March 13, 2020 Lake George Land Conservancy Earns National Recognition
Strong Commitment to Public Trust and Conservation Excellence
Bolton Landing, NY – One thing that unites us as a nation is land: Americans strongly support saving the open spaces they love. Since 1988, the Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC), has been doing just that for the people of the Lake George region. Now the LGLC announced it has renewed its land trust accreditation – proving once again that, as part of a network of over 400 accredited land trusts across the nation, it is committed to professional excellence and to maintaining the public’s trust in its conservation work.
“Renewing our accreditation shows LGLC’s ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation throughout the Lake George watershed,” said LGLC Executive Director Jamie Brown. “We are a stronger organization than ever for having gone through the rigorous accreditation renewal process. Our strength allows us to permanently protect the land that protects the lake, so that it can be enjoyed today and by future generations.”
The LGLC provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that the LGLC’s lands will be protected forever. Accredited land trusts now steward almost 20 million acres – the size of Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island combined.
The LGLC protects the land that protects the lake, providing immediate protection for the water quality of Lake George through direct land protection, conservation easements, and creative partnerships. Its land conservation efforts have resulted in the permanent protection of 11,530 acres of Lake George lands and 6.7 miles of shoreline; in addition, the LGLC owns and/or manages 31 parks and preserves that are open to the public year-round or by special request with nearly 40 miles of recreational trails.
“It is exciting to recognize the LGLC’s continued commitment to national standards by renewing this national mark of distinction,” said Melissa Kalvestrand, executive director of the Commission. “Donors and partners can trust the more than 400 accredited land trusts across the country are united behind strong standards and have demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”
The LGLC is one of 1,363 land trusts across the United States according to the Land Trust Alliance’s most recent National Land Trust Census. A complete list of accredited land trusts and more information about the process and benefits can be found at www.landtrustaccreditation.org.
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