The Deschutes Land Trust has been awarded one of the highest distinctions in private land conservation, accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.
“The Deschutes Land Trust is proud to be an accredited land trust for the last 15 years and is committed to meeting the highest national standards for conserving and protecting land forever,” said Rika Ayotte, the Land Trust's executive director. "The accreditation process verifies that we have demonstrated fiscal accountability, strong organizational leadership, sound transactions, and lasting stewardship of our protected lands. Our ongoing commitment to renewing our accreditation means we continually strengthen our organization and are ready to conserve and care for land now and for future generations.”
Accredited land trusts must meet national quality standards for conserving and protecting important lands in their region. The Deschutes Land Trust provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that the Deschutes Land Trust's lands will be protected forever. Accredited land trusts now care for more than 50 million acres--that’s approximately 23 times the size of Yellowstone National Park.
“The role of renewing accreditation has always been to maintain public trust in the accreditation seal by ensuring accredited land trusts continue to meet national standards,” said Melissa Kalvestrand, executive director of the Commission. “Deschutes Land Trust has been part of this program for 15 years and we are proud to recognize its commitment to conservation excellence.”
The Deschutes Land Trust was founded in 1995 and works to conserve and care for the lands and waters that sustain Central Oregon, so local communities and the natural world can flourish together for generations to come. The Land Trust has conserved more than 18,742 acres in our region. Projects such as Paulina Creek Preserve, Whychus Canyon Preserve, and Camp Polk Meadow Preserve exemplify our efforts.
The Deschutes Land Trust first received accreditation in 2009. We will next seek renewal certification in seven years. Standards were developed by the Land Trust Alliance, the national land trust organization. Accredited land trusts meet national standards for excellence, uphold the public trust, and ensure conservation efforts are permanent.
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