ESLC Seeks National Accreditation
Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC) a private, nonprofit land conservation organization dedicated to the preservation of farmland and habitat on the Eastern Shore announced today its intention to apply for national accreditation through the Land Trust Alliance. This rigorous land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations, also known as land trusts, which meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. ESLC is the first land trust solely based in the state of Maryland to apply for national accreditation. ESLC was also the first conservation or environmental organization in the country to receive the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organization’s Standards of Excellence Seal in 2000 and was reaccredited in 2004 and 2008.
ESLC is a private, nonprofit land conservation organization committed to preserving and sustaining the vibrant communities of the Eastern Shore and the lands and waters that connect them. Since its inception in 1990, ESLC has helped landowners to protect more than 50,000 acres of farmland and important habitat on the Eastern Shore.
“During a time when the public is demanding accountability from government and nonprofit organizations, accreditation will help provide the assurance of quality and permanence of land conservation the public is looking for. “This is a very big endeavor for Eastern Shore Land Conservancy that will not only improve the way we do our work but help us to be more effective at achieving our mission,” said Rob Etgen, ESLC Executive Director. “Accreditation will help build even broader public support for our very important work to preserve the Eastern Shore that we all love.”
Participation in the LTA program, operated by the Land Trust Alliance is voluntary.
“We work very hard to maintain the highest level of excellence as a nonprofit and this application as well as our MANO re-certification is a great validation of that effort,” said Nina White, ESLC’s Director of Administration.
As part of its application process, the Commission accepts comments from the public on pending applications. Comments must relate to Eastern Shore Land Conservancy’s compliance with national quality standards. The full list of requirements can be viewed at www.lta.org The easiest way to comment is to visit: http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/ (click on “Submit Feedback” in the left hand navigation and click on “comment on a current applicant”. Comments may also be faxed or mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments: (fax) 518-587-3183; (mail) 112 Sprint St., Suite 204, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Comments on Eastern Shore Land Conservancy’s application will be most useful by November 17, 2011.
Accredited land trusts will 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.
“Achieving accreditation is just another way we can demonstrate our commitment to excellence,’ said Laura Sanford, ESLC Land Protection Specialist leading the LTA accreditation efforts for the organization. “We see accreditation as another tool in our conservation toolbox, making us more effective and demonstrating our high standards to the community.”