Eastern Shore Land Conservancy

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Mission Statement
Conserve, steward, and advocate for the unique rural landscape of the Eastern Shore.

ExcellenceITAC Accreditation
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We’re Accredited!

QUEENSTOWN – Eastern Shore Land Conservancy this week received land trust accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance. “Since our founding, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy has demanded of itself the highest standards of ethics and accountability,” said ESLC Executive Director Robert J. Etgen. “This is critical for a nonprofit using public donations and for a land trust permanently stewarding family lands. Becoming an Accredited Land Trust makes this long term commitment official – we passed the test that has become the gold standard for ethics and accountability for land trusts. Congratulations to our members for supporting ESLC, and many thanks to the Accreditation Commission for your dedication and thorough review.” ESLC was founded in 1990 as a result of widespread concern that the Eastern Shore’s important wildlife habitat and prime farmland were being consumed by sprawling development. The decision was made by the founders to preserve land on Maryland’s Eastern Shore to keep prime farmland in agriculture, to protect unique natural areas, and to perpetually monitor preserved lands. ESLC helps private landowners explore and implement various preservation options. To date, ESLC has helped to protect more than 55,000 acres with easements on 275 properties, the creation of three preserves, and assistance protecting another 16 properties. It is one of the most successful land trusts in the country. Eastern Shore Land Conservancy was awarded accreditation this February and is one of 254 accredited land trusts from across the country and is among the first accredited Maryland-based trusts. Accredited land trusts are authorized to display a seal indicating to the public that they meet national standards for excellence, uphold the public trust and ensure land is protected in perpetuity. The seal is a mark of distinction in land conservation. “This round of accreditation decisions represents another significant milestone for the

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ESLC Applies for Land Trust Alliance Accreditation

Eastern Shore Land Conservancy is applying for accreditation with the Land Trust Alliance, the national organization for land trusts. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission will accept comments on ESLC’s operations as part of an extensive review of ESLC’s program. According to LTA, “Accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission provides public recognition of land trusts that are engaged in the long-term protection of the land in the public interest. It increases public awareness of, and confidence in, land trusts and land conservation. Through the voluntary land trust accreditation program your land trust can achieve external verification that it is meeting national quality standards.” ESLC is committed to preserving and sustaining the vibrant communities of the Eastern Shore and the lands and waters that connect them. ESLC helps save land and promote sound land use planning from the C&D Canal in Cecil County all the way to the Nanticoke River in Dorchester County. Since 1990, ESLC has helped preserve nearly 54,000 acres. The Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how Eastern Shore Land Conservancy complies with national quality standards. These standards address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust. For the full list of standards see www.landtrustaccreditation.org/getting-accredited/indicator-practices. To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org. Comments may also be faxed or mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments: (fax) 518-587-3183; (mail) 112 Spring Street, Suite 204, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Comments on Eastern Shore Land Conservancy’s application will be most useful by August 31, 2013.

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Recent Posts

  • Roots Monthly Giving Spotlight: Amanda Thornley
  • Big Changes on the Horizon for the CREP Easement Program
  • Trails Get a Boost Across the Shore
  • Seven Legislative Efforts That Could Impact Eastern Shore Land Use and Preservation
  • Land Protection for All
  • Board Spotlight: Jules Hendrix
  • New Regional Trail Map Shows Existing and Potential Trails for a Growing Network
  • Saving Maryland’s Tidal Salt Marshes
  • From the President: The Eastern Shore’s Most Urgent Conservation Need in 2024
  • Review: ESLC Forests and Forestry Workshop
  • Volunteer Spotlight: Roger Bollman
  • Where the Wood Drake Rests: Wetland Restoration & Conservation on the Eastern Shore
  • ESLC Partners with Urban 3 to Study Eastern Shore Land Use
  • 106 Acres Protected Forever in Quaker Neck, Kent County
  • An Autumn Stroll at Bohemia River State Park