Adirondack Land Trust office, Keene (Provided photo — Lisa J. Godfrey)

KEENE — The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, announced on Wednesday, Feb. 27 that the Adirondack Land Trust has been awarded accreditation, a distinction signifying that the organization meets the highest national standards for land and water conservation.

“The Adirondack Land Trust has been committed to excellence in conservation for 35 years, and the seal of accreditation further demonstrates to Adirondack communities, landowners, and our partners and supporters that they can count on us,” Bill Paternotte, board chair of the Adirondack Land Trust, said in a press release.

“It is exciting to recognize the Adirondack Land Trust with this national mark of distinction,” Tammara Van Ryn, executive director of the commission, said in the release. “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 Adirondack Land Trust is celebrating its 35th year of protecting farms and forests, undeveloped shoreline, scenic vistas, and lands and waters contributing to the quality of life of Adirondack communities as well as the wildness and rural character of the Adirondack Park. The land trust has protected 23,887 acres to date.

The accreditation commission is an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, a national land conservation organization working to save the places people need and love by strengthening land conservation across America.

“The accreditation seal reflects years of hard work by our board and staff to ensure that our policies and procedures are rigorously designed and carefully followed,” Paternotte added. “We should also point out that we are grateful to independent consultant Henrietta Jordan, of Keene Valley, for her leadership and expert guidance through the accreditation process.”

Jordan specializes in helping land trusts implement Land Trust Alliance standards and practices. She has guided 39 land trusts to accreditation and has conducted workshops at regional and national land trust conferences.

Mike Carr, executive director of the Adirondack Land Trust, also thanked the Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy for contracted support from the following staff who played a key role in preparing the land trust for accreditation: Craig Cheeseman, geographic information systems manager; Todd Dunham, former director of stewardship programs; Chris Jage, land protection manager; Jan Maria Localio, conservation program coordinator and stewardship specialist; Bill Martin, stewardship specialist; and Beth Pelkey, administrative assistant.