonia Conservancy (WI)</h3>
<p>One of Wisconsin’s oldest land trusts founded in 1994, the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.caledoniaconservancy.org/">Caledonia Conservancy</a> has permanently protected more than 122 acres, including portions of the old North Shore train right-of-way, the 28.5 acre Trout Ponds Prairie and 25.2 acres in the Tabor Woods Natural Area. They are committed to work with its supporters and volunteer Board of Directors to preserve and maintain open space and trails, promote balanced development and raise awareness of the importance of conservation.</p>
</td>
<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>ClearWater Conservancy (PA)</h3>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://www.clearwaterconservancy.org/">ClearWater Conservancy</a> of Central Pennsylvania, Inc. is a Centre County-based land trust and natural resource conservation organization formed in 1980. Their mission is to promote conservation and restoration of natural resources in central Pennsylvania through land conservation, water resource protection, and environmental outreach to the community. The work of ClearWater Conservancy is a blend of planning and implementation of projects that benefit the entire community.</p>
</td>
<td>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Congaree Land Trust (SC)</h3>
<p>Established in 1992, the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.congareelt.org">Congree Land Trust’s</a> mission is to promote voluntary conservation of scenic lands, open spaces, farms, forests, natural areas and significant habitats in central South Carolina. They facilitate conservation easements for properties in 11 counties of central South Carolina. With their small staff and their valuable volunteer support, they manage their 80 easements and the many membership and development tasks.</p>
</td>
<td>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3>Conservation Trust for Florida, Inc. (FL)</h3>
<p>The <a class="external-link" href="http://www.conserveflorida.org/">Conservation Trust for Florida, Inc.</a> was founded in 1999 by a group of professional conservationists to address the need to protect rural land and natural areas in Florida. They work with private landowners to protect their farms, ranches, and timberlands. They also work to preserve natural areas and wildlife corridors, like the Ocala to Osceola Wildlife Corridor. To date, they have helped to preserve over 10,000 acres of special Florida lands.</p>
</td>
<td>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico (PR)</h3>
<p>The <a class="external-link" href="http://fideicomiso.org/">Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico</a> is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to protect and enhance the Island’s natural resources. They carry out this mission through the acquisition of lands of great ecological, aesthetic, historic and cultural value, and the establishment of conservation easements. As part of its mission, they develop programs aimed at educating the public about environmental issues and the need to protect and conserve the Island’s natural resources. Through its reforestation program, Árboles… más árboles (A+A), the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico produces and distributes native tree species that help promote the Island’s biological diversity.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>D&amp;R Greenway Land Trust, Inc. (NJ)</h3>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://drgreenway.org/">D&amp;R Greenway Land Trust</a> is central New Jersey's nonprofit land preservation organization, founded in 1989 through the collaboration and vision of four organizations: the Stony Brook - Millstone Watershed Association, Friends of Princeton Open Space, Regional Planning Partnership, and the Delaware &amp; Raritan Canal Commission. Their vision of an organization dedicated to the preservation of their remaining natural areas led to the creation of this small grassroots organization that completed the first nonprofit acquisition using Green Acres funds in 1992. They permanently preserve watershed lands and large-scale landscapes, thereby preventing the loss of open space to development. Their operating region consists of over 1,500 square miles, encompassing portions of the Delaware, Raritan and Millstone River watersheds and the Delaware &amp; Raritan Canal, and they have broadened their work to include preservation of farm land in Salem County in the area of Mannington Meadows.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Great Land Trust (AK)</h3>
<p>Founded in 1995 by residents of Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley, <a class="external-link" href="http://www.greatlandtrust.org/">Great Land Trust</a> is working with willing landowners and other partners to conserve Southcentral Alaska's lands and waterways. They permanently and directly conserve lands and waterways essential to the quality of life and economic health of our communities. The Great Land Trust achieves this goal in several ways, including: Working in partnership with landowners who wish to protect the special features of their land through voluntary private action; direct land purchase; and Cooperating with businesses, nonprofits, and local, state, and federal agencies on projects that benefit the community.  The Great Land Trust offers individuals and businesses an opportunity to set aside specific areas for conservation - leaving a lasting legacy for the future.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation (IL)</h3>
