Genesee Land Trust Seeking National Accreditation

Dear Friends,

Genesee Land Trust is poised to join the select group of land trusts that have achieved national accreditation.  This spring the Land Trust Accreditation Commission will be reviewing our land transactions, finances and operations.

The Commission is an independent program that was developed in 2005 to recognize land conservation organizations that operate at the highest ethical and legal standard. The Commission has established Standards and Practices that guide the work of land trusts.  Strong, well-managed land trusts that are ethical and efficient will have the tools to fulfill their promise to safeguard land through the generations.

We have been actively preparing for Accreditation over the past year. Lisa Strauss, flanked by volunteers, has led a thorough review and documentation of our land project files and has refined our policies and procedures – all with an eye to ensuring the permanent protection of the land we preserve. 

Your comments regarding Genesee Land Trust’s application are welcome; please submit comments by May 20, 2012. Comments must relate to national standards and be submitted directly to the Accreditation Program at www.landtrustaccreditation.org/component/content/article/289

Sincerely,

Gay Mills

P.S. For your information, the following Standards are under review:  Mission/Compliance with Laws/ Board Accountability/Conflicts of Interest/ Fundraising/Financial and Asset Management/ Volunteers, Staff and Consultants/Evaluating and Selecting Conservation Projects/Ensuring Sound Transactions/Tax Benefits/Conservation Easement Stewardship/Fee Land Stewardship