Join us in congratulating the 21 land trusts who achieved renewal or first-time accreditation this summer. Accredited land trusts have helped strengthen the entire land trust community. This trusted network of land trusts demonstrated fiscal accountability, strong organizational leadership, sound transactions and lasting stewardship of the lands they conserve. Land trusts who invest time and resources in the renewal process are telling their communities that they understand the responsibility of the promise of perpetuity.
Each year the Commission assesses whether the accreditation requirements are current and up-to-date with the issues that shape the land trust community. After thoughtful consideration and review of the comments collected to date, the Commission is proposing a material change to eight requirements.
We encourage the land trust community to give us feedback on these changes using an anonymous questionnaire. The public comment period is open now through Sept. 19. Your comments will help inform the final version of the requirements that will be published in early 2026.
Learn more about how the requirements are created and revised.
The Commission is excited to join the Land Trust Alliance and land trust community at Rally 2025: The National Land Conservation Conference in Cleveland at the Huntington Convention Center. We’re ready to celebrate accredited land trusts on Friday, Sept. 5 at the opening plenary, and we hope you’ll join us! We look forward to chatting with you during coffee breaks at our exhibit booth (look for us near the registration desk), and we hope to see you at our workshops, C14 and E13.
Last call: Lottery for 2026 first-time applicants
The lottery for a spot to apply for first-time accreditation in 2026 closes Sept. 10. In 2026, there will be one round for up to eight first-time applicants. The pre-application will be due Jan. 6, 2026, and the application will be due April 28, 2026. Any land trusts not selected through the lottery to apply in 2026 will be assigned to be a 2027 applicant.
Land Trust Alliance 1250 H St. NW, Suite 600 Washington, District of Columbia, 20005, United States
The mission of the Land Trust Accreditation Commission is to inspire excellence, promote public trust and ensure permanence in the conservation of open lands by recognizing land trust organizations that meet rigorous quality standards and that strive for continuous improvement.
Land Trust Accreditation Commission, 36 Phila St, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
