FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Deschutes Land Trust Earns National Recognition

Accreditation awarded by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission

The Deschutes Land Trust becomes one of two land trusts in Oregon to receive national accreditation status.

The national Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, announced today that Deschutes Land Trust has been awarded accredited status. The Deschutes Land Trust is one of two land trusts to receive accreditation in Oregon. Accredited land trusts must meet national quality standards for conserving and protecting important lands in their region.

“The Deschutes Land Trust applied for accreditation to ensure that our work is accomplished in the most transparent and ethical means possible, and perhaps most importantly, to ensure that our conservation efforts stand the test of time” said Deschutes Land Trust executive director Brad Chalfant. “Land use regulations can always change, but Land Trust’s conservation projects are permanent. Now, with national accreditation, you have the additional assurance that the Deschutes Land Trust has taken the necessary steps to serve the community for generations to come”

The Deschutes Land Trust was founded in 1995 and works throughout Central Oregon to conserve land for wildlife, scenic views, and local communities. By working with local landowners, the Land Trust has conserved more than 7,200 acres in our region. Projects such as Rimrock Ranch, Camp Polk Meadow and the Metolius Preserve exemplify our efforts.

 “Accredited land trusts meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever,” said Commission Executive Director Tammara Van Ryn. “The accreditation seal lets the public know that the accredited land trust has undergone an extensive, external review of the governance and management of its organization and the systems and policies it uses to protect land.”

The Deschutes Land Trust formally applied for accreditation in July of 2008. Standards used for the audit were developed by the national land trust organization, the Land Trust Alliance, and accredited land trusts are able to display a seal indicating to the public that they meet national standards for excellence, uphold the public trust and ensure that conservation efforts are permanent. The seal is a mark of distinction in land conservation. Accredited land trusts must seek renewal every five years.

###