PORT ANGELES — The North Olympic Land Trust has renewed its land trust accreditation with the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.
“Renewing our accreditation shows our ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation in Clallam County,” said Tom Sanford, executive director, in a press release.
“We are a stronger organization than ever for having gone through the rigorous accreditation renewal process,” he added. “Our strength affirms that special places — such as the Lyre Conservation Area — will be protected forever, making the Olympic Peninsula an even greater place for now and in the future.”
Formed in 1990 and first accredited in 2012, North Olympic Land Trust maintained the designation by providing extensive documentation and having a comprehensive third-party evaluation, Sanford said.
The land trust conserves land by working together with willing landowners and seeking available funding sources.
Most recently, the land trust placed a conservation easement on the 56-acre Mid Valley Farm in Sequim — marking the 24th farm the organization has helped protect. Additionally, North Olympic Land Trust manages four conservation areas with free public access that are spread across Clallam County.
“We are proud to recognize North Olympic Land Trust’s continued commitment to conservation excellence,” said Melissa Kalvestrand, executive director of the commission. “The accreditation seal is a mark of distinction that stands for excellence, trust and permanence. North Olympic Land Trust is part of a network of over 450 accredited land trusts that are united by their strong ethical practices. Accredited land trusts inspire confidence and respect among their peers and in their communities.”
Accredited land trusts now steward over 20 million acres — the size of Olympic, Denali, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier and Everglades National Parks combined, Sanford said.
North Olympic Land Trust is one of 1,281 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.landtrust accreditation.org.
