The Commission is pleased to announce the 32 land trusts who were accredited or renewed at the Commission’s most recent meeting. Congratulations on this achievement!
The Commission has only a few decision-making meetings a year, and land trusts that apply in the same application round are reviewed on different timelines. While each applicant is presented for a decision by the Commission at the earliest opportunity possible, the process from time of application to decision can take a year for some applicants. A renewal applicant remains accredited throughout the application process, and the next term of accreditation begins after a decision to renew is made by the Commission.
Happy anniversary!
April 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the formation of the Commission. It is a milestone for the Commission, the Land Trust Alliance and the entire land trust community.
What started as an idea founded in the land trust community saying "we are united in excellence and in safeguarding that reputation” has grown into a movement that has fundamentally shifted the foundation of the whole community. That’s a testament to the mission of what the Commission does, the investments of the Alliance in accreditation and in the land trust community, and land trusts that continually strive for excellence. With over 480 accredited land trusts and accredited land trusts protecting 84% of the land and conservation easements held by all land trusts, accreditation still matters as much today as it did 20 years ago. It addresses areas of risk in the land trust community and ensures public confidence in land trusts and the permeance of conservation.
The May 2006 Commission meeting.
2027 first-time accreditation
Is your land trust interested in applying for first-time accreditation? Mark your calendars with these important dates.
July 1-July 31, 2026: Lottery open for a spot to apply for first-time accreditation
Dec. 8, 2026: Pre-application due
March 30, 2027: Application due
In 2027, there will be one round for up to eight first-time applicants. The number of spots available reflects the Commission’s applicant capacity for 2027 and its commitment to ensuring a fair and consistent review process. Any land trusts not selected through the lottery to apply in 2027 will be assigned to be a 2028 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
