Land Trust Alliance Accreditation Renewal

September 25, 2020

Public Notice

The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. The Wallkill Valley Land Trust (WVLT) is pleased to announce it is applying for a renewal of accreditation. A public comment period is now open.

When the WVLT achieved accreditation in 2015, it meant that owners and the public could be assured that WVLT has the ability (through our accredited policies and procedures) to serve as stewards of our protected lands in perpetuity. It also meant that our supporters could feel confident that the WVLT uses donated funds appropriately.

WVLT’s Executive Director Christie DeBoer describes the initial accreditation as a key milestone. “Preparing and then applying for accreditation changed the fiber of our ever-growing land trust,” DeBoer said. “And only for the better.” Now that WVLT is applying for renewal, the organization’s dedication and commitment to management, best practices and improved policies for stewarding lands in conservation forever remain the core of our work.

As part of the renewal process, the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs.

The Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how the WVLT complies with national quality standards. These standards address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust. For the full list of standards see http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/help-and-resources/indicator-practices.

To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org, or email your comment to info@landtrustaccreditation.org. Comments may also be faxed or mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments: (fax) 518-587-3183; (mail) 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Comments on the WVLT’s application will be most beneficial is submitted by Oct. 5, 2020. Thank you!