We are happy to announce our accreditation as a land trust was renewed in August, 2022 — a mark of distinction in land conservation. Initially accredited in 2011, the renewal by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission signifies its continued confidence that the lands that PEC holds in easement will be protected forever.

“Renewing our accreditation demonstrates PEC’s ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation in our nine-county service region,” says Michael Kane, director of conservation at PEC. “We are a stronger organization for having gone through the rigorous accreditation renewal process, and and are excited to continuing conserving land for this generation and the next.”

As a part of a network of over 450 accredited land trusts across the nation, PEC is committed to professional excellence and to maintaining the public’s trust in its conservation work. Accredited land trusts now work with landowners to steward almost 20 million acres – the size of Denali, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Everglades and Yosemite National Parks combined! In PEC’s nine-county region, there are over 433,000 acres of protected land which benefit the public by providing clean air and drinking water, supporting agriculture, forestry, and recreation, and strengthening residents’ quality of life and sense of place.

“It is exciting to recognize PEC’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.”

PEC is one of 1,363 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. 

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.

Independent accreditation provides assurance of quality and demonstrates PEC’s ability to protect the working farms, forests, and diverse natural, historic, and scenic resources of the Virginia Piedmont.

>> For the full list of standards, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org/help-and-resources/indicator-practices.
>> To learn more about the accreditation program, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org.