<p>The <a class="external-link" href="http://www.jdcf.org/">Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation</a> is a locally based, nonprofit land trust, working with landowners on voluntary conservation projects using land acquisition, land donations, conservation easements, and landowner registry to help protect the natural resources, open space, and farmland in beautiful Jo Daviess County in northwest Illinois. Their mission is to protect the natural heritage, spectacular scenery, and agricultural character of Jo Daviess County, IL, and the surrounding area.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Mississippi Valley Conservancy (WI)</h3>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://www.mississippivalleyconservancy.org/">Mississippi Valley Conservancy</a> (MVC) is a regional, non-profit land trust based in La Crosse that has permanently conserved more than 14,000 acres of blufflands, prairies, wetlands, and streams in southwestern Wisconsin since its founding in 1997. MVC works with private landowners and local communities on voluntary conservation projects in nine counties along or near the Mississippi River: Buffalo, Trempealeau, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Vernon, Crawford, Richland and Grant Counties.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>North Carolina Coastal Land Trust (NC)</h3>
<p>Formed in 1992, The <a class="external-link" href="http://www.coastallandtrust.org/">North Carolina Coastal Land Trust</a> has been working with landowners who wish to conserve lands with scenic, recreational, historic and/or ecological value. Their mission is to enrich the coastal communities of their state through the acquisition of open space and natural areas, conservation education and the promotion of good land stewardship. They are active throughout the Coastal Plain of North Carolina and aspire to bring together citizens and landowners, natives and newcomers, to set aside lands for conservation.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>North Olympic Land Trust (WA)</h3>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://www.northolympiclandtrust.org/">North Olympic Land Trust</a> was pioneered by several Clallam County friends and neighbors who wished to protect the amazing marine shoreline, spectacular wildlife habitat, magnificent forests, productive farmlands, and significant cultural heritage. Their mission is to conserve lands that sustain the communities of the Olympic Peninsula.  North Olympic Land Trust protects special qualities of the North Olympic Peninsula in Clallam County, Washington, just outside the internationally treasured Olympic National Park. They protect habitat for salmon and other wildlife, farmland, sustainable timberland, clean water and air, scenic vistas and open space, and cultural heritage. To date, the North Olympic Land Trust has conserved more than 2,000 acres.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Pee Dee Land Trust (SC)</h3>
<p>The mission of the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.peedeelandtrust.org/">Pee Dee Land Trust</a> is to conserve, and to promote an appreciation of, the significant natural, agricultural, and historical resources of the Pee Dee Region of South Carolina. They work diligently to foster the interconnectedness of people and the land.   This interconnectedness is evident in their relationship to the water and the wildlife, as well as to the fields, farms and forests where they live.  Their history has been shaped by this relationship, and an understanding of it can affect and improve their future.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Prickly Pear Land Trust (MT)</h3>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://www.pricklypearlt.org/">Prickly Pear Land Trust</a> is an association of community-minded individuals committed to protecting the open space in Lewis and Clark, Broadwater and Jefferson Counties in Montana. Founded in 1996, the Trust now has almost 700 active members with backgrounds reflecting the diversity of the area. Their mission is to protect the natural diversity and rural character of the Prickly Pear Valley and adjoining lands through voluntary and cooperative means. They are dedicated to perpetuating the recreational, wildlife, scenic, agricultural and historic values of the land.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>San Juan Preservation Trust (WA)</h3>
<p>The <a class="external-link" href="http://www.sjpt.org/">San Juan Preservation Trust</a> serves landowners who wish to protect the special features of their lands through voluntary private action. They offer the community the opportunity to create a legacy of unique natural areas and open spaces for future generations. They do this by counseling property owners on conservation techniques available to them, and on tax benefits which might be available to them from donations of land or easements. Their mission is to preserve and protect open spaces, scenic views, forests, agricultural lands, habitats, watersheds, riparian corridors, wetlands and shorelines in the San Juan Archipelago.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Taos Land Trust (NM)</h3>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://www.taoslandtrust.org/">Taos Land Trust</a> was founded in 1988 by a group of community volunteers who watched a beautiful tract of open land get sold, just because the owners had no other options available to them but to pay exorbitant inheritance taxes. As the only New Mexico land trust north of Santa Fe, Taos Land Trust has worked to preserve that landscape and the many benefits it provides to the public through permanent land conservation. Today Taos Land Trust is one of the best established and most experienced land trusts in New Mexico, serving nine counties across the northern part of the state. Taos Land Trust conserves open, productive, and natural lands for the benefit of the community and culture of northern New Mexico.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>The Wetlands Conservancy (OR)</h3>
