One thing that unites us as a nation is land: Americans strongly support saving the open spaces they love. With the support of the people of Nevada, since 1998 Nevada Land Trust (NLT) has been doing just that. Now NLT is pleased to announce it has renewed its land trust accreditation – proving once again that, as part of a network of more than 400 accredited land trusts across the nation, it is committed to professional excellence and to maintaining the public’s trust in its conservation work.
“Renewing our accreditation shows Nevada Land Trust’s ongoing commitment to excellence in permanent land conservation across the State of Nevada,” said Brian Bonnenfant, Chair of NLT’s Board of Trustees. “We are a stronger organization for having gone through the rigorous accreditation renewal process. Our strength means special places – including Tahoe Meadows, the Granite Range and Swan Lake, among so many others– will be protected forever, making Nevada an even greater place to live for us and our children.”
NLT provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction. With the accreditation renewal, the Land Trust Accreditation Commission signifies its confidence that properties protected by Nevada Land Trust will be protected forever. Nationally, accredited land trusts now steward almost 20 million acres – the size of Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island combined. NLT has helped to protect nearly 60,000 acres of land and associated water rights, working closely with landowners, communities, agencies, donors, and other stakeholders since its founding in 1998.
“It is exciting to recognize Nevada Land Trust’s continued commitment to national standards by renewing this national mark of distinction,” said Melissa Kalvestrand, executive director of the Accreditation Commission. “Donors and partners can trust the more than 400 accredited land trusts across the country that are united behind strong standards and have demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”
Nevada Land Trust is one of 1,363 land trusts across the United States, according to the Land Trust Alliance’s most recent National Land Trust Census. To remain accredited, land trusts must complete a rigorous audit process every five years; the accreditation term is from November 12, 2020 through November 11, 2025. A complete list of accredited land trusts can be found at www.landtrustaccreditation.org.
