One thing that unites us as a nation is land: Americans strongly support saving the open spaces they love. Since 2002, the Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust (MATLT) has been doing just that for the people of Maine and the Appalachian Trail. Now, MATLT has achieved national recognition – joining a network of over 450 accredited land trusts across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to professional excellence and to maintaining the public’s trust in their work. “Accreditation demonstrates the Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust’s commitment to permanent land conservation in the Appalachian Trail region of Maine,” said David Kallin, Board President. “We are a stronger organization for having gone through the rigorous accreditation program. Our strength means special places – such as Saddleback Mountain, White Cap Mountain, and Bald Mountain Pond –will be protected forever, making Maine an even greater place for us and our children.”
MATLT provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded accreditation, signifying its confidence that MATLT’s lands will be protected forever. Accredited land trusts steward almost 20 million acres of land – the size of Denali, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Everglades and Yosemite National Parks combined.
“It is exciting to recognize MATLT with 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.”
The Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust 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.