<p>Founded in 1981, <a class="external-link" href="http://oregonwetlands.net/">The Wetlands Conservancy</a> is working to conserve, protect, and restore Oregon’s wetlands.  Wetlands play a key role in the health of our environment and community, being essential to water quality and supporting fish and wildlife, but Oregon is suffering substantial losses of quantity and diversity of its wetlands, and thereby the functions that they provide.  They are the only organization in Oregon dedicated to promoting community and private partnerships to permanently protect and conserve Oregon’s greatest wetlands. For more than 30 years, The Wetlands Conservancy has educated and assisted landowners, neighborhood groups, land trusts, and watershed councils on local stewardship.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Three Valley Conservation Trust (OH)</h3>
<p>Since 1994, <a class="external-link" href="http://www.3vct.org/">Three Valley Conservation Trust </a>has been recognized by farmers, landowners, developers, and public officials in southwest Ohio as an important resource for land protection, conservation planning, and environmentally-responsible development.  Three Valley Conservation Trust partners with people and communities to conserve the cultural heritage and natural environment of its service area for the benefit of future generations.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Upper Valley Land Trust (NH)</h3>
<p>The <a class="external-link" href="http://www.uvlt.org/">Upper Valley Land Trust</a> (UVLT) helps people conserve land by engaging people in the vision and process of land conservation and in the stewardship of conserved lands. UVLT provides conservation leadership, tools and expertise to permanently protect the working farms, forested ridges, wildlife habitat, water resources, trails and scenic landscapes that surround residential areas and commercial centers and make the Upper Valley a truly special place to live. Their conservation projects secure the mixture of land uses so critical to the region’s vitality and identity. UVLT focuses its mission in 44 Vermont and New Hampshire towns in the upper Connecticut River valley.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Vinalhaven Land Trust (ME)</h3>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://www.vinalhavenlandtrust.org/">Vinalhaven Land Trust</a> was incorporated in 1986, near the beginning of the land trust movement in downeast Maine. In the course of the  twenty-five years since, they have succeeded in conserving many “whole places” that have significant natural features and little or no development.  Vinalhaven Land Trust promotes the conservation of its island's significant plant and wildlife habitat, its water resources, and scenic or historic spaces in order to preserve the traditional character of the community for generations to come.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (PA)</h3>
<p>Three years into the Great Depression, ten citizens came together to found a non-profit conservation organization. The organization’s goal was to alleviate widespread unemployment through public works programs that would also create a positive impact on the region’s natural resources. To date, the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.paconserve.org/">Western Pennsylvania Conservancy</a> (WPC) has protected more than 232,000 acres of natural lands in Pennsylvania, helped to establish ten state parks, and protected or restored more than 1,500 miles of rivers and streams. In 1963, WPC was entrusted with Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterwork in Mill Run, Pennsylvania. They also enrich their region’s cities and towns through 140 community gardens and greenspaces that are planted with the help of 13,000 volunteers.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Whidbey Camano Land Trust (WA)</h3>
<p>The <a class="external-link" href="http://www.wclt.org/">Whidbey Camano Land Trust</a> has protected thousands of acres in Island County since its founding in 1984. For more than 26 years the Whidbey Camano Land Trust has protected its islands’ most important natural habitats, scenic vistas, and working farms and forests in partnership with landowners and our island communities.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Wyoming Stock Growers Agricultural Land Trust (WY)</h3>
<p>Founded by a general membership vote of the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.wsgalt.org/">Wyoming Stock Growers Association</a> in December 2000, The Wyoming Stock Growers Agricultural Land Trust is dedicated to conserving Wyoming's working family ranches and farms and the wide-open spaces, natural habitats, and rural communities they support. Their objectives are accomplished through conservation easements, increasing awareness of tools to maintain ranchlands, and assisting in research for new opportunities to conserve working agricultural landscapes. The Wyoming Stock Growers Agricultural Land Trust holds 57 conservation easements on 148,703 acres of ranchland.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]></content:encoded>
    <dc:publisher>No publisher</dc:publisher>
    <dc:creator>prichardson</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights></dc:rights>
    
