Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust renews accreditation

PHOTO: Visitors to Height of Land. (RLHT photo)

RANGELEY – Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, which has been preserving open land in the region since 1991, has renewed its land trust accreditation. The trust, part of a network of more than 450 accredited land trusts across the nation, is committed to professional excellence and maintaining the public’s trust in its conservation work, the organization said in a news release announcing the renewal.
“Renewing our accreditation shows RLHT’s ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation in the Rangeley Lakes Region,” said Shelby Rousseau, deputy director “We are a stronger organization than ever for having gone through the rigorous accreditation renewal process. Our strength means special places — such as Height of Land — will be protected forever, making the Rangeley Lakes Region an even greater place for us and our children.”
RLHT provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation in order to be accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. The renewal signifies the trust’s lands are protected forever.
RLHT has conserved more than 14,000 acres in the Rangeley Lakes Region over the past 30 years, and offers year-round recreational opportunities on 35 miles of recreational trails. Additionally, RLHT owns and operates the Cupsuptic Lake Park and Campground and offers environmental education programming throughout the year.
“It is exciting to recognize RLHT’s continued commitment to national standards by renewing this national mark of distinction,” said Melissa Kalvestrand, the commission’s executive director. “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.”