Explore the newly redesigned accreditation website
We are excited to announce our redesigned Land Trust Accreditation Commission website, which features an improved user experience and clearer organization to help visitors more easily find the information and resources they need. First-time applicants, renewing accredited land trusts and the broader conservation community can more easily navigate the site and access guidance, policies, educational materials and links to relevant Alliance resources. Improved content flow and navigation make it easier to move through each stage of the accreditation and renewal process and quickly locate commonly used materials.
We are excited to welcome Leanna Robinson as our communications specialist. Leanna serves as the point person for the Commission’s communications strategy and for engaging our network of accredited land trusts to promote and advance the accreditation program. She has more than a decade of experience in communications, editorial strategy, and digital design across nonprofit, education, and mission-driven organizations, and she is committed to conservation, community engagement, and mission-centered communications. Originally from the Everglades region of Florida, Leanna now lives in Pasadena, California, where she enjoys hiking in the nearby foothills with her dog, Bonnie. Leanna joined the Commission in April and can be reached at lrobinson@landtrustaccreditation.org.
Join the Commission team as a review specialist
Meaningful work with a national impact. That's what it means to work for the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. Consider joining our tight-knit team of dedicated conservationists as a review specialist to help support and strengthen the national land trust accreditation program. This fully remote position plays an important role in evaluating accreditation applications, supporting land trusts through the review process, and helping ensure the integrity, consistency and long-term success of the program. At the Commission, you'll have a chance to deeply learn about the practices of land trusts around the country while actively supporting the land trust community as it strives for conservation excellence. Sound like something you want to be a part of? Applications are due June 8.
Joining the Commission as a volunteer commissioner is a great opportunity to work with a dedicated group of conservation leaders from across the country and with expertise in various areas of conservation to govern and serve as peer reviewers. We are especially interested in recruiting new commissioners from the southwest and inter-mountain Rockies who are experienced land practitioners, though practitioners from any geographic region are welcome to apply. Curious? Read more about who currently serves as a commissioner, what the responsibilities entail and how to express your interest.
Tips for ensuring integrity of monitoring and inspection reports
Some land trusts use software platforms to manage stewardship activities and records. This can involve entering details from a monitoring or inspection visit directly into an online form. While convenient, there are some precautions land trusts should take.
Land trusts are responsible for ensuring that monitoring and inspection reports, even those generated from platforms, include all the required information. In the past, the Commission noted that some reports did not include the date the report was completed. Prior to finalizing the report, the data should be reviewed to ensure the report captures information on the conditions and any potential encroachments, violations, and other details that represent that point in time.
If using remote imagery, be aware that some platforms default to using the most current remote image rather than retaining the image available at the time of the report. Reports that are revised in such a manner could call into question the observations made by the monitor and could risk the record being admissible as a business record. Once the report is final, the land trust should take steps to ensure it has an immutable and permanent record. Some land trusts achieve this by exporting the report to a PDF or printing a copy of the report.
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