      <dc:subject>Accreditation</dc:subject>
    
    <dc:date>2009-08-05T14:05:00Z</dc:date>
    <dc:type>Page</dc:type>
  </item>


  <item rdf:about="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/training/accreditation/newly-accredited-08-2012">
    <title>Newly Accredited Land Trusts</title>
    <link>http://www.landtrustalliance.org/training/accreditation/newly-accredited-08-2012</link>
    <description>August 29 , 2012</description>
    <content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[<p><i>Congratulations to the twenty-three new land trusts that have just earned the important distinction of accreditation.<br /></i></p>
<p><i>Thank you for all you do to strengthen land conservation!</i></p>
<table class="invisible">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3>Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust (NH)</h3>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://www.aconservationtrust.org/">Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust</a> (ACT) was founded in 1999 by a group of friends and neighbors who shared a concern about the rapid loss of open lands in their community. After successfully raising the funds to purchase a local property slated for development, the group decided there was a need in the larger area for an organization which could assist in similar efforts, and created ACT.</p>
</td>
<td>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Bayou Land Conservancy (TX)</h3>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://bayoulandconservancy.org/">Bayou Land Conservancy</a> was formed in 1996 as an offshoot of the Bayou Preservation Association, a Houston group dedicated to protecting the bayou systems of Houston. To conserve the bayous and their water quality, the Conservancy protects the floodplain green spaces surrounding them. Since its inception, Bayou Land Conservancy has kept the land-water connection as its primary motivator for the land it protects, and all its conservation easements contain bayou tributaries.</p>
</td>
<td>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust (ME)</h3>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://www.clearwaterconservancy.org/"></a>Founded in 1985, <a class="external-link" href="http://www.btlt.org/default.cfm">Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust</a> (BTLT) conserves the remarkable diversity of the natural heritage of Brunswick, Topsham and Bowdoin. With the conservation of 1,900 acres of natural areas to date, BTLT is actively pursuing its mission to "preserve, protect and steward the cherished landscapes and rich natural resources of our communities, to provide access for recreation, and to support local agriculture and other traditional land uses, now and for generations to come."</p>
</td>
<td>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Cacapon and Lost Rivers Land Trust (WV)</h3>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://cacapon.org/">Cacapon and Lost Rivers Land Trust</a> works throughout the Lost Cacapon River watershed to assist landowners and communities in maintaining healthy rivers, protecting forests and farmland, and in preserving rural heritage for the enjoyment and well being of present and future generations. To date, and with the community’s support, it has protected 38 parcels representing 10,336 acres.</p>
</td>
<td>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3>Central Indiana Land Trust (IN)</h3>
<p>Through land protection, stewardship and education, <a class="external-link" href="http://www.conservingindiana.org/index.html">Central Indiana Land Trust</a> preserves natural areas, improving air and water quality and enhancing life in its communities for present and future generations. It works in an 11 county region with a population of nearly 1.8 million people.</p>
</td>
<td>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Chebeague &amp; Cumberland Land Trust (ME)</h3>
<p>Founded in 1987, <a class="external-link" href="http://www.ccltmaine.org/">Chebeague &amp; Cumberland Land Trust</a> was originally named the Cumberland Mainland &amp; Islands Trust until, after the island of Chebeague seceded from Cumberland, it adapted to reflect its continued strong partnership with the new town. It has worked to protect vital natural resources in Cumberland and Chebeague including shoreline, nesting islands, wildlife habitat, wetlands, woodlands and farmland.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Chippewa Watershed Conservancy (MI)</h3>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://drgreenway.org/"></a><a class="external-link" href="http://www.chippewawatershedconservancy.org/">Chippewa Watershed Conservancy</a> works to protect open space and natural habitat in the Chippewa River Watershed in Central Michigan. The Conservancy protects sensitive wildlife habitat and open space and scenic views for future generations; this is accomplished through voluntary conservation easements and acquisition of land.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Columbia Land Trust (WA)</h3>
