Greenwich Land Trust Earns National Recognition

GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich Land Trust recently announced it has renewed its land trust accreditation.

GLT provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation before achieving this distinction.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission (LTAC) awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that GLT's lands will be protected forever. Accredited land trusts now steward over 20 million acres - the size of Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island combined.

"Renewing our accreditation highlights Greenwich Land Trust’s ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation in Greenwich," said Will Kies, GLT executive director, in a news release. "We are a stronger organization for having gone through the rigorous accreditation renewal process. Our strength means that 1,012 acres that is protected by GLT will be properly cared for and stewarded for years to come."

Since its founding in 1976, Greenwich Land Trust has served as a caretaker of land by overseeing stewardship and making sure that the land is protected from development in perpetuity.

The journey to accreditation began for GLT in 2011 and was a multi-year undertaking by staff and volunteers, involving extensive review of every aspect of GLT operations to meet LTAC standards – land stewardship, financial management, board leadership, and legal practices.

As part of the accreditation process, staff reassessed its properties and wrote 73 unique, detailed management plans for GLT-owned properties and updated baseline reports for all conservation easements.

"We are proud to recognize Greenwich Land Trust's continued commitment to conservation excellence," said Melissa Kalvestrand, executive director of the Commission, in a news release. "The accreditation seal is a mark of distinction that stands for excellence, trust and permanence. GLT is part of a network of over 450 accredited land trusts that are united by their strong ethical practices. Accredited land trusts inspire confidence and respect among their peers and in their communities."

GLT is one of 1,281 land trusts across the United States according to the Land Trust Alliance's most recent National Land Trust Census.

A complete list of accredited land trusts and more information about the process and benefits can be found at www.landtrustaccreditation.org.