UF Seeks Accreditation Renewal from Land Trust Alliance, Invites Public to Submit Comments - July 16th 2024

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The Land Trust Alliance’s land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. In 2008, Upstate Forever became the first land trust organization in South Carolina to receive this national accreditation. Upstate Forever is pleased to announce it is now applying for renewal of accreditation. 

Why Accreditation Matters 

“This continued acknowledgement from the national Land Trust Alliance verifies that Upstate Forever is operating with the best interests of stakeholders like our valued landowners, funders, supporters, and the IRS in mind, but first and foremost, it is a verification for those landowners that trust us with one of their most their precious assets, their land, now and forever,” said Scott Park, Upstate Forever’s Glenn Hilliard Director of Land Conservation. 

About the Accreditation Process

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs.  

As a part of the reaccreditation process, the Commission also invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. The public comment period is now open. Comments must relate to how Upstate Forever complies with national quality standards. These standards address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust. For the full list of standards, please visit: landtrustaccreditation.org/help-and-resources/indicator-elements 

How to Submit Comments 

To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit landtrustaccreditation.org, or email your comment to info@landtrustaccreditation.org. Comments may also be faxed (518-587-3183) or mailed to: 

Land Trust Accreditation Commission
Attn: Public Comments 

36 Phila Street, Suite 2 
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 

Comments on Upstate Forever’s application will be most useful by Saturday, September 21, 2024.