<p>Since 1990, <a class="external-link" href="http://www.columbialandtrust.org/">Columbia Land Trust</a> has been working in the greater Columbia River region to conserve signature landscapes and vital habitats. By working collaboratively with landowners, local residents, government entities and other nonprofit organizations, the Columbia Land Trust has conserved more than 18,000 acres from the east side of the Cascade Mountains to the Pacific Ocean in Oregon and Washington.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Connecticut Farmland Trust (CT)</h3>
<p>Founded in 2002, <a class="external-link" href="http://www.ctfarmland.org/index.html">Connecticut Farmland Trust</a> is the only private statewide conservation organization dedicated solely to permanently protecting Connecticut's farmland. It accomplishes this by: working with Connecticut farmers to protect their land for agricultural use by acquiring agricultural conservation easements and farmland; sharing expertise and technical knowledge to assist landowners, land trusts, town officials, and state agencies in protecting agricultural land; and promoting farmland preservation education through presentations and outreach.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Crested Butte Land Trust (CO)</h3>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://www.mississippivalleyconservancy.org/"></a>Formed in 1991, <a class="external-link" href="http://cblandtrust.org/">Crested Butte Land Trust</a> has worked with private landowners on a voluntary basis in Gunnison County, CO.  Its purpose, in the words of former board member Jackie Ingham, is “preserving the present for the future.” To date, the land trust has facilitated the preservation of over 5,000 acres of land, of which almost half has been conserved by conservation easements.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Greenwich Land Trust (CT)</h3>
<p>The need for a local land trust in Greenwich was recognized more than a decade before <a class="external-link" href="http://www.gltrust.org/index.php">Greenwich Land Trust</a> was incorporated in 1976, and since then the Greenwich Land Trust has worked every day to protect the community by conserving and caring for open space in the Greenwich area. Its work promotes the environmental health and well-being of the community and local residents by protecting waterways, trees and other natural vegetation.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Kettle Moraine Land Trust (WI)</h3>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://www.northolympiclandtrust.org/"></a><a class="external-link" href="http://kmlandtrust.org/index.htm">Kettle Moraine Land Trust</a> (KMLT) was formed in 2000 with the initial goal of protecting the Island Woods preserve on Lauderdale Lakes. Their work soon expanded to adjacent lakes, and today KMLT serves all of Walworth County, WI to protect land and to restore habitat through partnerships with agencies, landowners and the general public.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Land Conservancy of West Michigan (MI)</h3>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://www.naturenearby.org/Home.tab.aspx">Land Conservancy of West Michigan</a>, formerly the Natural Areas Conservancy of West Michigan, was founded in 1976 by a dedicated group of volunteers who sought to protect West Michigan's natural landscape. Today, with a professional staff and office in Grand Rapids, the Conservancy is the only land trust solely dedicated to the permanent protection of important natural lands and open space in West Michigan.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Lowcountry Open Land Trust (SC)</h3>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://www.pricklypearlt.org/"></a>Founded in 1986, <a class="external-link" href="http://www.lolt.org/">Lowcountry Open Land Trust</a> is a local land conservation organization that is focused on preserving natural and rural land throughout the Lowcountry of South Carolina. It has protected more than 88,000 acres of ecologically, agriculturally, and historically significant land. It also provides expertise, technical assistance and material support to numerous conservation groups and partnerships in the local area, across the Lowcountry.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Methow Conservancy (WA)</h3>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://www.methowconservancy.org/index.html">Methow Conservancy</a> formed in 1996 from a merger between the Methow Valley Land Trust and the Methow Valley Environmental Center. What started as an energetic vision to protect land in the Valley has grown into a well-respected mainstay of the Methow Valley community. With a growing staff, active board and a strong membership base, the Conservancy continues to meet its mission to “inspire people to care for and conserve the land of the Methow Valley, ensuring it will remain a place where future generations can enjoy the rural character and natural beauty we cherish today.”