Now in our15thyear protecting critical wildlife habitat, historic working lands, and scenic open spaces across the Eastern Sierra, Eastern Sierra Land Trust has some exciting news to share: we haveachieved renewed accreditation!

This is a mark of great distinction in land conservation nationwide. Awarded byThe Land Trust Accreditation Commission, ourre-accreditation demonstrates the Commission’sconfidence that Eastern Sierra Land Trust’s conserved lands will continue to be protected forever.

Our Black Lake Preserve,Photo © Bill Dunlap.

Successfully completing the rigorous accreditation renewal process signifies that ourwork meets the highest national standards for excellence and permanence.

“The Land Trust Accreditation Commission is tough,” reflected ESLT Board Secretary Randy Keller, who played a key role in preparing the Land Trust for renewed accreditation. It’s their job to ensure that land trusts across the country are ethical and deliver on their duty to protect conserved lands in perpetuity.
“Our renewed accreditation means that ESLT is doing it right. Landowners can be assured that when we agree to protect their lands forever, we will do it fairly and effectively.”
Eastern Sierra Land Trust was among 38 land trusts across the United States to achieve accreditation or to have accreditation renewed in August. ESLT joins the more than 350 accredited land trusts that demonstrate their commitment to professional excellence through accreditation, helping to maintain the public’s trust in their work.

“It is exciting to recognize Eastern Sierra Land Trust with this distinction,” said Tammara Van Ryn, Executive Director of the Commission. “Accredited land trusts stand together, united behind strong ethical standards ensuring the places people love will be conserved forever. This network of land trusts has demonstrated fiscal accountability, strong organizational leadership, and lasting stewardship of conservation land.”

Achieving renewed national accreditation signals Eastern Sierra Land Trust's commitment to lasting conservation  and to ESLT, an important part of that is engaging our community in our ongoing land protection and habitat restoration work. Photo © Bill Dunlap.

Achieving renewed national accreditation signals Eastern Sierra Land Trust’s commitment to lasting conservation and to ESLT, an important part of that is engaging our community in our ongoing land protection and habitat restoration work. Photo © Bill Dunlap.

Almost 15 million acres of farms, forests, and natural areas vital to healthy communities an area about the size of West Virginia are permanently conserved by accredited land trusts across the country.

Each accredited land trust must apply for renewal every five years and undergoes a comprehensive review as part of its renewal application. The rigorous process strengthens land trusts like Eastern Sierra Land Trust so they can help landowners and communities achieve their goals.

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About the Land Trust Accreditation Commission

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission inspires excellence, promotes public trust and ensures permanence in the conservation of open lands by recognizing organizations that meet rigorous quality standards and strive for continuous improvement. The Commission, established in 2006 as an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, is governed by a volunteer board of diverse land conservation and nonprofit management experts. For more, visit landtrustaccreditation.org.

 

About the Land Trust Alliance

Founded in 1982, the Land Trust Alliance is a national land conservation organization that works to save the places people love by strengthening land conservation across America. The Alliance represents more than 1,100 member land trusts supported by more than 100,000 volunteers and 5 million members nationwide. The Alliance is based in Washington, D.C. and operates several regional offices. More information about the Alliance is available at landtrustalliance.org.