"These land trusts have earned the highest mark of national recognition and now display a seal you can trust," said Melissa Kalvestrand, executive director of the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. "Accredited land trusts have demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance and lasting stewardship. Learning from the Census that accredited land trusts have protected 6,481 miles of trails, 6.7 million acres of forest, 5.3 million acres of agricultural land and 9.9 acres of wildlife habitat shows how these organizations are protecting the vital lands we love."
The 26 land trusts recognized for their achievement included both first-time accredited land trusts and land trusts renewing their accreditation.
Achieving first-time accreditation (13 total): Captina Conservancy (Ohio), Desert Tortoise Preserve Committee (California), Greenbelt Land Trust of Mid-Missouri (Missouri), Island Heritage Trust (Maine), Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy (Michigan), Okanogan Land Trust (Washington), Open Land Conservancy of Chester County (Pennsylvania), Philander Chase Conservancy (Ohio), Rancocas Conservancy (New Jersey), San Benito Agricultural Land Trust (California), Sheridan Community Land Trust (Wyoming), Sustainable Iowa Land Trust (Iowa) and Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy (Michigan).
Achieving first renewal of accreditation (6 total): Black Swamp Conservancy (Ohio), North Coast Land Conservancy (Oregon), Oblong Land Conservancy (New York), Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (California), Triangle Land Conservancy (North Carolina)and West Virginia Land Trust (West Virginia).
Achieving second renewal of accreditation (7 total): Eno River Association (North Carolina), Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (Iowa), Marin Agricultural Land Trust (California), Mianus River Gorge (New York), New River Conservancy (North Carolina), Sempervirens Fund (California) and Wood River Land Trust (Idaho).