Newly Accredited Land Trusts
Congratulations to the Land Trust Alliance members who have earned accreditation through the land trust accreditation program this year.
Thank you for all you do to strengthen land conservation!
Allegheny Land Trust (NC)Allegheny Land Trust 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. |
Photo by Roy Kraynyk |
California Rangeland Trust (CA)In 1998, a group of innovative ranchers within the California Cattlemen's Association founded the California Rangeland Trust 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. |
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Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast (FL)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 Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast 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. |
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Desert Foothills Land Trust (AZ)In 1991, the Desert Foothills Land Trust 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. |
Photo Courtesy of Desert Foothills Land Trust |
Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina (NC)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, Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina 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. |
Photo Courtesy of Foothills Conservancy |
Palmer Land Trust (CO)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. |
Photo Courtesy of Palmer Land Trust |
Wood River Land Trust (ID)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. |
Photo Courtesy of Wood River Land Trust |
