AUBURN – One thing that unites us as a nation is land, and Americans strongly support saving the open spaces they love. Since 1989, Androscoggin Land Trust has been doing just that for the people of the Central and Western Mountains regions of Maine. The trust has announced 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 ALT’s ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation in the Androscoggin River Watershed from Jay to Durham,” said Dana Little, board president. “We are a stronger organization than ever for having gone through the rigorous accreditation renewal process. Our strength means special places — such as those in our part of the Androscoggin River Watershed — will be protected forever, making Central and Western Mountains regions of Maine an even greater place for us and our children.”
The trust provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that ALT’s lands will be protected forever. Accredited land trusts in the United States now steward almost 20 million acres – the size of Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island combined.
ALT recently celebrated its 30th year of conserving land in the Androscoggin River Watershed. In that time, more than 5000 acres have been brought into conservation for critical protection of natural ecosystems and public access to outdoor recreation in four Maine Counties — Androscoggin, Oxford, Franklin and Sagadahoc. In 2019, ALT celebrated its newest conservation project, known as the Pope Conservation Area – 35.6 acres on Lake Auburn that will help protect public drinking water quality and access to low-impact recreation.
“It is exciting to recognize Androscoggin Land Trust’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 400 accredited land trusts across the country are united behind strong standards and have demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”
The 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. A complete list of accredited land trusts and more information about the process and benefits can be found at www.landtrustaccreditation.org.