</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Mountain Area Land Trust (CO)</h3>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://www.savetheland.org/default.html">Mountain Area Land Trust</a>, founded in 1992, today has a 2,000-square-mile service area across the mountain towns of Evergreen, Conifer, Bailey, Idaho Springs, Fairplay, and Georgetown. The land trust promotes the conservation of lands important for maintaining the integrity of local water quality, protecting wildlife habitats and agricultural lands, and creating regional parks for outdoor recreation through public education, community outreach and by providing technical assistance to craft conservation easements based on sound land management guidelines.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy (MI)</h3>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://www.nohlc.org/index.html">North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy</a>, founded in 1972, is a member-supported organization preserving open space in northwest Oakland County. To date, over 1,100 acres have been preserved in six townships, with parcels ranging from 1/2 acre to over 100 acres. The Conservancy accomplishes this by acquiring land and property easements to conserve the woods, fields, streams, wetlands and other natural features in the headwaters areas of the Clinton, Shiawassee, Huron, and Flint rivers.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association (ME)</h3>
<p>Established in 1969, the <a class="external-link" href="http://www.sheepscot.org/index.html">Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association</a> is a land trust and advocacy group with a mission to conserve and restore the natural and historic heritage of the Sheepscot Watershed, which encompasses 320 square miles in mid-coast Maine. The organization currently protects more than 3,170 acres through purchases and conservation easements. This includes over 15 miles of Sheepscot River frontage.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy (MI)</h3>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://www.swmlc.org/">Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy</a>, created in 1991, works to permanently protect natural, historic and scenic landscapes in nine counties of southwest Michigan. SWMLC has protected more than 10,400 acres of dunes, wetlands, forests, savannas, prairies, farms and vineyards that give its region its distinctive character.  These landscapes have been safeguarded through a combination of donations and purchases of conservation easements and fee title land.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Squam Lakes Conservation Society (NH)</h3>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://www.vinalhavenlandtrust.org/"></a><a class="external-link" href="http://www.squamlakes.com/">Squam Lakes Conservation Society</a> (SLCS), created in 1960, is dedicated to the protection of the natural environment in the Squam Lakes Region of central New Hampshire for the benefit of all present and future residents and visitors.  SLCS achieves the long-term protection of land through conservation easements and land ownership, working toward its goal of a unique region of islands, shorefront, back lands, and mountains wherein a harmony between the natural environment and mankind is preserved forever.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>The Nature Conservancy (VA)</h3>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://www.nature.org/">The Nature Conservancy</a> is the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The organization addresses the most pressing conservation threats at the largest scale. Founded in 1951, it has protected more than 119 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of rivers worldwide, and operates in more than 100 marine conservation projects globally. It works in all 50 states and more than 30 countries – protecting habitats from grasslands to coral reefs, from Australia to Alaska to Zambia.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Vermont Land Trust (VT)</h3>
<p>Since 1977, <a class="external-link" href="http://www.vlt.org/">Vermont Land Trust</a> has permanently conserved more than 1,650 parcels of land covering more than 500,000 acres, or about eight percent of the private, undeveloped land in the state. The conserved land includes more than 700 working farms, hundreds of thousands of acres of productive forestland, and numerous parcels of community land. Vermont Land Trust is working to protect the land that gives Vermont its rural character and makes the state so special.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h3>Whatcom Land Trust (WA)</h3>
<p>Since <a class="external-link" href="http://www.whatcomlandtrust.org/category/home/">Whatcom Land Trust</a> was created in 1983, it has worked to preserve and protect wildlife habitat, scenic, agricultural and open space lands in Whatcom County for future generations by securing interests in land and promoting land stewardship. Using creative and sometimes complex solutions, Whatcom Land Trust works collaboratively with private landowners, communities, public agencies and other organizations to ensure the local, natural resources that sustained the community in the past continue to enhance quality of life.</p>
</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]></content:encoded>
    <dc:publisher>No publisher</dc:publisher>
    <dc:creator>prichardson</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights></dc:rights>
    
