The national Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, announced recently that the Deschutes Land Trust has renewed its national accreditation.

Accredited land trusts must meet national quality standards for conserving and protecting important lands in their region. The Land 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 the Deschutes Land Trust's lands will be protected forever.

The Deschutes Land Trust was founded in 1995 and works throughout Central Oregon to conserve land for wildlife, scenic views, and local communities. The Land Trust has conserved more than 9,115 acres in our region. Projects such as Whychus Canyon Preserve, Camp Polk Meadow Preserve, and the Metolius Preserve exemplify our efforts.

“It is exciting to recognize the Deschutes 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 Deschutes Land Trust first received accreditation in 2009. Accredited land trusts must seek renewal every five years. Standards were developed by the Land Trust Alliance, the national land trust organization. Accredited land trusts meet national standards for excellence, uphold the public trust, and ensure conservation efforts are permanent. Of the estimated 1,363 land trusts around the country, more than 400 have achieved national accreditation.