We are happy to announce that PEC’s accreditation as a land trust — a mark of distinction in land conservation — was renewed in August 2022. PEC was first accredited in 2011, and this renewal by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission signifies its continued confidence that the 10,600+ acres of land that PEC holds in easement will be protected forever.
“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 that 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 trust must apply for renewal every five years and undergoes a comprehensive review as part of its renewal application. “We are a stronger organization for having gone through the rigorous accreditation renewal process and are excited to continue conserving land for this generation and the next,” said Michael Kane, director of conservation at PEC. In PEC’s nine-county region, more than 433,000 acres of protected land 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.
As 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 work with landowners to steward almost 20 million acres — the size of Denali, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Everglades and Yosemite national parks combined! A complete list of accredited land trusts and more information about the process and benefits can be found at landtrustaccreditation.org.
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. Established in 2006 as an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, the commission is governed by a volunteer board of diverse land conservation and nonprofit management experts. For more, visit landtrustaccreditation.org.