Upstate Forever to Seek Reaccreditation from the Land Trust Alliance - July 10th 2019

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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 national accreditation. Upstate Forever is pleased to announce it is now applying for renewal of accreditation. 

Why Does Accreditation Matter?

“Accreditation verifies that we are doing our part with the best interests of our stakeholders like our funders, membership, 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 Land Conservation Director Scott Park.

What Does the Accreditation Process Entail?

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, click here. 

“Accreditation is an important step that we take together — with landowners, with fellow land trusts, and with our community. It's to let you all know we employ a strong process, are vigilant in stewarding those lands entrusted to us, and that we will continue to grow our conservation efforts in an ethical manner,” added Scott. 

How Can I Submit Comments?

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 Upstate Forever’s application will be most useful by Sunday, September 1, 2019.