Siskiyou Land Trust has been preparing for third-party Land Trust Alliance (LTA) accreditation for two years and is pleased to announce SLT will be submitting a full application for accreditation in May 2025. Part of the process includes an opportunity for public input about the land trust seeking accreditation. The public comment period is now open related to SLT’s accreditation application.
What is the Land Trust Alliance?
The Land Trust Alliance is a national organization that supports land trusts across the United States through sharing relevant resources, supporting education and professional development of land trust Board and staff, and providing a framework for best practices.
What is the LTA Accreditation Commission?
LTA’s accreditation commission was established as an oversight body to ensure land trusts across the country are following best practices for organizational governance, finance, real estate transactions for conservation purposes, and stewardship practices. The commission established a process for land trusts to undergo a thorough audit to ensure best practices are being followed and improvements made to follow best practices where needed.
What does it mean to have Land Trust Alliance Accreditation?
Receiving the seal of approval by the LTA Commission as “accredited” is a way of distinguishing and recognizing land trusts in the U.S. for the quality of their organization and work in protecting land forever. Land trust accreditation is a mark of distinction, showing that a land trust meets high standards for land conservation. Every accredited land trust completes a rigorous review process to demonstrate its fiscal accountability, strong organizational leadership, sound transactions and lasting stewardship of the lands it conserves.
The LTA Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs. Accreditation is awarded to land trusts meeting the highest national standards for excellence and conservation permanence.
“Land Trusts who listen to the community succeed by being relevant and cultivate a community of conservationists.” ~ Mark Smiley, Land Trust Advisor
The LTA Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how Siskiyou Land Trust complies with national quality standards. These standards address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust. For the full list of standards see http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/help-and-resources/indicator-practices.
To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org, or email your comment to info@landtrustaccreditation.org. Comments may also be faxed or mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments: (fax) 518-587-3183; (mail) 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Comments on Siskiyou Land Trust’s application will be most useful by June 23, 2025.
