Strong Commitment to Public Trust and Conservation Excellence
Virginia Eastern Shore (VES) Land Trust, a local non-profit that assists landowners with voluntary permanent land preservation, announced today it has achieved renewed accreditation – proving once again that, as part of a network of over 450 accredited land trusts across the nation, it is committed to professional excellence and to maintaining the public's trust in its conservation work.
VES 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 VES Land Trust’s lands will be protected forever.
“Being accredited illustrates to our Eastern Shore community that we work at the highest level of professional competency and integrity in our field. It is a promise that VES Land Trust strictly implements the industry’s best practices for new conservation easements as well as stewarding those already in place,” said Karen Terwilliger, VES Land Trust Board President.
Accredited land trusts now steward almost 20 million acres of farms, forests and natural areas vital to healthy communities – an area almost the size of the state of Virginia. VES Land Trust protects 14,069 acres in Northampton and Accomack counties.
VES Land Trust was formed in 2003 by a group of citizens who envisioned a mechanism for local land protection. VES Land Trust works closely with landowners to protect the Eastern Shore way of life, keeping land available for farming, preserving forestland, buffering creeks and waterways to protect our waters for drinking, playing, and working, and maintaining natural spaces for wildlife and recreation.
“It is exciting to recognize VES Land Trust’s continued commitment to national standards by renewing this national mark of distinction," said Melissa Kalvestrand, executive director of the Commission. “Donors and partners can trust the more than 450 accredited land trusts across the country are united behind strong standards and have demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship."
Each accredited land trusts must apply for renewal every five years and undergoes a comprehensive review as part of its renewal application. VES Land Trust first became accredited in 2011. The process is rigorous and strengthens land trusts so they can help landowners and communities achieve their conservation goals.
About Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust
VES Land Trust works closely with landowners to protect the Eastern Shore’s farm and forestland, scenic creeks and bays, historic resources, wildlife habitat, and natural resources with conservation easements. A conservation easement is a voluntary deeded agreement offering permanent protection for open space, farmland, forestland, and wetlands while respecting private property rights. Conservation easements are as unique as the property they protect. Since 2003, VES Land Trust has preserved 78 properties.
About the Land Trust Accreditation Commission
The Land Trust Accreditation Commission inspires excellence, promotes public trust and ensures permanence in the conservation of open lands by recognizing organizations that meet rigorous quality standards and strive for continuous improvement. The Commission, established in 2006 as an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, is governed by a volunteer board of diverse land conservation and nonprofit management experts. For more, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org.