Land Trust Accreditation : Ensuring the Promise of Perpetuity
Story by Justin Core
At the 2017 Land Trust Alliance Rally in Denver , Colorado , the Kiawah Conservancy was formally awarded Land Trust Accreditation . Accreditation is a mark of distinction , recognizing land trusts that meet the highest national quality standards for excellence and conservation permanence .
The Conservancy ’ s path to accreditation began in 2014 when the Board of Trustees performed an organizational assessment examining procedural roles and policy effectiveness related to Land Trust Alliance ( LTA ) standards . Later that year , at its December meeting , the Conservancy board decided to pursue accreditation in the 2016 term . In the meantime , policies were updated , procedures were revised , and additional protocols were drafted , reviewed , and approved by the Board of Trustees .
The application process began in earnest in late 2015 , as the Conservancy ’ s pre-application was prepared and submitted . This was the first step in the rigorous review process by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission . Following the Conservancy ’ s submittal of a full application , interviews with accreditation Commissioners , and the Commission ’ s evaluation of a variety of information , the Conservancy was awarded Land Trust Accreditation in February of 2017 . At the LTA Rally in October 2017 , the Conservancy was recognized with the other land trusts from across the country that obtained accreditation in that year .
As the leader of the Conservancy ’ s accreditation efforts , I had the unique opportunity to gain a complete understanding of LTA Standards and Practices , while also determining ways for the Conservancy to improve how it meets these standards . This occurred through numerous committee discussions , as well as meetings with Trustees and our most helpful land trust consultant and friend , Laurel Florio . As we moved through the process , the hard work and dedication of all Trustees who have volunteered to serve the Conservancy became more apparent .
The first Conservancy Board made a resolution to follow LTA standards in 1997 , and a thorough review of all of our organizational policies , meeting minutes , and committee reports since then allowed me to understand just how much progress the Conservancy has made over the last 20 + years . Accreditation not only provides land trust recognition but also attests to the hard work of each Trustee that has served this organization since its founding and the collective commitment of our Board to protecting and providing long-term stewardship for Kiawah ’ s natural wildlife habitats .
As a member of the Kiawah Island community , you should be proud to know that you have an Accredited Land Trust — the Kiawah Conservancy — working to protect the natural lands that make Kiawah Island such a special place ! NK
Justin Core , Land Preservation Coordinator of the Kiawah Conservancy , accepts the accreditation certificate .
62 Naturally Kiawah