Land Trust Applies for National Recognition
VES Land Trust is proud to announce that our pre-application for national accreditation by the Land Trust Alliance (LTA), based in Washington, DC, was accepted in May. Board members and staff will work this summer to prove that we meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands.
Since VES Land Trust was founded by Shore residents in 2003, we have protected 57 farms, nearly 12,500 acres and more than 75 miles of shoreline through the voluntary donation of conservation easements by local landowners.
“National accreditation will recognize the quality of our conservation program and give our easement donors, contributors and partners greater confidence in our ability to preserve and protect resources on the Eastern Shore forever,” said Executive Director Peter N. Henderson.
LTA’s independent accreditation program, the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, will conduct an extensive review of VES Land Trust’s conservation policies and programs.
Pete is working to complete the detailed accreditation application with a volunteer committee: land trust President Tim Brown, board member Suzanne Wescoat and former executive director Megan Gallagher. The application is due in mid-July with a final review expected in the fall.
Public Comment Sought on Application
Public comment is a vital part of the accreditation process. VES Land Trust is encouraging comments on its application through September 1. Comments, made online, by fax or by mail to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, can be kept confidential.
Comments must relate to how VES Land Trust complies with national quality standards, which address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust. Known as the LTA Standards & Practices, the full list can be found on the Commission’s website: www.landtrustaccreditation.org/getting-accredited/indicator-practices.
To learn more about the accreditation program or to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org Comments may be faxed or mailed to: Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn. Public Comments: (fax) 518-587-3183; (mail) 112 Spring Street, Suite 204, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
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