      <dc:subject>Accreditation</dc:subject>
    
    <dc:date>2009-08-05T14:05:00Z</dc:date>
    <dc:type>Page</dc:type>
  </item>


  <item rdf:about="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/accreditation-news/newly-accredited-land-conservation-groups">
    <title>Newly Accredited Land Conservation Groups Announced</title>
    <link>http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/accreditation-news/newly-accredited-land-conservation-groups</link>
    <description>August 5, 2009 | Washington, D.C.</description>
    <content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[<p>Congratulations to the nineteen land trusts that have just been awarded accreditation! This brings the total number of land conservation groups from across the country that have earned this important distinction to 78.</p>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/">The Land Trust Accreditation Commission</a>, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, made the announcement August 5.</p>
<p><img alt="Photo by Maureen Santina" class="image-right" height="195" src="../../images/about-us/tinicum.jpg/image_preview" width="130" />The group of newly accredited land trusts includes small land trusts working in New England, regional land trusts protecting vast open spaces in the West, and land trusts protecting the watersheds of the Southeast.</p>
<p>“As a small land trust, the accreditation process helped us to reconfirm and build on our most important priorities and at the same time reinforce with supporters our strong commitment to the long-term protection of our community,” explains Jim Engel, executive director of the Tinicum Conservancy.</p>
<p>These land trusts are part of a group of 78 land trusts across the country that have been awarded accreditation since the fall of 2008.</p>
<p>The Alliance congratulates its members who have been awarded accreditation. “We are thrilled that they are more effective at saving land because they’ve gone through this process for improvement,” said Rand Wentworth, president of the Land Trust Alliance.</p>
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/newsroom/press-releases/39-press-releases/207-land-conservation-groups-join-growing-number-accredited-by-commission">Read the press release from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission</a> &gt;&gt;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/learning/accreditation/newly-accredited" class="internal-link" title="Newly Accredited Land Trusts">Learn more about the 19 newly accredited land trusts</a> &gt;&gt;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/learning/accreditation/accredited-land-trusts" class="internal-link" title="All Accredited Land Trusts">See a list of all 78 accredited land trusts</a> that have been accredited since the fall of 2008 &gt;&gt;</p>
<p><span class="photo-credit">Photo by Maureen Santina</span></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <dc:publisher>No publisher</dc:publisher>
    <dc:creator>prichardson</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights></dc:rights>
    
      <dc:subject>Accreditation</dc:subject>
    
    <dc:date>2009-08-05T14:35:00Z</dc:date>
    <dc:type>News Item</dc:type>
  </item>


  <item rdf:about="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/west-news/nevada-county-land-trust-earns-national">
    <title>Nevada County Land Trust Earns National Recognition</title>
    <link>http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/west-news/nevada-county-land-trust-earns-national</link>
    <description>August 12, 2009 | Nevada</description>
    
    <dc:publisher>No publisher</dc:publisher>
    <dc:creator>prichardson</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights></dc:rights>
    
