Strong Commitment to Public Trust and Conservation Excellence

One thing that unites us as a nation is land: Americans strongly support saving the open spaces they love. Since 1987, the Cornwall Conservation Trust, (CCT), has been doing just that for the people of Cornwall. Now the Cornwall Conservation Trust announced it has renewed its land trust accreditation – proving once again that, as part of a network of over 450 accredited land trusts across the nation, it is committed to professional excellence and to maintaining the public’s trust in its conservation work.

“Renewing our accreditation shows CCT’s ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation in Cornwall,” said Barton Jones, President. “We are a stronger organization than ever for having gone through the rigorous accreditation renewal process. Our strength means special places – such as Cornwall – will be protected forever, making Cornwall an even greater place for us and our children.”

CCT 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 CCT’s lands will be protected forever. Accredited land trusts now steward almost 20 million acres – the size of Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island combined.

“It is exciting to recognize CCT’s continued commitment to national standards by renewing this national mark of distinction,” said Melissa Kalvestrand, executive director of the Commission. “Donors and partners can trust the more than 450 accredited land trusts across the country are united behind strong standards and have demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”

CCT 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.

About the Cornwall Conservation Trust
In partnership with town, state and conservation agencies CCT aims to protect open space lands and manage that land in a way that benefits the community. For information visit our website: www.cornwallconservationtrust.org.

About the Land Trust Accreditation Commission
The Land Trust Accreditation Commission inspires excellence, promotes public trust and ensures permanence in the conservation of open lands by recognizing organizations that meet rigorous 9uality standards and strive for continuous improvement. The Commission, established in 2006 as an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, is governed by a volunteer board of diverse land conservation and nonprofit management experts. For more, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org.