The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, an organization of over 1,700 land trusts in the United States, announced today that the Salem Land Trust has earned accredited status. The Salem Land Trust is only the second all-volunteer land trust in the country to be so approved. “Accredited land trusts meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever,” said Commission Executive Director Tammara Van Ryn. “The accreditation seal lets the public know that the accredited land trust has undergone an extensive, external review of the governance and management of its organization and the systems and policies it uses to protect land.”

“The Salem Land Trust’s accredited status demonstrates our commitment to permanent land conservation,” says Linda K. Schroeder, Vice-President. “Our land trust is a stronger organization today having gone through the rigorous accreditation program.”

The Salem Land Trust was awarded accreditation this August along with 19 other land trusts from across the country. These 19 land trusts join 59 other land trusts that have been awarded accreditation since the fall of 2008. Accredited land trusts are able to display a seal indicating to the public that they meet national standards for excellence, uphold the public trust and ensure that conservation efforts are permanent. The seal is a mark of distinction in land conservation.

“The Salem Land Trust is very proud to have earned the right to display the accreditation seal of the Land Trust Alliance,” added David Bingham, Salem Land Trust President.