      <dc:subject>Nevada</dc:subject>
    
    
      <dc:subject>Land Trust Alliance</dc:subject>
    
    
      <dc:subject>Accreditation</dc:subject>
    
    <dc:date>2009-08-14T14:35:00Z</dc:date>
    <dc:type>Link</dc:type>
  </item>


  <item rdf:about="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/accreditation-news/morris-land-trust-seeks-national-recognition">
    <title>Morris Land Trust seeks national recognition</title>
    <link>http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/accreditation-news/morris-land-trust-seeks-national-recognition</link>
    <description>March 3, 2009 | DailyRecord.com (NJ)</description>
    <content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p><a class="external-link" href="http://www.dailyrecord.com/article/20090303/COMMUNITIES30/903030316/1005/NEWS01">Read full article &gt;&gt;</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
    <dc:publisher>No publisher</dc:publisher>
    <dc:creator>prichardson</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights></dc:rights>
    
      <dc:subject>New Jersey</dc:subject>
    
    
      <dc:subject>Accreditation</dc:subject>
    
    <dc:date>2009-03-06T15:28:27Z</dc:date>
    <dc:type>News Item</dc:type>
  </item>


  <item rdf:about="http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/accreditation-news/more-land-trusts-earn-accreditation">
    <title>More Land Trusts Earn Accreditation</title>
    <link>http://www.landtrustalliance.org/events-news/accreditation-news/more-land-trusts-earn-accreditation</link>
    <description>December 15, 2010 | Washington, D.C.</description>
    <content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[<div class="inlineEditable kssattr-macro-rich-field-view kssattr-templateId-widgets/rich kssattr-atfieldname-text " id="parent-fieldname-text">
<p><b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</b></p>
<p><b>Contact:</b> Rob Aldrich<br />Director of Communications, Land Trust Alliance<br />202-638-4725 | <a class="mail-link" href="mailto:raldrich@lta.org">raldrich@lta.org</a></p>
<p> </p>
<h2 align="center">Number of Accredited Groups Reaches 113</h2>
<p> </p>
<p><b>WASHINGTON, D.C.</b> -- Congratulations to the seven newly accredited land trusts that have just been awarded accreditation! This brings the total number of land conservation groups from across the country that have earned this important distinction to 113. All are members of the Land Trust Alliance. <br /><br />The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, made the announcement December 15, 2010. <br /><br />Each land trust in this newly accredited group fills an important niche in their community and represent the diversity of the land trust community. The newly accredited land conservation groups range from a group working to conserve vast working ranchlands in the West, to a land trust that protects the bays, beaches and barrier islands of the Gulf Coast, to a group preserving unique desert landscapes.<br /><br />The Alliance congratulates its members who have been awarded accreditation. “Just about every land trust that goes through accreditation tells us that the process isn’t easy.  But they agree that accreditation has made them stronger and more effective organizations,” said Rand Wentworth, president of the Land Trust Alliance.<br /><br /><a class="external-link" href="http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/newsroom/press-releases/39-press-releases/233-accredited-groups-reaches-113">Read the press release from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission</a> &gt;&gt; <br /><br /><a href="resolveuid/5d898591ab0c8c265bb617784a3aed56" class="internal-link">Learn more about the seven newly accredited land trusts</a> &gt;&gt; <br /><br /><a href="resolveuid/31f7cce1acfe5ea0f5463e5d186ee569" class="internal-link">See a list of all 113 accredited land trusts that have been accredited since the fall of 2008</a> &gt;&gt;</p>
<p align="center">###</p>
</div>]]></content:encoded>
    <dc:publisher>No publisher</dc:publisher>
    <dc:creator>Kimberly Seese</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights></dc:rights>
    
      <dc:subject>Accreditation</dc:subject>
    
    <dc:date>2010-12-15T19:30:00Z</dc:date>
    <dc:type>News Item</dc:type>
  </item>




</rdf:RDF>
