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BRIDGTON — After 2 1/2 years of exhaustive documenting, reporting and auditing, Bridgton’s Loon Echo Land Trust recently announced it has achieved national accreditation recognition from the Land Trust Alliance. LELT now joins a network of only 389 accredited land trusts across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to professional excellence and to maintaining the public’s trust in their work. Accreditation assures current and potential donors that this nonprofit will forever protect its lands.
Since 1987, Loon Echo Land Trust has preserved open spaces in Harrison, Denmark, Casco, Bridgton, Naples, Raymond and Sebago. All of Loon Echo’s lands are open for public recreation and enjoyment.
During the multi-year accreditation process, LELT submitted extensive documentation and underwent a comprehensive review as part of its application. This included a review of financial processes, donor relations, stewardship practices, conservation easement monitoring and practices, board governance, record keeping and integrity going back to its founding in 1987.
“Accreditation demonstrates Loon Echo’s commitment to permanent land conservation,” said Thom Perkins, Loon Echo’s executive director. “The process showed that our organization, board, volunteers and staff are committed to excellence to protect not only the land but also our donors’ vision. Our strength means special places — such as Pleasant Mountain and many others — will be protected forever, making the region an enduring rural place for us and future generations. Now that accreditation is achieved, we have a renewed confidence in our conservation efforts.”
“It is exciting to recognize Loon Echo Land Trust with this distinction,” said Tammara Van Ryn, of the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. “Accredited land trusts are united behind strong ethical standards ensuring the places people love will be conserved forever. Accreditation recognizes that Loon Echo Land Trust demonstrates sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”
Loon Echo Land Trust protects nearly 6,700 acres of land and manages 31 miles of multi-use trails. Its mission is to work with the local residents to conserve the region’s natural resources and character for current and future generations. LELT serves seven towns with an area of 320 square miles located directly north of Sebago Lake. Loon Echo works within its service area to preserve scenic gems such as Bald Pate Mountain, safeguard water quality, and provide outreach and fun educational programs to the public.
The trust’s largest fundraising event of the year is the long-running Loon Echo Trek, a biking/hiking fundraising event taking place Saturday, Sept. 16. For more information about Loon Echo Land Trust, visit www.lelt.org or call 207-647-4352.
