News

Conserving Carolina wins renewal of accreditation

By Lightning Reports, Published: September 19, 2019

Conserving Carolina has earned renewed accreditation as a land trust, validating its professional excellence and the public’s trust in its conservation work.

“Renewing our accreditation shows Conserving Carolinas’s ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation,” said executive director Kieran Roe. “We are a stronger organization than ever for having gone through the rigorous accreditation renewal process. Our strength means special places, such as Bearwallow Mountain, Little White Oak Mountain, and DuPont State Recreational Forest, will be protected forever, making this region an even greater place for us and our children.”
Conserving Carolina 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 lands protected by Conserving Carolina will be protected forever. A nationwide network of over 400 accredited land trusts now protects almost 20 million acres – the size of the Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah, Denali, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, and Everglades National Parks combined.
Founded more than 30 years ago, Conserving Carolina has helped protect over 45,000 acres in Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. The land trust played a key role in protecting Chimney Rock State Park, DuPont State Recreational Forest, Headwaters State Forest, Bearwallow Mountain, Little White Oak Mountain and many other parks, trails, and greenways. In addition, Conserving Carolina has helped landowners conserve tens of thousands of acres of privately owned farmland and forests.
“It is exciting to recognize Conserving Carolina’s continued commitment to national standards by renewing this national mark of distinction,” said Tammara Van Ryn, 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.”
Conserving Carolina 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.
Conserving Carolina is a local land trust dedicated to protecting land and water, promoting good stewardship, and creating opportunities for people to enjoy nature. To learn more or become a member visit conservingcarolina.org.