Strong Commitment to Public Trust and Conservation Excellence
Machias, Maine (March 15, 2018) – Downeast Coastal Conservancy (DCC) announced today that it has achieved national recognition as an accredited land trust– joining 398 other accredited land trusts across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to professional excellence and to maintaining the public’s trust in their conservation work.
“Our accreditation demonstrates DCC’s long-term commitment to land conservation in Downeast Maine,” said Ellen Hostert, DCC’s President. “We are a stronger organization for having gone through the rigorous accreditation program. Our strength means special places in Downeast Maine will be conserved for our local community forever, making Washington County an even more wonderful place for us and our children.”
Downeast Coastal Conservancy had to provide extensive documentation and undergo a comprehensive review as part of the accreditation process. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded accreditation, signifying its confidence that DCC’s lands will be conserved according to land trust best practices. “It is exciting to recognize DCC with this distinction,” said Tammara Van Ryn, executive director of the Commission. “Accredited land trusts are united behind strong ethical standards ensuring the places people love will be conserved forever. Accreditation recognizes DCC has demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”
About Downeast Coastal Conservancy
Since DCC’s founding by Washington County residents in 1987, it has conserved over 6,275 acres that include more than 62 miles of shoreline. All of DCC’s 38 preserves are open for access by the public for hiking, hunting and fishing. DCC stewards and monitors each of its preserves on an annual basis and DCC pays real estate taxes, or payments in lieu of taxes, for its preserves in every one of the 16 towns in the County where DCC owns property. More than 600 individuals, business and other organizations support DCC‘s conservation work each year. For more information about DCC and its work, visit www.downeastcoastalconservancy.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 quality 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.
About the Land Trust Alliance
Founded in 1982, the Land Trust Alliance is a national land conservation organization that works to save the places people need and love by strengthening land conservation across America. The Alliance represents 1,000 member land trusts supported by more than 200,000 volunteers and 4.6 million members nationwide. The Alliance is based in Washington, D.C., and operates several regional offices. Connect with the Alliance online at www.landtrustalliance.org.
