Mojave Desert Land Trust Earns National Recognition

From the Mojave Desert Land Trust: At a time of political change, one thing is clear and consistent: Americans strongly support saving the open spaces they love. Since 2006, the Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) has been doing just that for the people of the Mojave Desert. Now MDLT has achieved national recognition – joining a network of only 389 accredited land trusts across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to professional excellence and to maintaining the public’s trust in their work.

“Accreditation demonstrates our commitment to permanent land conservation in the Mojave Desert region,” said Danielle Segura, Executive Director, MDLT. “We are a stronger organization for having gone through the rigorous accreditation program. Our strength means special places – such as Samuelson’s Rocks and Section 33 in Joshua Tree – will be protected forever, making the Mojave Desert an even greater place for us and our children.”

MDLT had to provide extensive documentation and undergo a comprehensive review as part of its accreditation application. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded accreditation, signifying its confidence that the Mojave Desert Land Trust’s lands will be protected forever. Almost 20 million acres of farms, forests and natural areas vital to healthy communities are now permanently conserved by an accredited land trust.

MDLT has conserved critical habitat, landscapes, and cultural resources throughout the desert. To date, they have conserved over 68,000 acres of land in the Mojave Desert region. Aside from acquiring and conserving land, MDLT conducts education and outreach in the local community, including their Desert Defenders campaign to rally support for the area’s national monuments. They also manage an on-site nursery and seed bank for restoration of native plants at their headquarters in Joshua Tree.

“It is exciting to recognize the Mojave Desert Land Trust with this distinction,” saidTammara Van Ryn, Executive Director, Land Trust Accreditation Commission. “Accredited land trusts are united behind strong ethical standards ensuring the places people love will be conserved forever. Accreditation recognizes the Mojave Desert Land Trust has demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”

MDLT is one of 1,363 land trusts across the United States according to the most recent National Land Trust Census, released December 1, 2016, by the Land Trust Alliance. This comprehensive report also shows that accredited land trusts have made significant achievements.

• Accredited land trusts have steadily grown and now steward almost 80% of conservation lands and easements held by all land trusts.
• Accredited land trusts protected five times more land from 2010 to 2015 than land trusts that were not yet accredited.
• Accredited land trusts also have stronger systems and more resources to steward and defend their conservation lands forever.
• As a result, the public’s trust in land conservation has increased helping to win support for federal, state and local conservation funding measures.

A complete list of accredited land trusts and more information about the process and benefits are detailed here.

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